Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole without Eggs

This Hash brown Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the crispy goodness of bacon with the creamy, gooey perfection of melted cheese, all nestled within a bed of golden, seasoned hash browns. Whether you’re preparing a special brunch, celebrating the holidays, or simply craving a cozy morning meal, this recipe is a delicious way to start your day.

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If you’re a fan of the Cracker Barrel version, you have to try this recipe. It’s made with simple pantry staple ingredients and requires very little time to prep.

What Type of Hash browns to Use

Frozen, store-bought hash browns work well in this recipe. I like to read the labels and find the type that isn’t cooked in vegetable oil.

Thaw your potatoes before using them. After thawing, they may release some moisture. Squeeze out excess moisture by placing them in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and pressing gently. This helps prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.

You can also make your own hash browns using fresh, peeled potatoes. Run your potato alongside a cheese grater or mandolin slicer, and you have hash browns!

Fresh or Frozen Hash browns

Thawing helps the hash browns cook more evenly and prevents excess moisture in the casserole. You can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or speed up the process by using the microwave or cold water thawing methods.

Thawing the hash browns will produce a casserole with a more consistent texture, while using them frozen can provide a different texture and possibly save you some time. However, it may not save you much time, because you may also need to increase your bake time as well.

What Type of Cheese to Use

I use a combination of cheddar cheese and mozzarella. Mozzarella melts beautifully and has a smooth, creamy texture. It also has great pull. If you’re looking for a cheese pull, mozzarella is what you need.

You can use whatever you like. Here are more options:

• Monterey Jack: Known for its mild and buttery flavor. It melts smoothly and complements the casserole’s ingredients without overpowering them.
• Colby Cheese: Has a similar flavor profile to cheddar but is typically milder. It’s a good option if you want cheese with a less intense flavor.
• Swiss Cheese: Swiss has a nutty and slightly sweet taste.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: If you enjoy some heat, pepper jack cheese, with its spicy kick from jalapeño peppers, can be a fantastic addition.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated or shredded Parmesan cheese adds a savory, nutty, and salty flavor to the casserole. It can be used in combination with other cheeses for added depth of flavor.
• Gouda Cheese: This pairs wonderfully with bacon and has a creamy and mild flavor.

How to Make Hash brown Breakfast Casserole

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Combine sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, softened cream cheese, onions, and spices in a large bowl.
2. Add in the hash browns and stir.
3. Add the hash browns mixture to a greased baking dish or cast iron skillet. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese throughout.
4. Cover the dish with foil and bake.

How it Tastes

This casserole has a savory flavor. You will taste the elements of onions, garlic, cheese, and bacon along with the tanginess from the sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. This will make it somewhat similar to a loaded baked potato.

If you aren’t a fan of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, you can use 10 ounces of cream of chicken soup. I have a homemade Cream of Chicken Soup recipe here if you prefer homemade to the canned stuff.

What Type of Pan to Use

A 9×13 inch baking dish or 10.5 inch cast iron skillet will work best. I like to use a cast iron skillet because it ensures crispy edges, which I love.

If using a baking dish, ceramic pans work best. Ceramic pans heat up evenly, which is essential for casserole dishes where ingredients need to cook uniformly. It prevents hot spots and helps to avoid burning or undercooking.

Substitutions, Toppings, and Add-Ins

• Sausage
• Ham
• Chorizo
• Turkey or Chicken
• Bell Peppers
• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Tomatoes
• Broccoli
• Feta Cheese
• Dill
• Chives
• Salsa
• Hot Sauce

Can You Make it Ahead of Time

You can prepare some of the ingredients ahead of time. Hold off on adding the bacon and the shredded cheese. You want to add these fresh and immediately prior to baking. This ensures the cheese is nice and gooey and melts nicely. This also helps ensure crunchy bacon.

Combine the remaining ingredients and add them to your pan and cover. Place the covered casserole in the refrigerator and store it there until you’re ready to bake it. You can typically refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.

Remove the casserole from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature prior to baking.

How to Store

You can store the casserole tightly covered and sealed in the fridge for 3-4 days.

How to Reheat

You can reheat in the microwave, oven, or air fryer. For the oven and air fryer reheat at 350 degrees until warm.

Freezer Tips

You can freeze the dish tightly covered and sealed for 2-3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight.

More Breakfast Recipes

Breakfast Crunchwrap
Sweet Potato Oatmeal
Twisted Bacon Recipe
Fried Potatoes and Onions
Sweet Potato Avocado Toast
Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
Chocolate Chip Banana Protein Muffins

Egg Casserole

If you’re looking for an egg-based breakfast, check out my Low Carb Bacon Egg Casserole recipe.