Denver Omelette Hashbrown Casserole: A Comforting Breakfast Classic

Have you ever wished you could combine all the best parts of breakfast into one dish? With this Denver omelette hashbrown casserole, you don’t have to choose between eggs, hash browns, ham, or cheese. This hearty casserole is a one-dish wonder that brings together all the flavors of a classic Denver omelette and transforms them into a filling, flavorful meal.

Perfect for brunch, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this casserole is as practical as it is delicious. Plus, the combination of creamy eggs, cheesy hash browns, and smoky ham will leave everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Denver Omelette Hashbrown Casserole

• All-in-one meal: This casserole combines protein, carbs, and veggies in one dish.
• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for family brunches, potlucks, or holidays.
• Customizable: Swap out ingredients to make it your own (vegetarian options, anyone?).
• Make-ahead friendly: Assemble it the night before and bake in the morning for stress-free breakfast prep.
• Loaded with flavor: From pepper Jack cheese to a hint of hot sauce, every bite is packed with flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this savory breakfast casserole:

Main Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Ham steaks (cut into ½-inch pieces)	2 (8-ounce) pieces
Yellow onion (chopped)	1 medium
Green bell pepper (chopped)	1 medium
Frozen shredded hash browns (thawed)	1 (16-ounce) package
Large eggs	8

Dairy Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Sharp pepper Jack cheese (shredded)	4 ounces
Sharp Cheddar cheese (shredded)	2 ounces
Whole milk	1 cup
Sour cream	¾ cup

Seasonings and Oils

Ingredient	Amount
Kosher salt	2 teaspoons
Black pepper	½ teaspoon
Hot sauce	2 teaspoons
Vegetable oil	1 tablespoon
Cooking spray	As needed

Step-by-Step Recipe for Denver Omelette Hashbrown Casserole

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Dish

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. Cook the Ham, Onions, and Bell Peppers

Heat the Skillet

• In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Sauté the Mixture

• Add the ham pieces, chopped onion, and chopped green bell pepper to the skillet.
• Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the ham is lightly browned and the onions become translucent.
• Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Mix the Hashbrown Layer

• In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • 1 (16-ounce) package of thawed shredded hash browns
  • 4 ounces shredded pepper Jack cheese
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Stir until the hash browns are evenly coated with the seasonings and cheese.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Layer the Hash Browns

• Spread the hash brown mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Add the Ham Mixture

• Distribute the cooked ham, onion, and bell pepper mixture evenly over the hash brown layer.

5. Prepare the Egg Mixture

• In a large bowl, whisk together:
  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ¾ cup sour cream
  • 2 teaspoons hot sauce
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Mix until the egg mixture is smooth and well combined.

6. Pour and Top

• Pour the egg mixture evenly over the ham layer in the baking dish.
• Sprinkle 2 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese over the top for a golden, cheesy finish.

7. Bake the Casserole

Bake Covered

• Cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.

Bake Uncovered

• Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly.

8. Let It Rest and Serve

• Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
• Serve warm with your favorite breakfast sides, like fresh fruit, toast, or extra hot sauce for spice lovers.

Tips for Making the Perfect Denver Omelette Hashbrown Casserole

• Thaw the hash browns: Make sure your hash browns are fully thawed to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
• Grate your own cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and has a smoother texture compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese.
• Adjust the spice: Add more or less hot sauce based on your preference. You can also sprinkle in red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake as directed.
• Let it rest: Giving the casserole a few minutes to rest after baking ensures clean slices and better texture.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	~320
Protein	~18g
Carbohydrates	~15g
Fat	~22g
Fiber	~2g
Sodium	~750mg

Creative Variations

1. Make It Vegetarian

• Replace the ham with sautéed mushrooms or extra veggies like zucchini and spinach.

2. Add More Veggies

• Stir in diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or shredded carrots for more color and nutrients.

3. Use Different Cheeses

• Swap out the pepper Jack and Cheddar for mozzarella, Gouda, or Swiss cheese.

4. Go Low-Carb

• Skip the hash browns and layer the casserole with cooked cauliflower rice instead.

5. Add a Crunchy Topping

• Sprinkle crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs over the cheese layer before baking for a crispy topping.

Serving Suggestions

Denver omelette hashbrown casserole is a hearty dish on its own, but here are a few serving ideas:

• With a side salad: Pair it with a fresh garden salad or fruit salad for a balanced meal.
• With toast or muffins: Serve alongside buttery toast or savory muffins to round out the meal.
• With extra toppings: Offer sour cream, salsa, or fresh avocado slices as optional toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, you can shred fresh potatoes using a box grater. Just make sure to squeeze out the excess moisture before mixing them with the cheese and seasonings.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.

3. Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

4. Can I use a different protein?

Of course! You can substitute the ham with cooked bacon, sausage, or even shredded chicken.

5. What’s the best way to reheat this casserole?

Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.

6. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based milk, dairy-free sour cream, and vegan cheese to make the recipe dairy-free.

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Breakfast Casserole

Denver omelette hashbrown casserole is the perfect dish for breakfast or brunch, combining all your favorite ingredients in one warm, cheesy bake. Its simplicity, bold flavors, and versatility make it a must-try recipe for busy mornings, weekend gatherings, or special occasions.

So, why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to this crowd-pleasing dish today!

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