Ingredients
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen hash browns, thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% milk)
- 1 small onion, diced (optional)
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 ½ cups cooked and crumbled halal sausage or chicken (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- A pinch of paprika (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Hash Browns: Hash browns form the base of this casserole and add a crispy texture when baked. They’re convenient and give the dish a hearty foundation.
- Cheese: A blend of cheddar and mozzarella creates a perfect melt and a gooey, cheesy texture that’s hard to resist. Feel free to use a mix of cheeses like Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even a pepper jack for some spice.
- Eggs: Eggs provide the structure of the casserole and make it fluffy and rich. They bind everything together and create a creamy texture when baked.
- Halal Sausage or Chicken: Adding halal sausage or chicken gives the casserole extra flavor and protein, making it more of a complete meal.
- Vegetables: Bell peppers and onions are optional but add a nice crunch and flavor to the casserole, giving it a slight sweetness and balance to the richness of the cheese.
Instructions
Prepare the Casserole Base:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or melted butter to prevent sticking.
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Prepare the Hash Browns: In a large bowl, mix the thawed hash browns with 1 tablespoon of olive oil or melted butter. This will help create a crispy bottom layer when baking. If you like extra crispiness, you can cook the hash browns in a skillet until golden brown before adding them to the casserole dish.
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Layer the Hash Browns: Press the hash brown mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring the bottom is covered. Bake the hash browns in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes to crisp them up slightly.
Make the Egg Mixture:
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Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture will form the custard-like base of the casserole that holds all the ingredients together.
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Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese to the egg mixture, allowing it to combine and coat the eggs.
Assemble the Casserole:
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Add Optional Vegetables: If you’re adding vegetables like diced onion and bell pepper, scatter them over the partially baked hash browns. You can sauté them lightly in a pan with olive oil for extra flavor before adding them if you prefer.
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Add Halal Sausage or Chicken: If using halal sausage or chicken, sprinkle it over the hash brown layer or mix it into the egg mixture.
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Pour the Egg Mixture: Pour the egg and cheese mixture evenly over the hash brown layer in the baking dish, making sure everything is covered.
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Bake: Bake the casserole for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The eggs should be set, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.
Serve:
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Garnish and Serve: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or fresh parsley and green onions for a pop of color and added flavor.
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Slice and Serve: Cut the casserole into squares or slices and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 14g