Description
This Denver omelette hashbrown casserole brings together all your breakfast favorites—eggs, hash browns, ham, and cheese—in one hearty dish. Packed with flavor, this casserole is perfect for brunch gatherings, meal prep, or a comforting family breakfast. It’s easy to customize and can even be prepared the night before for stress-free mornings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
- Sharp pepper Jack cheese, shredded: 4 ounces
- Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded: 2 ounces
- Whole milk: 1 cup
- Sour cream: ¾ cup
Seasonings and Oils
- Kosher salt: 2 teaspoons
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Hot sauce: 2 teaspoons
- Vegetable oil: 1 tablespoon
- Cooking spray: As needed
Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Ham, Onions, and Bell Peppers
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ham pieces, chopped onion, and chopped green bell pepper to the skillet.
- Sauté for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the ham is lightly browned and the onions are translucent. Set aside.
3. Mix the Hashbrown Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Thawed shredded hash browns
- Shredded pepper Jack cheese (4 ounces)
- Kosher salt (1½ teaspoons)
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon)
- Toss until the hash browns are evenly coated.
4. Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the hash brown mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Distribute the cooked ham, onion, and bell pepper mixture evenly over the hash brown layer.
5. Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together:
- Large eggs (8)
- Whole milk (1 cup)
- Sour cream (¾ cup)
- Hot sauce (2 teaspoons)
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon)
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon)
- Mix until smooth and well combined.
6. Pour and Top
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the ham layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese (2 ounces) over the top.
7. Bake the Casserole
- Cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the center is set.
8. Let It Rest and Serve
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Serve warm with additional toppings like sour cream, salsa, or avocado.
Notes
- Thaw your hash browns: Frozen hash browns can release water during baking, so ensure they’re fully thawed and patted dry.
- Shred cheese fresh: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of your dish.
- Customize spice level: Adjust the hot sauce to your taste or add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Make-ahead option: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.
- Don’t skip resting: Resting ensures the casserole sets properly and slices cleanly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American