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Breakfast Casserole
5 from 33 votes

Breakfast Casserole

This Breakfast Casserole combines a crispy base of sautéed hash browns with a rich custard of eggs, half and half, and two types of shredded cheese, mixed with diced ham, green onions, and fresh parsley. Baked until set, it yields a savory dish with a golden top suitable for brunch or a hearty breakfast. The casserole can be prepared ahead and modified with cheeses, meats, or vegetables to taste.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
50 mins
Servings: 12
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 (20 oz)pkg. hash browns shredded, refrigerated
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 12 large egg
  • 1 1/2 cups half and half
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese medium or sharp, shredded
  • 1 cup swiss cheese shredded
  • 8 oz. ham break up any clumps, diced
  • 1/3 cup green onion chopped
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp parsley chopped, fresh

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13 by 9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Melt butter in a large 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Spread hash browns into an even layer in pan, season with salt and pepper. Let cook until golden brown on bottom about 6 - 8 minutes, then turn potatoes and continue to cook 3 minutes longer.
  3. Pour hash browns into prepared baking dish, set aside.
  4. Add eggs to a large mixing bowl. Break yolks and stir together with a fork until blended.
  5. Stir in half and half, cheddar, Swiss, ham, green onions, parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Pour mixture evenly over hash brown layer then spread out with a spatula to even out top as needed.
  7. Bake in preheated oven until center is just set, about 40 - 50 minutes. Let cool about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Frozen thawed hash browns can be used; omit sautéing and butter if doing so.
  • The casserole can be prepared up to step 6, refrigerated overnight, then baked with an extra 10 to 15 minutes baking time.
  • Cheese options like Monterey Jack, Muenster, Provolone, or Gruyere work well as substitutes.
  • Ham can be substituted with cooked bacon, Canadian bacon, or breakfast or Italian sausage.
  • Add vegetables such as sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.
  • Serving suggestions include topping with sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, or warm hollandaise sauce.