Description
A cozy and cheesy breakfast casserole that’s easy to prepare ahead of time, perfect for busy mornings and serving a crowd.
Ingredients
Casserole Base Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk or half and half (Using half and half makes it richer.)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese and Toppings
- 8 ounces cream cheese (Softened for easier mixing.)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (Freshly shredded for best melt.)
- 1 cup additional cheese (mozzarella or pepper jack) (Optional for variations.)
- green onions or chives (Chopped, for garnish.)
Meat Options
- 1/2 pound bacon (Cooked and crumbled.)
- 1/2 pound breakfast sausage (Cooked and crumbled.)
Hashbrowns
- 30 ounces frozen hash browns (Thawed and well-drained.)
Seasonings
- to taste salt, pepper, garlic powder (Add according to preference.)
Instructions
Mixing the Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Whisk together eggs, milk or half and half, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Mash the softened cream cheese until smooth, then slowly add a splash of the egg mixture to blend until creamy and smooth. Return this mixture to the rest of the eggs.
- Fold in thawed, well-drained hash browns, cooked meat, and about 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
Baking and Finishing
- Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, until the center is set and the top is golden and bubbly. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting into it to help the layers settle.
- Finish with chopped green onions for fresh flavor.
Notes
Make-ahead options include assembling the casserole the night before and refrigerating it. Adjust baking time accordingly if chilled. For keto or low-carb diets, substitute hash browns with riced cauliflower or finely chopped steamed broccoli.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, brunch
- Cuisine: American