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
- 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.
- Create a flavor-packed base by thoroughly blending thawed hash browns with crumbled bacon, ensuring most pieces are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Introduce creamy elements by folding in shredded cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and ranch seasoning, mixing until ingredients form a harmonious combination.
- 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.
- Transfer the fully combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface to create an even layer that will cook consistently.
- 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.
- After removing from the oven, permit the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, which helps stabilize the structure and enhance flavor melding.
- Elevate the presentation by scattering reserved bacon crumbles and chopped green onions across the top, adding visual appeal and complementary textures.
- 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