Pin This hearty bacon hash brown casserole has been my weekend breakfast solution for years, combining crispy bacon, golden potatoes, and melted cheese into one comforting dish that never fails to bring my family to the table with smiles.
I first created this casserole when hosting an impromptu brunch for unexpected weekend guests. The combination was such a hit that it's now requested at every family gathering and holiday morning.
Ingredients
- Bacon pieces: that crisp up beautifully and provide rich smoky flavor throughout the casserole
- Frozen hash browns: saving precious morning prep time while still delivering perfect texture
- Sour cream: creating a creamy base that keeps the casserole moist and adds tanginess
- Sharp cheddar cheese: that melts into golden pockets of flavor throughout the dish
- Green bell pepper: adding fresh vegetable flavor and bright color contrast
- Onion: providing aromatic sweetness that balances the savory elements
- Eggs: binding everything together while adding protein and richness
- Garlic powder: infusing subtle flavor without the work of mincing fresh cloves
- Butter: adding richness and helping the edges crisp up beautifully
Instructions
- Prepare Your Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and thoroughly grease a 9x13 baking dish, making sure to get into the corners where sticking is most likely to occur. The proper preparation ensures your casserole will release easily when serving.
- Cook The Bacon:
- Chop bacon into small pieces before cooking for more even browning. Cook in a large skillet over medium heat until each piece is crisp and has rendered its fat, about 5 to 7 minutes. The bacon provides both flavor and texture to the finished dish, so take your time with this step.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Using one tablespoon of the rendered bacon fat, cook your diced onion and bell pepper until they become soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step removes the raw taste while enhancing their natural sweetness. Stir occasionally to prevent browning.
- Create The Custard Base:
- In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together eggs, milk, sour cream and seasonings until completely smooth. Add the melted butter while whisking to incorporate it evenly throughout the mixture. This creates the rich, creamy foundation of your casserole.
- Combine Components:
- Gently fold in your thawed hash browns, sautéed vegetables, half the bacon, and one cup of cheese until evenly distributed. The potatoes should be completely coated in the custard mixture, ensuring every bite will have flavor.
- Assemble And Top:
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to the edges. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon across the top, which will create an irresistible golden crust during baking.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden brown with bubbling cheese. The edges should be slightly darker and crispy. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set up properly.
Pin The first time I served this casserole was during a snowstorm when we had unexpected overnight guests. I worried about feeding everyone a satisfying breakfast with limited ingredients, but this casserole came together with what I had on hand and has since become our snow day tradition.
Make Ahead Instructions
This casserole is perfect for planning ahead. You can prepare the entire recipe up to the baking step, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding about 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time. The flavors actually develop beautifully overnight, making this an even tastier option when prepared in advance.
Ingredient Substitutions
If bacon isn't your preference, you can easily substitute 1 cup of diced ham or 1 pound of cooked breakfast sausage. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and add an extra cup of vegetables like mushrooms or diced red bell peppers. The cheese can be swapped for any good melting variety like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a Mexican blend. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduce the cheese by half.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with lighter sides to create a balanced meal. Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad with berries and citrus for brightness. A simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette provides a nice acidic contrast to the richness of the casserole. For brunch gatherings, complement with mimosas or a spicy Bloody Mary. If serving for dinner, add roasted tomatoes or steamed green vegetables for a complete meal.
Seasonal Adaptations
Spring version includes fresh asparagus pieces and goat cheese. Summer adaptation incorporates zucchini, yellow squash, and fresh herbs. Fall variation features sweet potatoes and sage for warming seasonal flavors.
Success Stories
Many readers have shared how this casserole has become their go to solution for holiday mornings when the focus should be on family time rather than cooking. One mother of four reported that this is the only breakfast dish all her children agree on, making it her secret weapon for peaceful weekend mornings. Another reader shared how they've been making this casserole for ten years, bringing it to every family gathering and office potluck, where it's always the first dish emptied.
Pin Enjoy this delicious and comforting casserole, perfect for any occasion. It's sure to become a family favorite.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning for best results.
- → Are fresh potatoes an option instead of frozen hash browns?
Grated fresh potatoes work well; just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture for proper texture when baking.
- → Is it possible to substitute other cheeses?
Certainly! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or your favorite blend can replace cheddar for different flavors.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of chili flakes with the vegetables for a flavorful kick.
- → What sides pair well with this casserole?
Serve with a simple green salad or fresh fruit for a balanced brunch plate.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, if using certified gluten-free hash browns and bacon. Always check ingredient labels to confirm.