Cheesy Bacon and Egg Hashbrown Casserole
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Bacon and Egg Hashbrown Casserole. Crafted with simplicity in mind, this dish harmoniously blends crispy, creamy, and cheesy flavors, making it perfect for any meal occasion. A hearty favorite since I discovered its deliciousness at a workplace potluck, this version elevates the original by incorporating crispy bacon and a generous layer of melted cheese. It’s not just a breakfast dish; its versatility allows it to shine at brunch, lunch, or dinner. Prepare it ahead of time for an effortless meal solution that your family and friends will rave about!
8
Servings
300
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Simply Potatoes Shredded Hash Browns
1 (20-ounce package, thawed)
Large eggs
8 (cracked)
Half-and-half
1.5 (cups)
Shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar Cheese Blend
2 (cups)
Bacon
1 (pound, cooked and crumbled)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Lightly spray an 11x7-inch glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
3
Spread the entire package of Simply Potatoes Shredded Hash Browns evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
4
Add a layer of crumbled bacon on top of the hash browns, distributing it evenly.
5
Crack the eggs one by one and space them evenly across the casserole, taking care not to break the yolks.
6
Gently poke each yolk with a fork to help them cook evenly.
7
Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend generously over the entire surface.
8
Pour the half-and-half evenly over the casserole, making sure to cover all ingredients.
9
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
10
After the hour, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden brown.
11
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
16.5g
Fat
22g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheesy Bacon and Egg Hashbrown Casserole?
It is a hearty comfort food dish that combines shredded hash browns, eggs, crispy bacon, and melted cheese into a versatile one-dish meal.
What type of hash browns are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 20-ounce package of Simply Potatoes Shredded Hash Browns, which should be thawed before use.
How many eggs are used in the casserole?
This recipe requires 8 large eggs, which are cracked and spaced evenly across the top of the hash browns.
What kind of meat is included in this dish?
The recipe uses one pound of bacon that has been cooked and crumbled.
What type of cheese is best for this casserole?
A blend of shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese is used to provide a creamy and melty texture.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
What size baking dish should I use?
An 11x7-inch glass baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The dish is baked covered for 1 hour, then uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, totaling 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, you should lightly spray the glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray before adding ingredients.
Why do I need to poke the egg yolks?
Gently poking each yolk with a fork helps the eggs cook more evenly throughout the casserole.
Can I use milk instead of half-and-half?
While the recipe specifies half-and-half for creaminess, milk can be used as a substitute, though the final result may be less rich.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide 8 servings.
How many calories are in a serving of this casserole?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 17.5 grams of protein in each serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 16.5 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count for this dish?
Each serving contains 22 grams of carbohydrates.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for meal prep and can be prepared ahead of time for an effortless breakfast or brunch.
When is the best time to serve this dish?
Its versatility makes it suitable for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Do I need to let the casserole rest after baking?
Yes, it is recommended to let the dish sit for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven before slicing.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
Yes, you should cover it with aluminum foil for the first hour of baking to prevent the cheese from burning.
How do I know when the casserole is finished cooking?
The casserole is done when the cheese is bubbling and has turned a slight golden brown after the final 15 minutes of uncovered baking.
Can I use different types of cheese?
While Monterey Jack and Cheddar are recommended, you can experiment with other melting cheeses like Swiss or Colby Jack.
Is this a good recipe for a potluck?
Absolutely; the recipe was inspired by a workplace potluck and is highly rated by friends and family.
What makes this version of hashbrown casserole unique?
This version elevates the standard recipe by incorporating a full pound of crispy bacon and a generous double-cheese blend.
Is this dish considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is classified as a one-dish meal because it contains starch, protein, and dairy all in one pan.
What should I do if my hash browns are frozen?
You should thaw the package of Simply Potatoes Shredded Hash Browns before assembling the casserole for the best results.
Are there any tips for cracking the eggs?
Crack them one by one and place them carefully to ensure they are spaced evenly without breaking the yolks prematurely.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Common tags include casserole, breakfast, brunch, comfort food, easy recipe, bacon, eggs, potatoes, and cheese.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: hash browns, eggs, half-and-half, cheese blend, and bacon.
Is this recipe easy to follow?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe crafted with simplicity in mind for an effortless meal solution.