This Cracked Out Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy hash browns, savory bacon, gooey cheese, and a creamy, flavorful base. It’s perfect for a weekend brunch, holiday gatherings, or meal prepping for the week. This casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with hearty, delicious ingredients that satisfy everyone.
- A one-dish recipe that minimizes cleanup.
- Easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
- Freezer-friendly and reheats beautifully.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Hash browns (frozen or freshly shredded)
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Cooked bacon pieces
- Ranch seasoning mix
- Eggs
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and eggs until smooth.
- Stir in the hash browns, shredded cheese, and cooked bacon pieces. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is cooked through.
- Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
- Meat Swap: Replace bacon with cooked sausage or diced ham for a new flavor twist.
- Vegetarian: Omit the meat and add sautéed veggies like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
- Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, mozzarella, or a mix of your favorites.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. For larger portions, cover with foil and heat in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the casserole up to step 4, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready.
2. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! Shred fresh potatoes, soak them in water to remove excess starch, and drain well before using.
3. What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
You can use a homemade roux-based sauce or cream of mushroom soup for a similar result.
4. How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the top is golden, the edges are bubbling, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes, sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach make great additions.
6. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Certainly! Turkey bacon works well as a healthier alternative.
7. Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free substitutes for the cheese, sour cream, and soup. Check ingredient labels to ensure they’re dairy-free.
8. Can I make a smaller version of this recipe?
Halve the ingredients and bake in an 8×8-inch dish for a smaller casserole.
9. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, any melting cheese like Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Colby works well.
10. What side dishes pair well with this casserole?
Pair it with a fresh fruit salad, biscuits, or a light green salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Cracked Out Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is a versatile and indulgent dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing for a holiday feast, or looking for a meal prep staple, this casserole has you covered. Try it today and enjoy the comfort of a hearty, homemade breakfast!
PrintCracked Out Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
This Cracked Out Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is a favorite at our house. Hash browns, eggs, milk, cheddar, bacon, and ranch. So simple, yet SO delicious! Even though this is called a breakfast casserole, we love this any time of the day – breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. This is also great for overnight guests and holiday mornings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 to 70 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 pounds bacon
- 1 (30 to 32-ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 (1-ounce) package ranch dressing mix
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease. Once cool, chop the bacon into small pieces. Leave most of the bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Cook Hash Browns: Add the thawed hash browns to the skillet with the bacon drippings. Cook over medium heat until they are lightly browned, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the browned hash browns to the prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly. Top with the chopped bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, ranch dressing mix, and milk until well combined.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the hash browns, bacon, and cheese in the baking dish. If baking immediately, place the dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. If baking after refrigeration, you may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time.
- Freezing Instructions: To freeze, assemble the casserole and cover it tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Turkey bacon or pre-cooked bacon can be used as alternatives.