Gather your loved ones around the table for a savory, flavor-packed breakfast or brunch with this Savory Cheddar Bacon Hash Brown Casserole. This epic dish is a comforting, indulgent spin on classic hash browns, brimming with melty cheddar, crispy bacon, and a creamy, custard-like base. It’s the perfect way to start the day with big, bold flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Savory Cheddar Bacon Hash Brown Casserole
This hearty, satisfying casserole is a true comfort food classic with a modern twist. Loaded with zesty, savory ingredients like smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and a velvety custard base, it’s the perfect fusion of cozy flavors and textures. Plus, the make-ahead versatility makes it a breeze to prepare for any occasion, from leisurely weekend brunches to festive holiday gatherings. Get ready for rave reviews from your family and friends as you serve up this lush, craveable dish.
Ingredients
This savory casserole comes together with just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. You’ll need shredded hash browns, crispy cooked bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, half-and-half, and a few seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. The result is a melty, golden-brown dish that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Swap in pepper jack or Monterey jack cheese for a spicier twist.
- Meat: Use diced ham or sausage in place of the bacon.
- Dairy: Try using low-fat or nonfat dairy products to lighten things up.
How to Make Savory Cheddar Bacon Hash Brown Casserole
This casserole comes together in just a few simple steps. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Next, cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then drain and crumble it. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Layer the shredded hash browns in the prepared baking dish, then top with the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top, making sure to cover all the potatoes.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the casserole for 45-55 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are crispy and golden brown. Allow the dish to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra pop of flavor, top the baked casserole with chopped fresh chives, green onions, or a sprinkle of additional shredded cheese.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Veggie-Packed: Add diced bell peppers, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Breakfast for Dinner: Serve with roasted tomatoes, avocado slices, and a fresh green salad.
- Make-Ahead: Prep the casserole the night before and bake it the next morning for a quick and easy weekday meal.
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free hash browns and double-check that your bacon and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Roasted tomatoes, avocado slices, and a fresh green salad.
Storage: Leftover Cheddar Bacon Hash Brown Casserole will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Then, simply bake it the morning you plan to serve it.
Nutrition Information
This hearty casserole is packed with all the good stuff to fuel your day. Each serving contains a satisfying blend of complex carbs, protein, and healthy fats from the hash browns, bacon, and cheese. It’s a nutritious and delicious way to start your morning or power through brunch.
- Serving Size: 1/12 of casserole
- Calories: 348 kcal
- Protein: 16 g
- Carbs: 22 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Sodium: 784 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prepping. Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Then, simply bake it the morning you plan to serve it.
Can I use frozen hash browns instead of shredded?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen hash browns in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before layering in the baking dish.
How do I make this casserole gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use certified gluten-free hash browns and double-check that your bacon and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I add any other vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in sautéed bell peppers, onions, spinach, or any other veggies you enjoy. Just be sure not to overload the dish.
How long will leftovers keep?
Leftover Cheddar Bacon Hash Brown Casserole will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Try These Next
- savory bacon and cheddar breakfast muffins
- creamy cheddar bacon potato casserole bliss
- loaded breakfast burritos with cheddar and bacon
Savory Cheddar Bacon Hash Brown Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: 🍳 Breakfast & Brunch Upgrades
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This savory cheddar bacon hash brown casserole is an ultimate breakfast delight. Perfectly crispy hash browns, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon come together in a delicious and satisfying dish. Ideal for brunch gatherings or holiday breakfasts.
Ingredients
1 (30 oz) bag frozen hash browns, thawed
1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup diced onion
1/4 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
1.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cooked bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese.
4. In another bowl, mix the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, diced onion, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
5. Pour the mixture over the hash brown mixture and stir until well combined.
6. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
9.
Notes
For extra flavor, feel free to add some chopped green onions or bell peppers to the mixture.
This casserole can be made a day ahead; just cover and refrigerate before baking.
Adjust cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: casserole, breakfast, bacon, cheddar, hash browns