Savory Bacon and Blue Cheese Hash Brown Casserole
Indulge in the rich and robust flavors of this Savory Bacon and Blue Cheese Hash Brown Casserole. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a cozy family dinner, this dish combines crispy, diced bacon with creamy blue cheese and perfectly seasoned hash browns. The mixture is baked to golden perfection, resulting in a hearty, flavorful dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds. This casserole is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser that showcases the bold taste of blue cheese complemented by the savory goodness of crispy bacon. With a delightful blend of textures and flavors, it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
N/A
Servings
550
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
diced bacon
1 lb (cooked and crumbled)
Simply Potatoes Garlic and Herb Hash Browns
1 (20 ounce) bag (frozen)
crumbled blue cheese
3/4 cup (divided in 1/2 cup and 1/4 cup portions)
half-and-half cream
1 cup (none)
chopped fresh chives
6 tablespoons (divided into 3 tablespoons and 3 tablespoons portions)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Once cooked, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and let it cool.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese, half-and-half cream, 3 tablespoons of chopped chives, and half of the crumbled bacon. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
4
Transfer the potato mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake uncovered for 45-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
5
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and top it with the remaining bacon, 1/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese, and the remaining 3 tablespoons of chives. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to soften.
6
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop portions onto plates and enjoy the delicious layers of flavor!
Nutrition Information
40g
Fat
30g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Bacon and Blue Cheese Hash Brown Casserole?
It is a hearty dish that combines crispy bacon, creamy blue cheese, and seasoned hash browns, baked until golden and bubbly.
What type of potatoes are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses one 20-ounce bag of frozen Simply Potatoes Garlic and Herb Hash Browns.
How much bacon is required for this casserole?
You will need 1 lb of diced bacon, which should be cooked and crumbled.
What oven temperature is needed?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How much blue cheese is used in the recipe?
A total of 3/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese is used, divided into 1/2 cup and 1/4 cup portions.
What kind of cream is used to make the casserole creamy?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of half-and-half cream.
How many chives are needed for this dish?
The recipe uses 6 tablespoons of chopped fresh chives, divided into two 3-tablespoon portions.
Should the hash browns be thawed before mixing?
No, the instructions specify using the hash browns while they are still frozen.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The casserole bakes for an initial 45-60 minutes, followed by an additional 5 minutes after adding the final toppings.
What are the first steps in preparing the bacon?
Cook the diced bacon in a skillet until crispy, then drain the excess grease on a paper towel-lined plate.
When do I add the remaining bacon and cheese?
After the initial baking of 45-60 minutes, top the casserole with the remaining bacon, blue cheese, and chives, then bake for 5 more minutes.
Is the baking dish supposed to be greased?
Yes, you should transfer the potato mixture into a greased baking dish to prevent sticking.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 550 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
One serving contains about 40g of fat.
How much protein does this casserole provide?
This dish provides approximately 20g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this meal?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I know when the casserole is finished baking?
The top of the casserole should be golden brown and the mixture should be bubbly.
Can this recipe be served for brunch?
Yes, it is described as being perfect for a weekend brunch or a cozy family dinner.
Does the casserole need to cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to set.
How many main ingredients are required?
There are 5 main ingredients: bacon, garlic and herb hash browns, blue cheese, half-and-half, and fresh chives.
What makes this dish savory?
The combination of salty, crispy bacon and the bold, robust flavor of blue cheese gives it a savory profile.
Can I use plain hash browns instead of garlic and herb ones?
While the recipe calls for garlic and herb seasoned hash browns for extra flavor, you can use plain ones if necessary.
Is this a crowd-pleasing recipe?
Yes, the description notes that it is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
What is the texture of the finished casserole?
The dish features a delightful blend of textures including crispy bacon and creamy, softened cheese.
How should the chives be prepared?
The chives should be chopped fresh before being added to the mixture and the topping.
What happens to the cheese during the final 5 minutes of baking?
Returning the dish to the oven for the final 5 minutes allows the blue cheese topping to soften.
Is this recipe considered easy to prepare?
Yes, the recipe is noted for being easy to prepare and simple to assemble.
Does this recipe include dietary fiber or sugar information?
Based on the provided data, fiber and sugar values are not specified for this recipe.
What is the primary liquid base for the potato mixture?
The primary liquid base is 1 cup of half-and-half cream.
How is the bacon used in the assembly?
Half of the cooked bacon is stirred into the potato mixture, and the remaining half is used as a topping.