This easy hash brown casserole breakfast with eggs and cheese is baked in a cast iron skillet for crispy edges and a perfectly cheesy, comforting center.
There’s just something comforting about a hot, cheesy hash brown casserole straight from the oven! I love making this breakfast in my cast iron skillet because it gives the edges that perfectly golden, slightly crispy finish while keeping the center soft, creamy, and loaded with flavor. It’s simple, hearty, and perfect for feeding a family on busy mornings or slow weekend brunches.
This version uses shredded hash browns, plenty of eggs, and a generous layer of melty cheese on top. You can keep it classic or toss in your favorite vegetables to make it your own. Either way, it’s an easy, no-fuss breakfast bake that always disappears fast!
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Why You’ll Love This Hash Brown Casserole
Made in a Cast Iron Skillet for Crispy Edges
Baking this hash brown casserole breakfast in a cast iron skillet gives it those irresistible golden, crispy edges while keeping the center soft, tender, and perfectly cooked. The skillet heats evenly and retains heat beautifully, creating that perfect contrast of textures in every slice. Using a skillet also helps the hash brown casserole cook consistently, making it easier to serve slices that are both crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Whether you’re making a casual weekend breakfast or a brunch gathering, this method elevates your hash brown casserole breakfast recipe.
Simple Ingredients You Probably Already Have
This easy hash brown casserole breakfast comes together with simple pantry and refrigerator staples like shredded hash browns, eggs, milk, and cheese. No complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients are needed — just wholesome items that transform into a warm, satisfying meal. Even beginner cooks can follow this recipe for hash brown casserole with confidence, creating a breakfast that feels homemade and comforting without hours of prep time. The simplicity of ingredients means you can make it any day of the week, whether for a family breakfast or a quick weekday meal.
Easy to Customize with Vegetables or Meat
You can make this hash brown casserole breakfast recipe your own by adding fresh vegetables like bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms. For a heartier option, stir in cooked sausage, crispy bacon, or even diced ham to add extra flavor and protein. This hash brown casserole is incredibly versatile, allowing you to cater to different tastes or dietary needs while still keeping the dish satisfying. No matter how you customize it, every variation is delicious and keeps the comfort-food vibes of a classic easy hash brown casserole breakfast intact.
Perfect for Meal Prep or Feeding a Crowd
This recipe for hash brown casserole is ideal for busy mornings because you can assemble it ahead of time and simply reheat it when needed. It also serves a crowd beautifully, making it perfect for family breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or holidays. Whether you’re preparing a small breakfast for two or a large batch for guests, this hash brown casserole breakfast is easy to scale up without losing flavor or texture. Meal prepping this dish means you have a warm, cheesy, comforting breakfast ready whenever you need it.
Cheesy, Comforting, and Filling
With layers of tender potatoes, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese, every bite of this easy hash brown casserole breakfast is warm, rich, and satisfying. It’s the kind of cozy hash brown casserole that keeps everyone full and happy long after the plates are cleared. Whether you’re enjoying it for a weekend brunch or a special holiday breakfast, this hash brown casserole breakfast recipe delivers comfort, flavor, and nostalgia in every bite.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 1 (20 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and drained
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, or your favorite blend), divided
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil (for skillet)
Optional Add-Ins (choose what you like):
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup spinach
- ½ cup mushrooms
- ½ cup cooked breakfast sausage or bacon
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Place your cast iron skillet in the oven for a few minutes while it preheats. This helps create those crispy edges we love.
2. Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
Stir in 1½ cups of shredded cheese and any vegetables or cooked meat you’re using.
3. Prepare the Hash Browns
Make sure your hash browns are thawed and well-drained. Press out any excess moisture with paper towels if needed. This keeps the casserole from becoming watery.
4. Assemble in Cast Iron Skillet
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and add butter or oil.
Spread the hash browns evenly in the skillet, pressing them down slightly.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the hash browns.
Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese.
5. Bake
Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until:
- The center is set
- The top is golden and bubbly
- A knife inserted in the center comes out clean
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Tips for the Best Hash Brown Casserole
- Drain hash browns well to avoid sogginess.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.
- Don’t overbake — check at 35 minutes.
- Let it rest before slicing so it holds together nicely.
Conclusion
This hash brown casserole breakfast is one of those reliable, go-to recipes I come back to again and again. It’s simple, filling, and completely customizable. Whether you keep it classic with just eggs and cheese or load it up with vegetables and sausage, it always turns out warm, cheesy, and satisfying. Plus, that cast iron skillet gives it the perfect golden finish every time!
Make it once, and it’ll quickly become a regular on your breakfast table!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make hash brown casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning. You may need to add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time.
2. How do I keep the casserole from getting watery?
Make sure the hash browns are fully thawed and well-drained. Excess moisture is the main reason casseroles turn watery.
3. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes. Shred fresh potatoes and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before using them in the recipe.
4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual slices until warmed through.
Hash Brown Casserole Breakfast
Equipment
- 1 cast iron skillet.
Ingredients
- 1 20 oz bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and drained
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese, divided
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp butter or oil
- Optional vegetables or cooked meat (up to 1½ cups total)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Heat cast iron skillet in oven for a few minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir in 1½ cups cheese and optional add-ins.
- Remove skillet carefully, add butter or oil.
- Spread hash browns evenly in skillet.
- Pour egg mixture over hash browns.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Bake 35–45 minutes until set and golden.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Tips for the Best Hash Brown Casserole
- Drain hash browns well to avoid sogginess.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.
- Don’t overbake — check at 35 minutes.
- Let it rest before slicing so it holds together nicely.
Summary
I hope I have inspired you to make these recipes in your cast iron skillet to enjoy and share with your friends and family.
If you were encouraged by this post, I invite you to check out my FREE Printables Page for fun free printables, planners, and charts.
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Here are some more of my cast-iron cooking inspiration posts to check out!
How to Make Chicken Cobbler with Vegetarian Option
Buttermilk Pancakes: How to Make Sourdough Buttermilk Pancakes
Pumpkin Spice Pancakes: How to Make Sourdough Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
Chocolate Pancakes: How to Make Chocolate Sourdough Pancakes
The Best Cherry Galette Recipe
How to Cook Scrambled Eggs In a Cast Iron Skillet without Sticking!
How to Season Cast Iron for Cooking
The Best Old-Fashioned Homemade Brownies: A Cast Iron Skillet Recipe!
How to Make Dutch Oven Lasagna
How to Make Black Bean Burgers from the Garden!
Blessings,
The Off Grid Barefoot Girl
