The Ultimate Hash Brown Chorizo Egg Casserole

Recipe Introduction: Level Up Your Brunch Game!

Ever wake up craving something savory and satisfying? I do, all the time. Honestly, this Hash Brown Egg Casserole is my go-to when I want a proper, comforting breakfast.

It has the perfect mix of crispy potatoes and rich eggy goodness.

This glorious Egg Casserole isn't just any breakfast dish. Originating from a tradition of utilizing leftover ingredients, now its been refined into the ultimate brunch main event!.

It's an easy, crowd pleasing meal perfect for any gathering. It takes about an hour, tops, to whip up, and serves 6-8 hungry souls.

Why You'll Love This Hash Brown Egg Casserole

This Best Breakfast Casserole isn't just delicious, it's also relatively hassle free. This recipe is a fantastic source of protein, keeping you full and energized.

It's the star of any brunch, and is a definite crowd pleaser. What makes it special? The crispy Hash Browns , the spicy chorizo, and, of course, the cheesy egg custard.

Let's Talk Hash Browns

The crispy Hash Browns form the base, which prevents a soggy casserole. We're talking golden brown perfection here! Trust me, par-baking them is non-negotiable.

Chorizo, Baby!

Chorizo brings the heat. Its spiced pork heaven! It's what makes this Chorizo Egg Casserole so addictive. The paprika adds a smoky depth.

You know?, you can definitely adjust the amount to your liking.

make-ahead Magic

This make-ahead Breakfast Casserole is my secret weapon for stress free mornings. You can prep it the night before and bake it in the morning.

Or bake it on Saturday for easy weekend treats!

The Cheesy, Eggy Dream

The egg custard is what binds it all together. Its a great addition to Breakfast Casserole with Hash Browns and Cheese You know that rich, savory feeling? It's that custard.

And, of course, loads of cheese!

Now that I've got your mouth watering, let's dive into the ingredients.

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this incredible Hash Brown Egg Casserole . Trust me, this Best Breakfast Casserole is so easy.

You'll be making it every weekend! I honestly make this when i have to do an Easy Brunch Recipes .

Ingredients & Equipment

Here's the lowdown on what you'll need. We will make this Breakfast Casserole with Hash Browns and Cheese . I promise it's easier than it looks!

Main Ingredients

First, the hash brown base. You'll need 900g (32 oz) of frozen shredded hash browns. Thaw them properly. Nobody likes a soggy casserole! You'll also need 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil.

A little 1/2 teaspoon (3g) of salt and 1/4 teaspoon (1g) of pepper. For the chorizo filling, grab 225g (8 oz) of chorizo, crumbled.

Look for chorizo that's firm and slightly spicy. If it's too greasy, drain it after cooking. You'll need 1 medium yellow onion .

Also one bell pepper (any color), and 2 cloves of garlic. The Egg Casserole needs to be perfect!

Now, for the egg custard. Grab 8 large eggs , 1 cup (240 ml) of milk, and 1/2 cup (120 ml) of heavy cream.

Don't skimp on the cream, it makes it so rich!. Salt and pepper again ( 1/2 teaspoon (3g) and 1/4 teaspoon (1g) ).

Plus 1 cup (100g) of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup (50g) of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. I made this one time and used only mozzarella, it wasn't as tasteful as with those.

Finally, 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley for garnish.

Seasoning Notes

For that Chorizo Egg Casserole kick, smoked paprika ( 1/2 teaspoon (2g) ) is a must. Also, a pinch of red pepper flakes ( 1/4 teaspoon (1g) ) if you're feeling brave.

Can't find smoked paprika? Regular paprika works in a pinch. Garlic powder can sub for fresh garlic if you're in a bind.

Essential spice combinations. It will make this Weekend Brunch Casserole one of your best.

Equipment Needed

Okay, the gear. A 9x13 inch baking dish is essential. If you have a smaller baking dish, reduce the ingredients.

I tried using a smaller one and it overflowed in the oven! You'll also need a large skillet for cooking the chorizo.

Mixing bowls and a whisk are for the egg mixture. Don't overthink it! Most of these are probably already in your kitchen.

If you don't have a whisk, a fork will do.

That's it! Ready to make the ultimate make-ahead Breakfast Casserole ?

Alright, let's dive headfirst into this Hash Brown Egg Casserole ! Seriously, this isn't just any breakfast dish. It's the kind of thing you make when you want to impress people.

Or, you know, just treat yourself after a long week. It's the best breakfast casserole and it's got that wow factor.

The Ultimate Hash Brown & Chorizo Egg Casserole Adventure

Honestly, this Hash Brown Egg Casserole is my go-to for easy brunch recipes . I was inspired by a McMuffin and wanted to bake one, but a better one.

And, guess what? It’s also awesome for a simple weeknight dinner. Who says you can't have breakfast for dinner , elevated? It really is a weekend brunch casserole champion.

I guarantee it's way easier than it looks.

Prep Steps: Your Secret Weapons

Essential mise en place is key. Chop your onion and bell pepper. Crumble that chorizo. Get everything measured out. Trust me, it makes all the difference.

Time saving organization tips : Thaw those 900g frozen shredded hash browns overnight. This prevents sogginess. Nobody wants a soggy casserole.

Speaking of which, did you know that one in five people secretly hates soggy food? That's a made-up statistic, but it feels true, right?

Safety reminders: Handle raw chorizo with care. Wash your hands after. Just being safe!

step-by-step to Casserole Glory

1. Preheat oven to 200° C ( 400° F) . Toss thawed hash browns with 2 tablespoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Press into a baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes , until golden.
2. Sauté 225g chorizo until crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté chopped onion and bell pepper until softened. Add 2 minced cloves garlic, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute.
4. Sprinkle cooked chorizo and veggies over the hash brown crust.
5. Whisk 8 large eggs, 1 cup milk, ½ cup heavy cream, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir in 1 cup cheddar and ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese.
6. Pour egg mixture over everything. Bake for 25- 30 minutes , until set and golden.
7. Cool slightly before serving. Garnish with parsley (optional).

Pro Tips for Casserole Perfection

• Expert technique : Par-bake the hash browns! Seriously, this is how you avoid a soggy bottom. It is a Breakfast Casserole with Hash Browns and Cheese and needs to be up to the task.
• Common mistake to avoid : Overbaking! Aim for a slightly wobbly center. It will set as it cools.
• make-ahead option : Assemble the casserole the night before. Cover and refrigerate. Add 5- 10 minutes to the baking time. This is a make-ahead Breakfast Casserole dream!

This Chorizo Egg Casserole will become your signature dish, I swear!

Alright, let's chat about making this Hash Brown Egg Casserole the absolute best it can be. You know, the kind that makes everyone go back for seconds (and maybe thirds!).

This Breakfast Casserole with Hash Browns and Cheese is really flexible!

Recipe Notes

This isn't just a recipe; it's a starting point! Here are a few thoughts to help make your casserole sing! Trust me, these little things make a HUGE difference.

Serving Suggestions

Forget boring plating! Seriously, presentation matters. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve each slice with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

A side of fresh fruit salad, like strawberries and blueberries, brightens the whole plate. As for drinks? Mimosas are always a good shout for Easy Brunch Recipes .

Coffee works too!

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Egg Casserole keeps well.

Refrigeration: Pop it in an airtight container and it'll be good in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Yep, you can freeze it! Cut into individual portions and wrap tightly in foil, then freeze for up to a month.

Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the oven at 175° C ( 350° F) until warmed through. Or, for a quick fix, microwave individual slices.

Variations

Honestly, this Hash Brown Egg Casserole is your canvas.

Dietary Adaptation: For a vegetarian version, swap the chorizo for sautéed mushrooms and spinach. Loads of flavour!

Seasonal Swap: In the summer, use grilled zucchini and bell peppers instead of the usual suspects. In winter, roasted butternut squash adds a lovely sweetness.

Maybe a Chorizo Egg Casserole with a twist.

Nutrition Basics

Let's be real, this isn't exactly health food. But hey, it's got eggs! We're talking roughly 450-500 calories per serving.

And a whopping 25-30g of protein to get your day started. It's also packed with nutrients from the eggs, cheese, and vegetables.

Disclaimer: remember this is a rough estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients.

This Best Breakfast Casserole is really easy to modify. My experience has shown me, the more flexible, the more delicious!

Making a make-ahead Breakfast Casserole ? No problem! Assemble everything the night before, keep it in the fridge, and then bake it in the morning.

You will have the perfect dish for a Weekend Brunch Casserole .

So, go on, get creative with your Hash Browns creation! Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious Breakfast Casseroles !

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Hash Brown Egg Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire Hash Brown Egg Casserole, cover it tightly with cling film, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from cold.

Think of it as a brilliant time saver, just like pre-batching your G&Ts for a garden party!

My hash browns always seem to get soggy. How do I prevent that in this casserole?

The key to a crispy hash brown base is to thaw them thoroughly and squeeze out any excess moisture before tossing them with oil and seasoning. More importantly, par-bake the hash brown crust before adding the filling!

This ensures it gets nice and golden before the egg mixture is added, preventing a soggy bottom a common problem we all face sometimes, like a soggy bottom on a pastry - no one wants that!

What are some good variations I can make to this recipe?

This Hash Brown Egg Casserole is incredibly versatile! For a vegetarian option, swap out the chorizo for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes. You can also add different cheeses, like pepper jack for a bit of a kick. Think of it as customising your full English breakfast!

How should I store leftover Hash Brown Egg Casserole?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual slices or warm it up in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) until heated through.

It's almost as good as having a "ready meal" but better, and fresher like leftovers from a Sunday Roast!

Is there a way to make this Hash Brown Egg Casserole healthier?

You can definitely lighten things up! Use leaner sausage or turkey chorizo instead of regular chorizo. Substitute whole milk and cream with skimmed milk or a dairy-free alternative. Load up on the vegetables, and reduce the amount of cheese used.

Every little helps, just like cutting back on the biscuits with your cuppa.