Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole – Easy Make-Ahead Brunch Recipe

This Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for breakfast or brunch.

Made with layers of frozen hash brown potatoes, jalapeño Monterey Jack cheese, ham, and green onions, all baked into a fluffy, savory egg and evaporated milk custard, it’s the kind of dish that feeds a crowd and satisfies every bite.

Whether you’re prepping for a weekend gathering, holiday brunch, or just want breakfast ready when you wake up, this easy breakfast casserole is a make-ahead dream and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and filling – Packed with protein, potatoes, and cheese

Perfect for meal prep – Assemble the night before, bake in the morning

Customizable – Swap meats, cheeses, or veggies

No prep hash browns – Use frozen for convenience

Feeds a crowd – Makes 8–10 generous servings

Great for holidays or weekends – Stress-free and satisfying

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Frozen shredded hash browns – The base layer of the casserole

Jalapeño Monterey Jack cheese – Adds a mild kick and creamy melt

Diced cooked ham – Classic breakfast protein (or use Canadian bacon)

Green onions – Add freshness and a mild bite

Eggs – Bind everything into a fluffy, baked custard

Evaporated milk – Creamy, stable, and ideal for baking

Salt & pepper – Just enough to season the eggs

Pro Tips Before You Start

Use a 3-quart baking dish – For the perfect thickness and even cooking

Thaw hash browns if you have time – Helps reduce baking time

Shred cheese fresh – For the best melt and flavor

Let it rest after baking – Slices hold together better

If baking from chilled, extend the time as noted

 

How to Make Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Layer the Casserole

Grease a 3-quart rectangular baking dish.

Evenly spread 6 cups frozen shredded hash browns into the bottom.

Top with:

1½ cups shredded Jalapeño Monterey Jack cheese

2 cups diced cooked ham

½ cup sliced green onions

Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together:

8 large eggs (or 2 cups egg substitute)

Two 12-oz cans of evaporated milk

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp ground pepper

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the potato mixture in the dish.

Step 3: Chill or Bake

At this point, you can:

Bake immediately at 350°F

Cover and refrigerate overnight to bake later

Step 4: Bake Until Set

Bake uncovered at 350°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the center is set.

If baking straight from the fridge, increase baking time to 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Let rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

What to Serve With Breakfast Casserole

Fresh fruit salad – Adds sweetness and balance

Buttery toast or biscuits – Great for dipping

Greek yogurt or parfaits – Light and protein-packed

Coffee or orange juice – For the full breakfast vibe

Avocado slices – Creamy and nutritious addition

Variations & Substitutions

Swap ham for cooked sausage or bacon

Use cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese

Add veggies – Try bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach

Make it spicy – Add hot sauce or diced jalapeños

Go vegetarian – Skip the meat and load with vegetables

Storage & Reheating Tips

Fridge – Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days

Freezer – Wrap tightly and freeze baked casserole up to 2 months

Reheat – In microwave or oven at 325°F until warmed through

Make-ahead – Assemble the night before, cover, and refrigerate

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, but you’ll need to shred and dry them well before layering.

Is evaporated milk necessary?
It helps the casserole bake evenly and stay creamy, but you can substitute with equal parts whole milk and half-and-half.

Can I bake this in a 9×13 pan?
Yes! That’s a standard size and works perfectly.

How do I know when it’s done?
The center should no longer jiggle and a knife should come out clean when inserted.

Can I prep it more than one night in advance?
Yes, just bake it within 24 hours for best texture.

What if I don’t like spicy cheese?
Use mild cheddar or mozzarella instead.

Final Thoughts

This Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is your answer to a no-fuss, all-flavor breakfast that can be made ahead and baked fresh for any crowd.

It’s warm, hearty, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for lazy weekends, holiday mornings, or anytime you want a cozy start to the day.