Easy Brunch Casserole

This Easy Brunch Casserole is a hearty, delicious, and simple breakfast dish that’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday brunches, or weekend mornings. Packed with crispy bacon, sautéed vegetables, hash browns, and cheesy eggs, this breakfast casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a big brunch or looking for a quick meal to prepare ahead of time, this savory casserole recipe is both comforting and satisfying. It’s easy to customize with different meats, vegetables, and cheeses, making it versatile and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lb thick-sliced bacon
• ½ cup chopped sweet onion
• ¼ cup chopped red bell pepper
• ¼ cup chopped green bell pepper
• 10 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 (16 oz) package frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar or Mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp dried dill

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8 inch casserole dish. If using a 9×13-inch dish, increase the egg count to 12.
2. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy and browned. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet and discard the rest.
3. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, shredded cheese, thawed hash brown potatoes, salt, pepper, and dried dill.
5. Crumble the cooked bacon and add it to the bowl, along with the sautéed onions and peppers. Stir everything together until well combined.
6. Pour the egg mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. If using the 8×8-inch dish, cover with foil for the first 30 minutes to prevent over-browning.
7. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

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Tips

• Thaw hash browns thoroughly: Be sure to thaw the frozen hash browns fully before adding them to the mixture, or they may release excess moisture during baking.
• Bacon crispiness: For extra crispy bacon, you can bake it in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes before adding it to the casserole.
• Cooking time variation: The size of your casserole dish may affect the cooking time. If using a larger dish, check for doneness earlier.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian version: Skip the bacon and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or additional veggies for a vegetarian option.
• Cheese variations: Try adding a combination of Cheddar, Mozzarella, or even Pepper Jack for a spicier casserole.
• Add meat: If you prefer a heartier dish, you can add cooked sausage or diced ham in place of bacon.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it in the morning for a quick brunch.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. To freeze, bake it completely, then allow it to cool. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until warm.

What if I don’t have frozen hash browns?
You can use fresh, shredded potatoes in place of frozen hash browns. Be sure to pat them dry before adding them to the casserole to avoid excess moisture.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Brunch Casserole is perfect served alongside fresh fruit, a light green salad, or warm dinner rolls. For a complete brunch spread, pair it with a refreshing mimosa or a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This brunch casserole is the perfect combination of savory bacon, eggs, cheese, and hash browns. It’s a one-pan dish that’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy mornings or weekend brunches. With its rich flavors and satisfying ingredients, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite for any occasion!