Cheesy Bacon Ranch Hashbrown Casserole
User Reviews
5
Cheesy Bacon Ranch Hashbrown Casserole
Description
The Cheesy Bacon Ranch Hashbrown Casserole starts by baking bacon separately until crispy, then reserving some for other uses. Onions and shredded hash browns are sautéed together, seasoned with ranch mix and salt and pepper, which infuses the base flavor. Crumbled bacon and optional low-fat cottage cheese are incorporated for moisture and richness.
The mixture is then spread in a baking dish and covered with beaten egg whites, which set during baking to hold the dish together while keeping it light. A topping of shredded mozzarella and cheddar melts into a golden crust. The result is a blend of creamy, cheesy layers with the smokiness of bacon and the slightly crunchy hash brown texture.
This casserole works well for brunch or as a savory side dish. It reheats nicely and can be stored refrigerated for several days. Its filling, cheesy profile complements eggs, salads, or breakfast meats.
Instructions recommend cooking bacon ahead and saving some for other dishes. Reheating works well using an air fryer or microwave to restore crispness while keeping the interior moist.
Ingredients
- 1 (12-oz.) Bacon package, center cut
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 onion finely diced, small, 100g
- 3 cups hash browns shredded, 382g
- 1 Tbsp ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese can omit if needed, low fat, 112g
- 2.5 cups egg white, 600g
- 3/4 cup cheese I used 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup cheddar, shredded, 84g
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil then place the bacon on the sheet side-by-side, without overlapping. Cook the bacon for 18 to 20 minutes, or until it's reached your desired level of crispiness. Then transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Once cooled, reserve 4 pieces of bacon for another recipe because if you don’t cook bacon every day and need to reserve some for some more bacon recipes ;) then crumble the rest of the bacon. Reduce oven temperature to 350F.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, then add the hash browns and cook for another 5-6 minutes or until they’ve warmed up a bit. Season hash browns with the ranch seasoning mix and salt and pepper to taste (I did 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper). Then stir in the bacon crumbles and cottage cheese.
- Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Transfer hash brown mixture to the dish and pour egg whites evenly over top. Sprinkle evenly with the cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 15 minutes and then remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with hot sauce, ketchup, mustard, etc and enjoy!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheat in an air fryer at 400°F for 6-7 minutes to restore crispness; microwaving or oven reheating is also effective.
- Reserve some cooked bacon pieces if you want to use them for other recipes.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 233 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1/6 of dish (216g) | |
| Calories | 233kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 16g | 5% |
| Protein | 22g | 44% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 3.4g | 17% |
| Fiber | 1.8g | 7% |
| Sugar | 2.4g | 5% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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