This hearty bacon and egg casserole is deliciously different from other recipes, as it uses hash browns as a base rather than the usual cubed bread. It also uses evaporated milk instead of heavy cream, which gives this breakfast casserole a rich texture without being watery. The crispy bacon bits eliminate greasy splatters, and the melty cheese makes this bacon and egg casserole a standout recipe you’ll love.
In This Article
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Amy’s Notes
This is my absolute go-to for holiday brunches, chaotic school mornings, or whenever we have overnight guests. You get all the flavor of a full breakfast spread without standing over a smoky stovetop flipping bacon. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Prep it entirely the night before: Just assemble, cover, and chill overnight.
- Loaded with savory flavor: Shredded hash browns, melty cheddar, crisp bell peppers, and smoky bacon means all the flavors with every bite.
- Feeds a crowd: One pan serves at least 8 people, so it’s perfect for holiday guests or a weekend brunch.
- Crowd-pleasing & versatile: Serve it alongside our Fluffy Homemade Pancakes or a fresh Fruit Salsa for a sweet, simple addition.
Key Recipe Ingredients
- Hash Browns: Refrigerated plain shredded hash browns save tons of prep time and give the casserole its hearty base.
- Evaporated Milk: Whisking this with the eggs creates a rich, custard-like texture that won’t get watery as it bakes.
- Real Bacon Pieces: Adds that smoky bite in every single mouthful without extra stovetop splatters.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar holds up best against the hearty potatoes and eggs.
Substitutions and Variations
- Meat Swaps: Swap bacon for cooked breakfast sausage, diced ham, or turkey bacon.
- Veggie Boost: Mix in fresh spinach, diced mushrooms, or sautéed zucchini.
- Cheese Variations: Gruyère or Pepper Jack give this a fun flavor twist!
- Link Suggestion: If you love make-ahead dishes, check out our Easy Breakfast Quiche.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
- Combine the egg mixture ingredients in a large bowl and whisk well.
- Add the hash browns and bacon to a greased casserole dish and add the layers of bacon, vegetables, and cheese. d
- Pour the egg mixture over the ingredients in the casserole dish and chill up to overnight.
- Bake until golden brown and set. Let cool before serving.
→ For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
How to Prep Ahead
- Overnight Prep: Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly with foil, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Microwave individual slices for 45–60 seconds, or bake in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes, until heated through.
Watch Us Make This Recipe
Bacon and Egg Casserole
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Ingredients
- 7 large eggs lightly beaten
- 12 ounces evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 16 ounces plain refrigerated shredded hash brown potatoes
- ½ cup bell peppers chopped
- ½ cup real bacon pieces I used a 2.8 oz jar of Hormel® Real Bacon Pieces, divided
- ¼ cup green onions thinly sliced, divided
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
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In a large bowl, gently whisk together the eggs, evaporated milk, kosher salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder until well combined. Set aside.
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In a greased 8×8 baking dish, evenly spread the hash brown potatoes. Evenly sprinkle bell peppers on top. Layer with half of the bacon pieces, followed by half of the green onions.
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Spread shredded cheddar evenly on top, followed by remaining bacon and remaining green onions. Pour egg mixture over entire dish.
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Cover tightly and chill overnight (you can also bake right away if you’re preparing the entire dish in the morning.)
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Preheat oven to 350°F., with rack on lower middle position. Let casserole sit at room temp while oven is preheating. Bake uncovered, 40 to 50 minutes or until top is golden brown and puffy and set.
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Let rest at room temp 5-10 minutes before serving. Leftovers can be chilled and reheated nicely.
Video
Notes
- Overnight Prep: Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly with foil, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Microwave individual slices for 45–60 seconds, or bake in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes, until heated through.
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Nutrition
What to Serve With Bacon and Egg Casserole
Fruit & Greens
- Serve with a bright mango salad or fresh berries to balance the savory bacon and cheese.
Bakery & Sweets
- Pair with our Easy Cinnamon Rolls or warm blueberry muffins for the ultimate brunch spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, and that’s the whole point. Assemble it, cover tightly, and chill up to 24 hours. Let it sit out while the oven preheats, then bake. You can also freeze baked slices wrapped in foil for up to 2 months
Evaporated milk keeps the egg custard rich and creamy. It’s richer than regular milk with less water, so the custard stays creamy and the hash browns don’t get soggy.
Definitely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat out any excess moisture with a paper towel first.
Thaw and pat dry. If you’re using frozen hash browns instead of refrigerated ones, make sure they are completely thawed and squeezed dry in paper towels. Also, baking it uncovered lets excess steam escape so the top stays beautifully golden and crisp.
Absolutely. To make it gluten-free, double-check that your shredded hash browns and bacon don’t contain added gluten binders. For dairy-free, swap the evaporated milk for unsweetened dairy-free milk (like unsweetened almond or oat milk) and use your favorite meltable plant-based cheddar cheese.
For an easy morning, pop an individual slice in the microwave for 45–60 seconds. If you have a few extra minutes and want that freshly baked texture, heat it in a toaster oven or 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes until warm and bubbly.
More to Cook and Eat
- Bacon Bread: Adding bacon to your bread is never a bad idea. Savory and delicious.
- Bacon Hash Brown Casserole: Another hearty recipe that is a great start to the day.
- Chopped Egg and Bacon Sandwiches: These are perfect for meal prep to have a tasty option, ready to eat.
- Fried Egg Burger: You haven’t had a burger until you’ve tried it this way. So good.
