Cracked Out Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe

The Ultimate Cracked Out Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Mornings just got more exciting with this irresistible cracked out hash brown breakfast casserole that promises to revolutionize your weekend brunch game.

Picture a hearty dish loaded with crispy potatoes, melted cheese, and savory bacon bits.

breakfast lovers will swoon over each decadent bite of comfort food magic.

The combination of creamy textures and bold flavors makes this recipe a total game-changer for lazy weekend mornings.

No complicated techniques or fancy ingredients required—just pure, delicious simplicity that everyone will adore.

Watching friends and family dive into this mouthwatering casserole with pure joy.

Why Cracked Out Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Always Wins

  • Breakfast Bonanza: Enjoy a hearty, satisfying morning meal that combines crispy hash browns, savory bacon, and creamy cheese in one delightful casserole.
  • Quick and Effortless Cooking: Whip up this crowd-pleaser with minimal prep time, using simple ingredients and straightforward mixing technique that even novice cooks can master.
  • Comfort Food Champion: Indulge in a warm, cheesy dish that delivers ultimate comfort and flavor, perfect for weekend brunches, family gatherings, or lazy morning meals.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Customize with your favorite toppings, make ahead of time, and easily feed a hungry group with this adaptable and filling breakfast casserole.

Ingredients Needed For Cracked Out Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Protein Base:
  • Eggs, Bacon: Provides the main protein and savory flavor foundation for the breakfast casserole. Thick-cut bacon works best for maximum flavor.
  • Milk: Adds creamy richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
Starch and Binding Elements:
  • Hash Browns, Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates the hearty base and helps hold the casserole together. Frozen hash browns should be thawed completely and excess moisture removed.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and tangy creaminess to the dish.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Shredded Cheese, Ranch Seasoning: Brings bold, sharp flavor and traditional ranch taste. Sharp cheddar or a cheese blend works wonderfully.
  • Green Onions: Optional fresh garnish that adds a light, crisp onion flavor and bright color.

How To Cook Cracked Out Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Fast

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to 375F (190C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it generously with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Potato Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, toss together:
  • Thawed hash browns
  • Crispy crumbled bacon
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Creamy sour cream
  • Condensed chicken soup
  • Zesty ranch seasoning

Mix everything until the ingredients are perfectly blended and coated.

Step 3: Whisk Egg Goodness

In a separate bowl, whip up eggs and milk until they’re smooth and well combined. Pour this silky mixture over the potato blend and stir thoroughly to ensure every bite will be packed with flavor.

Step 4: Layer into Baking Dish

Spread the entire mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish, making sure it reaches all corners for consistent cooking.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the center looks completely set.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Pull the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining bacon bits and fresh chopped green onions on top. Serve while it’s warm and watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Top Tricks For Cracked Out Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

  • Bacon Brilliance: Crisp the bacon extra well before crumbling to enhance the smoky flavor and add delightful crunch throughout the casserole.
  • Cheese Customization: Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican mix to create unique taste profiles.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate, then bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast preparation.
  • Dietary Swap: Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a vegetarian version, or use gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Crispy Top Trick: Sprinkle extra cheese and crushed cornflakes on the surface during the last 10 minutes of baking for an irresistibly golden and crunchy topping.

Storing And Reheating Cracked Out Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Made Simple

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the casserole fresh and safe to eat later.
  • Microwave Reheat: Warm individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and maintain the original texture.
  • Oven Reheat: Place leftovers in a covered baking dish, add a splash of milk to prevent dryness, and reheat at 350F for 15-20 minutes until thoroughly warmed.
  • Freeze Option: Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months for convenient make-ahead meals.

What Goes With Cracked Out Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

  • Brew Bold Coffee Companions: Pair this hearty breakfast casserole with a robust dark roast coffee or a smooth caramel macchiato to cut through the richness and complement the savory bacon and cheese flavors.
  • Zesty Morning Juice Boost: Serve alongside fresh orange juice or a tangy grapefruit juice to provide a bright, citrusy contrast that will cleanse the palate and balance the casserole's creamy texture.
  • Enhance with Crisp Salad: Create a light side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to add freshness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the dense, cheesy casserole.
  • Complement with Fruit Medley: Prepare a simple fruit salad with berries, melon, and citrus segments to introduce a sweet and nutritious element that will lighten the overall meal and add nutritional balance.

Variations To Try On Cracked Out Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

  • Spicy Southwest Fiesta: Swap ranch seasoning for taco seasoning, add diced green chiles, mix in pepper jack cheese, and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty Mexican-inspired breakfast casserole.
  • Mediterranean Morning Remix: Replace bacon with crumbled feta cheese, add chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle dried oregano for a Mediterranean flavor profile that feels like a vacation on a plate.
  • Veggie Lover's Breakfast Bake: Substitute bacon with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions, use vegetable cream soup instead of chicken, and add extra cheese for a hearty vegetarian version that doesn't skimp on flavor.
  • Protein Power Upgrade: Incorporate diced cooked chicken or ham instead of bacon, mix in some quinoa for extra protein, and use Greek yogurt to boost nutritional value while keeping the creamy texture everyone loves.

FAQs For Cracked Out Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

  • What makes this breakfast casserole different from other breakfast dishes?

This casserole combines the classic comfort of hash browns with the irresistible flavors of bacon, cheese, and ranch seasoning, creating a crowd-pleasing breakfast that’s packed with bold, satisfying tastes.

  • Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap and bake in the morning. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

  • Is this recipe suitable for feeding a large group?

Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for brunches, family gatherings, or potlucks. One 9×13-inch dish typically serves 8-10 people, making it ideal for feeding a hungry crowd.

  • Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

While the bacon and cheese are key flavors, you could substitute bacon with vegetarian bacon bits or skip it entirely. Just add extra cheese or some diced vegetables to maintain the flavor profile.

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Cracked Out Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Cracked Out Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Hearty Cracked Out Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole delivers comforting morning flavors packed with cheesy goodness and savory bacon. Packed with crispy potatoes and rich ingredients, this crowd-pleasing dish ensures everyone starts their day deliciously satisfied.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein and Starch:

  • 1 bag (32 ounces or 900 grams) frozen hash browns, thawed
  • 1 pound (450 grams) bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 4 large eggs

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 2 cups (200 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) whole milk

Other Ingredients:

  • 1 can (10.5 ounces or 300 milliliters) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
  • ¼ cup (30 grams) chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375F (190C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light grease layer to prevent sticking.
  2. Create a flavor-packed base by thoroughly blending thawed hash browns with crumbled bacon, ensuring most pieces are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  3. Introduce creamy elements by folding in shredded cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and ranch seasoning, mixing until ingredients form a harmonious combination.
  4. Craft a binding liquid by whisking eggs and milk together, then gently incorporate this mixture into the hash brown blend, ensuring uniform coating of all components.
  5. Transfer the fully combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface to create an even layer that will cook consistently.
  6. Place the casserole in the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 40-45 minutes until the top develops a golden-brown crust and the interior sets completely.
  7. After removing from the oven, permit the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, which helps stabilize the structure and enhance flavor melding.
  8. Elevate the presentation by scattering reserved bacon crumbles and chopped green onions across the top, adding visual appeal and complementary textures.
  9. Serve the casserole warm, allowing guests to enjoy the rich, comforting layers of flavor and crispy edges.

Notes

  • Bacon lovers can crisp up extra bacon for a more intense smoky flavor, making sure it’s extra crunchy before crumbling into the casserole.
  • For a lighter version, swap full-fat ingredients with low-fat alternatives like reduced-fat cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and turkey bacon to cut down on calories.
  • Vegetarian friends can replace bacon with vegetarian bacon bits, smoked tempeh, or roasted mushrooms to maintain a similar umami depth and texture.
  • Prepare this dish ahead of time by assembling everything the night before, covering with foil, and refrigerating – simply bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast that feeds a crowd.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 220 mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

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