Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients

• 8frozen, precooked hash brown patties
• 1 headbroccoli, cut into small florets
• 225 g (2 cups)shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 slicesbacon, fried and chopped
• 7 largeeggs
• 240 ml (1 cup)milk
• 2.5 ml (½ teaspoon)salt
• 2.5 ml (½ teaspoon)pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat and prepare

   Heat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 23 × 33 cm (9 × 13-inch) baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. 2

   Layer the ingredients

   Arrange the hash brown patties over the base of the dish. Scatter over the broccoli florets, then the cheese and finally the chopped bacon.

3. 3

   Whisk the eggs

   In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk, salt and pepper until combined. Pour the mixture over the layered ingredients.

4. 4

   Bake the casserole

   Put the dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, until the edges are golden and a knife inserted in the centre comes out clean.

5. 5

   Slice and serve

   Slice the casserole and serve.

What is a breakfast casserole?

A breakfast casserole is a baked dish that brings familiar morning ingredients together in one pan. This American-style version layers potato patties, vegetables, cheese and bacon, then binds them with seasoned eggs and milk.

The method is straightforward: arrange the fillings, pour over the egg mixture and bake. Hash brown patties provide a ready-made potato base, while broccoli adds colour and cheddar brings a savoury, rich finish.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 345 calories, 20g protein, 13g carbs, 24g fat.

The hash browns and broccoli contribute most of the carbohydrates, while the eggs and bacon provide much of the protein. Cheddar, bacon, eggs and milk contribute fat; serve a portion with fruit or salad for a fresh contrast.

Build the layers evenly

Potato base: arrange the patties across the bottom of the dish so each portion gets some potato. Keep them in a single layer where possible.

Toppings: distribute the broccoli, cheddar and bacon over the patties rather than piling them in one spot. This helps the egg mixture settle throughout the casserole.

Get the egg mixture right

Whisking: mix the eggs, milk, salt and pepper until the whites and yolks are blended. This gives the casserole a more even set.

Pouring: add the mixture over the layered ingredients, aiming to cover the dish broadly. The egg mixture sets around the fillings as it bakes.

Check when it is done

Colour: look for golden edges after the 45-minute bake. The exact browning can vary with the oven and the dish.

Centre: insert a knife into the middle; it should come out clean. If egg mixture still clings to it, continue baking until the centre has set.

Allow time to bake

The oven does most of the work, but the casserole needs the full bake to set through the centre. Grease the dish before layering to make serving easier.

The recipe gives a total time of 60 minutes, including its 45-minute bake. Prepare the bacon as directed before assembling the dish.

Serve it for breakfast or brunch

Cut the casserole into portions once it is baked and serve it warm. A simple side of fresh fruit or a green salad can add freshness alongside the rich, savoury layers.

For a larger breakfast spread, pair it with toast or other brunch dishes. Since the casserole already includes potato, bacon, cheese and eggs, keep additional sides simple.

Recipe notes & tips

• Cut the broccoli into small florets so it distributes easily through the layers.
• Chop the fried bacon before assembling the casserole.
• Grease the dish thoroughly, including the corners, to help with serving.
• Spread the cheese and bacon across the dish for more even portions.
• Let the casserole stand briefly after baking so it is easier to slice.

Variations

• Change the cheese: use another shredded cheese with a good melting texture.
• Add onion: scatter finely chopped onion over the potato patties with the broccoli.
• Use another vegetable: replace some or all of the broccoli with chopped vegetables that suit a casserole.
• Make it meat-free: leave out the bacon for a vegetarian version.
• Season the eggs: add a pinch of a dried herb to the egg and milk mixture.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Crowded layers: piled-up toppings can bake unevenly; spread them across the dish.
• Large broccoli pieces: they are harder to distribute; cut the florets small.
• Skipping the greasing: the casserole may stick; coat the baking dish before adding ingredients.
• Underbaked centre: the middle may still be loose; check it with a knife and bake until it comes out clean.
• Slicing too soon: hot portions can be difficult to lift neatly; allow the casserole to stand briefly first.

How to store

Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to 3 days. Reheat portions until hot throughout in the microwave or in a covered oven-safe dish.

Frequently asked questions