Cracked 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
Scale
- 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:Â 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:Â 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:Â 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:Â In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, ranch dressing mix, and milk until well combined.
- Combine and Bake:Â 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:Â Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Make-Ahead Option:Â 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:Â 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:Â Turkey bacon or pre-cooked bacon can be used as alternatives.