Hash Brown Egg Casserole with Ham, Cheddar, and Monterey Jack Recipe

Introduction

This Hash Brown Egg Casserole is a hearty and satisfying breakfast dish perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. Combining crispy hash browns, savory ham, melted cheese, and a fluffy egg custard, it’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

A rectangular slice of egg casserole sits on a white plate with a raised edge, showing three distinct layers: the bottom layer is a soft, yellow egg base mixed with bits of ham; the middle layer has more dense chunks of ham and eggs, with melted cheese blended throughout; the top layer is golden yellow melted cheese with a slightly crispy texture and scattered green onion slices adding a fresh pop of color. A few green onion rings are also placed around the plate, complementing the dish. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, with a blurred white bowl of more green onions in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 8 precooked frozen hash brown patties (thawing is not necessary)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 & 1/2 cups diced leftover ham (about 3/4 pound)
  • 2 scallions, diced
  • 9 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry ground mustard (optional but recommended)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Step 2: Arrange the frozen hash brown patties in a single layer in the prepared dish.
  3. Step 3: Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, diced ham, and scallions over the hash browns.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, dry ground mustard, and garlic powder until fully combined.
  5. Step 5: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.
  6. Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Step 7: Let the casserole cool for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting into portions and serving.

Tips & Variations

  • Use different cheeses such as mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique flavor.
  • Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the ham for extra vegetables.
  • If you prefer a spicier casserole, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add cooked spinach or broccoli instead.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warm, or in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a square slice of breakfast casserole being lifted from a white baking dish with a spatula. The casserole has three visible layers: the bottom is a chunky, golden-brown layer with bits of ham or sausage; the middle is a pale yellow, soft egg layer mixed with small pieces of meat; the top layer is melted golden-orange cheese with scattered green onion slices for garnish. The baking dish sits on a wooden board, and the background shows a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake it fresh the next morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Do I need to thaw the hash brown patties before baking?

No, there is no need to thaw the hash brown patties. They cook well from frozen when baked in the casserole.

Print
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Hash Brown Egg Casserole with Ham, Cheddar, and Monterey Jack Recipe


  • Author: Rafael
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This Hash Brown Egg Casserole is a hearty and comforting breakfast dish featuring layers of crispy hash brown patties, melted sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, savory diced ham, and scallions all soaked in a flavorful egg custard. Perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for a satisfying morning meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Hash Brown Base

  • 8 precooked frozen hash brown patties (no thawing necessary)

Cheese and Meat Toppings

  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups diced leftover ham (about 3/4 pound)
  • 2 scallions, diced

Egg Custard

  • 9 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry ground mustard (optional but recommended)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prep Dish: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9×13 baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Layer Hash Browns: Arrange the frozen hash brown patties in a single layer evenly in the prepared baking dish. No need to thaw them first.
  3. Add Cheese, Ham, and Scallions: Evenly sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack cheeses, diced ham, and diced scallions over the hash brown layer.
  4. Mix Egg Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, dry ground mustard, and garlic powder until well combined and smooth.
  5. Pour Custard Over Toppings: Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the ham and cheese layer, allowing it to seep down evenly throughout the casserole.
  6. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to let the casserole start setting and heat through.
  7. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the eggs are fully cooked.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting into portions to serve. This resting time helps it set and makes serving easier.

Notes

  • You can substitute the leftover ham with cooked bacon or sausage if desired.
  • Dry ground mustard is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor.
  • To make ahead, assemble the casserole the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
  • For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese and milk.
  • Leftover casserole stores well in the refrigerator for 3 days and reheats nicely.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: hash brown casserole, breakfast casserole, egg casserole, ham and cheese bake, make ahead breakfast, savory breakfast, brunch recipe

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