Sure, this recipe is called “easy egg and potato breakfast casserole”, and it’s great for brunch, but we often eat it for dinner too! It’s easy to make and customize, and a definite crowd-pleaser, which makes it a super popular choice for potlucks or brunch gatherings. Gluten-free! We think this is the best recipe for a quick and simple potato casserole.
Why Do People Love This Simple Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole?
There are many reasons why people enjoy egg and potato breakfast casseroles. Here are the reasons I hear most often.
Versatility
Egg and potato casseroles are incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, meats, herbs, and spices, which allows you to tailor the dish to specific preferences and dietary needs.
Convenience
You can easily prepare breakfast casseroles ahead of time, making them perfect for busy mornings or for serving a crowd during brunch gatherings. Assemble the casserole the night before and simply pop it in the oven in the morning, minimizing prep time.
Nutrition
Eggs are a good source of protein and essential nutrients such as vitamins D and B12. Potatoes provide carbohydrates for energy, along with vitamins and minerals like potassium and vitamin C. When combined in a casserole with other ingredients like vegetables, the result is a balanced and nutritious meal.
Comfortable and Filling
Casseroles have a comforting, home-cooked feel to them. In addition, the combination of eggs and potatoes creates a hearty and satisfying dish that keeps you feeling full and satisfied throughout the morning.
Overall, the combination of flavors, convenience, and nutritional value makes egg and potato breakfast casseroles a beloved choice for many people.
Simple Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 20 oz shredded potatoes, thawed (squeeze excess water out of the potatoes)
- 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach, cut into small pieces
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated (any type of shredded cheese will work in this recipe!)
- 8 eggs
- 1 1/3 cup milk (we use low fat milk)
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9 x 13 inch pan with cooking spray.
- Add the hashbrowns, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, spinach and 1 1/2 cups of cheese to the prepared pan. Mix ingredients together gently and spread evenly in the pan.
- Whisk the eggs, milk, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning together in a large bowl.
- Pour the egg mixture over the contents of the 9" x 13" pan. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly on the top.
- Bake uncovered for 55-60 minutes. (Depending on your oven, you may need to cook a bit longer - the middle should be firm and no longer jiggle).
Notes
Why Make an Egg and Potato Casserole?
The question should really be, “Why not?” This comfort food potato casserole is easily made in one pan, and is great for both busy weeknight dinners and weekend brunches.
In addition, they are pretty much a “no-fail” recipe. Here’s why:
Why Are Breakfast Casseroles Considered “No-Fail”?
Simple ingredients:
Egg casseroles typically consist of basic ingredients such as eggs, milk, cheese, and various mix-ins like vegetables, meats, or bread. These ingredients are readily available and easy to work with, reducing the chances of making mistakes during preparation.
Flexible recipe
Egg casseroles are highly adaptable. You can adjust the ingredients based on personal preferences, dietary restrictions, or what you have on hand. This flexibility means that even if you don’t have all the exact ingredients called for in a recipe, you can often substitute or omit certain items without negatively impacting the final dish.
Easy preparation
Most egg casserole recipes involve simple preparation steps, such as whisking together the eggs and milk, mixing in other ingredients, and baking in the oven. The straightforward process minimizes the likelihood of errors or complications during cooking.
Forgiving cooking method
Baking an egg casserole allows for even cooking and doesn’t require constant attention. Once assembled and placed in the oven, there’s little risk of overcooking or undercooking as long as you follow the recommended baking time and temperature.
Make-ahead option
Many egg casserole recipes can be assembled the night before and refrigerated overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and making them ideal for busy mornings or entertaining. This make-ahead feature means you can prepare the casserole in advance and simply bake it when ready to serve, reducing last-minute stress.
Crowd-pleaser
Egg casseroles are generally well-received by a wide range of people. Their comforting flavors and versatility make them suitable for various occasions, whether it’s a casual family breakfast or a holiday brunch gathering.
The Bottom Line
You’ll want to keep this recipe handy for an easy, healthy and quick meal for your family or friends. Who doesn’t love a “no-fail” recipe?
Thinking of making an egg and potato breakfast casserole? Let us know how you make it your own! We’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.
