This tasty breakfast casserole brings together fluffy potatoes, colorful bell peppers, and eggs for a filling start to your day. It’s like a morning party in a dish!
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up! Just mix everything together, bake, and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors. Perfect for a family brunch or lazy Sunday morning! 🥔🍳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Potatoes O’Brien: These are a mix of hash browns, peppers, and onions. If you don’t have them, you can use regular frozen hash browns and add some diced peppers and onions yourself for the same effect.
Eggs: Large eggs are essential for creating a fluffy texture. If you’re looking for a vegan option, you could try using a plant-based egg substitute, but this will change the taste a bit.
Milk: The milk adds creaminess. Whole milk is great, but you can also use 2% milk, or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk for a lighter version. Just watch for added sugars in non-dairy options.
Diced Ham: Leftover ham works perfectly here, but for a healthier option, you could substitute it with cooked turkey, chicken sausage, or even skip the meat and add some vegetables like spinach or mushrooms instead.
Cheddar Cheese: While shredded cheddar gives a wonderful sharpness, feel free to swap for Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy. Experimenting is part of the fun!
How Can I Ensure the Eggs are Fully Set?
Getting the eggs perfectly set in a casserole can be tricky. It’s essential to bake long enough for the eggs to cook through, but you don’t want to overdo it. Here’s how to get it right:
- Check for doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, you’re set.
- If the top is browning too quickly, cover the casserole with foil to prevent burning while continuing to cook.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing, which helps the eggs firm up without falling apart.
Be patient and enjoy the aroma as it bakes! Your breakfast casserole will be delicious and comforting when it’s done. Happy cooking!
How to Make Potatoes O’Brien Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound frozen Potatoes O’Brien (hash browns with peppers and onions)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup diced ham (or cooked bacon or sausage)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For Seasoning:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh chives or parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious breakfast casserole will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 35-40 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at about 45-50 minutes of time before you can enjoy a warm, hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it can warm up while you prepare your ingredients. You want the oven nice and hot when you pop in the casserole!
2. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, crack the 6 large eggs and pour in 1 cup of milk. Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (if you’re using them). Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed and frothy. This will be the creamy base of your casserole!
3. Layer the Ingredients:
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a little cooking spray or butter. Spread the frozen Potatoes O’Brien evenly across the bottom of the dish—don’t worry, they will cook up nicely! Next, sprinkle the diced ham over the potatoes, spreading it out evenly.
4. Add the Egg Mixture:
Now it’s time to pour that delicious egg mixture over the potatoes and ham. Make sure it’s evenly distributed so every bite is packed with flavor!
5. Top with Cheese:
Finally, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese generously on top of the egg mixture. This will melt beautifully, giving your casserole a rich, cheesy goodness.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the eggs are fully set and the top is nice and golden brown. The smell will be mouthwatering!
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once your casserole is done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make slicing easier. If you like, sprinkle fresh chives or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Slice up your hearty breakfast casserole and serve it warm. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you need a tasty meal. Enjoy your creation!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes! Just dice them into small pieces and pre-cook them by boiling or sautéing until slightly tender before layering them in the casserole. This will ensure they cook evenly with the rest of the ingredients.
What Can I Substitute for the Ham?
If you’re looking for a substitute for ham, cooked bacon or sausage work great! Alternatively, you can use vegetarian options such as sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for a meat-free version. Just make sure to add enough seasoning for flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you bake it straight from the fridge. This is a great way to save time in the morning!
