Instant Pot Hash Brown Casserole

Introduction

Savory, creamy, and loaded with flavor, this Instant Pot Hash Brown Casserole is the perfect solution for busy mornings or hearty brunches. The magic lies in the combination of comforting hash browns, melty cheese, and smoky bacon, all streamlined in your pressure cooker. This breakfast casserole is a hit for family gatherings, potlucks, or any time you need a crowd-pleaser that’s both delicious and effortless.

Why This Hash Brown Casserole Stands Out

The beauty of this recipe isn’t just in its crave-worthy taste or texture—it’s the ease. Cooking everything in an Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart allows you to save precious time and minimize cleanup, without compromising on homestyle flavor. The result is a golden-brown casserole with a creamy interior and crispy topping, studded with pieces of bacon—a true breakfast upgrade.

Building Layers of Flavor

Begin by sautéing diced onions and bacon until fragrant and lightly crisped, leaning on quality ingredients for maximum depth. Using a vegetable chopper, like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, saves time and helps you achieve even cuts for perfect bites. Layer in hash browns, cheese, and a creamy egg mixture to create a dish that’s texturally satisfying and packed with flavor throughout.

Effortless Assembly and Cooking with the Instant Pot

Your Instant Pot Duo keeps the process simple. Sauté directly in the pot, then mix and dump for a truly hands-off experience. Using parchment paper rounds (try the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet) ensures your casserole releases cleanly, preserving those beautiful layers when serving.

Serving, Storing, & Reheating Tips

Carefully lift your finished casserole, let it sit for a few minutes, then cut into wedges. Use a heat-resistant spatula or a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch for reheating individual servings—its nonstick properties keep breakfast easy and mess-free. Leftovers keep well in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup), making meal prep even simpler.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

Each serving of this Instant Pot Hash Brown Casserole (based on 8 servings per batch) contains approximately 320–370 calories, with a satisfying balance of protein, carbs, and fats from the eggs, cheese, and bacon. Enjoy it as an occasional indulgence or as a make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings.

Instant Pot Hash Brown Casserole Recap

This Instant Pot Hash Brown Casserole hits every note: creamy, crispy, cheesy, and smoky—all with minimal fuss. Whether you’re preparing brunch for a group or making your mornings stress-free, its irresistible flavor and texture will keep everyone coming back for more.

Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart to sauté mode. Add chopped bacon and cook until crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Remove bacon pieces and set aside, reserving 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the pot.
2. Add diced onion to the pot. Sauté until soft and translucent, 2-3 minutes. Turn off sauté mode and remove onions.
3. In a large bowl, mix together hash browns, sautéed onions, half the cooked bacon, 1½ cups cheese, sour cream, milk, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly combined (a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper is handy for prepping veggies, and a meat and potato masher can help combine ingredients).
4. Line the bottom of the Instant Pot with a round of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy removal.
5. Pour hash brown mixture into the prepared Instant Pot insert and smooth the top.
6. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon over the top of the casserole.
7. Secure the lid. Set to Pressure Cook or Manual, high pressure, for 25 minutes. Allow a 10-minute natural pressure release, then quick release any remaining steam.
8. Using kitchen mitts, carefully lift the casserole out. Let rest for 5 minutes, then cut into wedges and serve garnished with chives, if desired.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes (including pressure build and release)

Total Time: 50 minutes

Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, bacon-laced breakfast casserole—made simple and fast thanks to the Instant Pot!