Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole – Easy & Delicious Brunch Recipe

Introduction

Waking up to the smell of something warm, cheesy, and comforting from the oven can be the highlight of any morning. A cream cheese hash brown breakfast casserole brings all the best flavors of breakfast into one hearty dish. It’s creamy, savory, cheesy, and has just the right amount of crispy texture from the hash browns. Perfect for lazy weekends, special brunch gatherings, or holiday mornings, this dish is the kind of recipe people ask for after just one bite.

What makes this breakfast casserole stand out is the addition of cream cheese. Unlike traditional egg bakes that can be a bit dry or crumbly, the cream cheese melts into the other ingredients and creates a luscious, smooth texture throughout the dish. Combined with shredded hash browns, crispy bacon or sausage, and a sprinkle of sharp cheddar, every bite feels like comfort food done right.

If you’re looking for a recipe that can feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen, this one hits the mark. You can even prepare it the night before and simply pop it into the oven the next morning. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want to treat yourself to a better breakfast, this cream cheese hash brown breakfast casserole delivers on taste, texture, and simplicity.

Ingredients Needed

Here is everything you’ll need to make this casserole, along with a calorie estimate for each item to help you track nutritional intake.

Ingredient	Quantity	Estimated Calories
Frozen shredded hash browns	1 bag (30 oz)	480
Cream cheese	8 oz block	800
Eggs	6 large	420
Whole milk	1 cup	150
Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)	2 cups	800
Cooked bacon or sausage	1 cup crumbled	400
Onion (chopped)	1 medium	45
Garlic powder	1 tsp	5
Salt	1 tsp	0
Black pepper	½ tsp	0
Butter (for greasing dish)	1 tbsp	100

Total Calories (approx.): 3,200 (serves 8 to 10)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and eggs. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until smooth. Add the milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is fully combined.
3. Cook the Meat and Onion
   If using bacon, cook until crispy and crumble into pieces. If using sausage, brown it and drain the excess fat. Sauté the chopped onion in the same skillet until translucent for extra flavor.
4. Combine Ingredients
   In a large bowl, mix the hash browns, cooked meat, sautéed onion, and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the cream cheese and egg mixture over it and stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. Assemble the Casserole
   Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread evenly. Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese for a nice golden crust.
6. Bake
   Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes. The top should be golden, and the center set. If it’s browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes.
7. Let It Rest
   Once out of the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

Making this breakfast casserole your own is easy with a few swaps or additions. Here are some creative ideas:

• Vegetarian Version
  Skip the bacon or sausage and load up on bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach for a veggie-packed alternative.
• Spice It Up
  Add diced jalapeños, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or pepper jack cheese if you prefer a little heat.
• Lighter Option
  Use reduced-fat cream cheese, low-fat milk, and turkey sausage for a leaner version.
• Different Cheeses
  Swap cheddar with Swiss, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack depending on your taste preference.
• Make Ahead
  Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Bake it fresh in the morning for a no-fuss breakfast.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional content per serving, based on a 10-serving portion:

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 14 grams
• Fat: 24 grams
• Carbohydrates: 15 grams
• Sugar: 2 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Cholesterol: 115 mg

Keep in mind these values can vary based on exact brands and ingredient modifications. Use a nutrition tracker for more precise numbers.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a range of sides and beverages. Consider these additions for a complete breakfast spread:

• Fresh fruit salad brings brightness and balances the richness of the casserole
• Toasted bread or English muffins for extra crunch
• Avocado slices for a creamy, healthy fat boost
• Hot sauce or salsa for a little zing
• Fresh orange juice or a light mimosa for brunch vibes

The casserole also holds up well at room temperature, making it great for buffet-style brunches.

FAQs

Can I freeze cream cheese hash brown breakfast casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it either before baking or after. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely. Just shred fresh potatoes and squeeze out the excess moisture using a kitchen towel to prevent sogginess.

Is it okay to skip the cream cheese?
You can skip it, but the texture will be less creamy and more like a standard egg bake. Consider adding a splash of heavy cream or extra shredded cheese to compensate.

How long does it keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The oven is best for preserving texture. Cover with foil and reheat at 325°F for about 15 minutes. For a quick option, microwave on medium for 1 to 2 minutes per serving.

Conclusion

Gathering friends or family around the table for breakfast is one of life’s simplest pleasures, and having a go-to recipe like this cream cheese hash brown breakfast casserole makes it even better. It’s warm, filling, and loaded with all the breakfast essentials, yet easy enough to make without stress. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday brunch or just need a make-ahead meal for busy mornings, this dish delivers every time. With endless customization options, it’s sure to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.