Let’s set the scene: it’s early morning, and the house is buzzing with life. The kids are running around, someone’s lost their shoe, and you’re juggling coffee, breakfast, and the endless to-do list.
Sound familiar? It’s mornings like these that make this casserole a lifesaver.
This isn’t just a recipe—it’s a kitchen hero that brings everyone together around the table. There’s something about the smell of crispy bacon and bubbling cheese wafting through the house that slows the chaos for a moment (seriously, even the pickiest eaters show up when this is on the menu).
And let’s be honest, the fact that it’s EASY is a total bonus—we’re talking minimal prep, one dish, and an oven that does the hard work for you.
But what makes this casserole truly special? It’s more than the layers of golden hashbrowns, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese.
It’s the kind of meal that fits any occasion—lazy weekends, holiday mornings, or meal-prepped breakfasts for the week ahead. It’s that dish your family will ask for again and again, and you’ll happily oblige because it’s THAT good.
Ready to bring a little comfort to your mornings? Let’s get cooking—and trust us, your house is about to smell AMAZING.
Save To Pinterest
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to LOVE this recipe (and trust us, you will). First off, it’s ridiculously easy. You just throw everything into one dish, let the oven do the heavy lifting, and voilà—breakfast is served.
It’s also endlessly customizable. Got some veggies hanging out in your fridge? Toss in bell peppers, onions, or even spinach for a nutrient boost.
Prefer sausage over bacon? Go for it. Feeling fancy? Mix up your cheeses—Pepper Jack adds a little heat, or Gouda gives it that rich, buttery vibe.
And the best part? This casserole works for ANY morning. It’s perfect for a laid-back weekend brunch (with coffee or maybe a mimosa), a holiday breakfast that impresses the in-laws, or even as a meal prep hero to keep weekday mornings smooth.
It’s the kind of dish that’ll make you look like a kitchen genius without breaking a sweat. (We won’t tell if you don’t!)
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups frozen hashbrowns (shredded) OR 6 frozen hashbrown patties – Choose shredded hashbrowns for a classic, evenly distributed potato layer or patties for a crispier, structured base.
- 8 slices bacon – Cooked and crumbled. Want a lighter twist? Try turkey bacon!
- 6 large eggs – The creamy, custardy glue that holds it all together.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese – Cheddar is a classic, but a mix of Monterey Jack or Gouda? Chef’s kiss.
- 1 cup milk – Keeps things smooth and creamy.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a little extra “oomph” to the flavor.
- 1/2 cup scallions – Finely chopped. Mix some in for flavor and save a handful to sprinkle on top after baking for a fresh, vibrant garnish.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Simple, but essential for seasoning.
How to Make It (Without Breaking a Sweat)
To start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
While the oven heats up, cook the bacon until crispy, either in a pan or the oven.
Once cooked, crumble it into bite-sized pieces (and feel free to snack on a piece—no judgment!).
Next, spread the frozen hashbrowns evenly in the baking dish. For an extra crispy base, you can pre-cook the hashbrowns in a skillet or the oven for a few minutes.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in about half of the scallions for added flavor.
Now, it’s time to assemble the casserole. Start by sprinkling the crumbled bacon over the layer of hashbrowns.
Then, pour the egg mixture evenly across the dish, ensuring it seeps into every corner. Top everything off with a generous layer of shredded cheese.
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is bubbling and golden.
To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center—it should come out clean when ready. Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes (we know, it’s hard to wait!).
Finally, sprinkle the remaining scallions on top for a vibrant finish, slice into squares, and serve warm. For an extra kick, add sour cream, salsa, or your favorite hot sauce on the side.
Pro Tips for Success
To make your mornings even smoother, assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it.
When you’re ready to bake, just add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time for a fresh, hot dish that’s ready when you need it.
For a colorful and nutrient-packed twist, toss in some diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach—veggies that pair perfectly with the layers of hashbrowns and cheese.
Feeling adventurous? Try experimenting with different cheese blends. While cheddar is always a hit, Pepper Jack can bring a spicy kick, and a mix of Monterey Jack or Gouda will give you that gourmet touch.
For an extra crispy and flavorful base, consider pre-cooking the hashbrowns in a skillet before layering them in the dish.
And don’t forget the toppings—add a dollop of sour cream, a drizzle of salsa, or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs to take this casserole from simple to unforgettable. It’s all about those small tweaks that make it feel uniquely yours!
If your kids are adventurous eaters, you can let them help customize their portion by mixing in their favorite ingredients or toppings.
For example, they might love diced ham, mini pepperonis, or even a sprinkle of extra cheese just for them!
Serving Suggestions
When we serve this casserole, it always feels like the start of something special—like the perfect way to kick off a lazy weekend morning or a holiday brunch.
Pair it with a fresh fruit salad (think juicy berries, sweet melons, and maybe a sprinkle of mint if you’re feeling fancy).
The light, refreshing sweetness balances out all the savory, cheesy goodness on your plate.
If you want to make the meal even heartier, warm, flaky buttermilk biscuits are a match made in breakfast heaven.
They’re perfect for scooping up that extra bit of eggy, cheesy deliciousness (and trust us, you won’t want to leave a single crumb behind).
For drinks, a steaming cup of coffee always hits the spot—especially if you jazz it up with a little cinnamon or whipped cream.
And if it’s a brunch kind of day, how about some mimosas? There’s something about a bubbly drink that just screams “special occasion,” even if it’s just a Saturday.
To add a little extra flair to the meal, try putting out a toppings bar. Think sour cream, salsa, diced avocados, or even hot sauce for those who like a little kick.
It’s a fun way to let everyone customize their slice and keeps things interactive (kids LOVE this part—especially the salsa-and-hot-sauce combo).
With these simple additions, this casserole goes from a delicious breakfast to a full-on feast that’ll have everyone asking for seconds—and the recipe.
Cheesy Bacon Hashbrown Casserole with Scallions
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen hashbrowns shredded
- 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese cheddar or Monterey Jack
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup scallions finely chopped (divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter or cooking spray for greasing the dish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Pan-fry or bake the bacon until crispy. Once cooked, crumble it into bite-sized pieces.
- Spread the frozen hashbrowns evenly in the baking dish. For an extra crispy base, pre-cook the hashbrowns in a skillet or oven for a few minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in half of the chopped scallions.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the hashbrowns. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top. Finish with a generous layer of shredded cheese.
- Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is golden and bubbling. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining scallions on top, slice into squares, and serve warm. Optional: Add sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce for extra flavor.
Notes
- Add diced vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- This casserole reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep!
- Shredded Hashbrowns: These work great if you prefer a soft and evenly layered potato base. They’re commonly sold in bags in the frozen section of grocery stores.
- Hashbrown Patties: Opt for rectangular hashbrown patties if you love a crispy, structured layer. They can be pre-cooked in the oven or skillet for extra crunch before assembling.
