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.
