Loaded Hash Brown Casserole for Holiday Brunch

Introduction

Loaded Hash Brown Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for holiday brunch. Hearty, savory, and packed with comforting flavors, this dish brings together crispy golden hash browns, gooey cheese, and all your favorite toppings in one irresistible bake. Its rich, comforting texture and built-in versatility make it a go-to option for large gatherings—guests can help themselves, and it holds beautifully on a buffet. Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch or want to add some indulgence to a special morning, this casserole offers both ease and wow factor.

Why This Loaded Hash Brown Casserole Is a Must-Make

This recipe is loved for its combination of flavors and textures. With crispy potatoes, melty cheese, savory bacon, fresh scallions, and creamy sour cream, each bite delivers a satisfying medley that is sure to win over any brunch guest. The best part? Everything is assembled in one pan, making preparation and clean-up simple—perfect for holiday mornings when you want to spend more time celebrating and less in the kitchen.

Casserole Filling Tips for Extra Flavor

For maximum flavor, use thawed frozen hash browns and blend with sour cream, sharp cheddar, and a touch of cream cheese. Add cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham for an even heartier result. Sauté diced onions and bell peppers for extra color and depth. Mix all your ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of cheese and bacon—this guarantees every scoop is loaded with goodness.

Assembling and Baking Your Loaded Hash Brown Casserole

Layer your hash brown mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top generously with more shredded cheese and a sprinkling of crisp bacon. Bake until bubbling and golden on top. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before cutting into squares—this keeps the slices neat for serving. Top with fresh scallions, chives, or parsley for a finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions for a Festive Holiday Spread

Pair your loaded casserole with a fresh fruit platter, a mixed greens salad, and warm pastries for a complete holiday brunch. Set out extra toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or hot sauce for guests who like a customized kick. This dish also pairs wonderfully with mimosas or a festive hot cocoa bar.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 8 to 10 hearty servings. Depending on toppings and serving size, each portion provides approximately 350–400 calories. With protein from eggs and bacon, and fiber from vegetables, it offers a satisfying start to your holiday festivities.

Loaded Hash Brown Casserole Recap

Crispy, cheesy, and packed with delicious mix-ins: this casserole strikes the perfect balance between comfort and celebration. It’s endlessly customizable and always crowd-approved—a staple for your holiday brunch tradition.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section, making holiday meal prep stress-free and grocery trips quick and efficient!

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole or baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onion and bell pepper (if using) until soft, about 4 minutes. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, stir together thawed hash browns, half of the shredded cheese, cooked bacon or ham, sour cream, cream cheese, condensed soup, melted butter, sautéed onion and peppers, and scallions. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Spread the hash brown mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and extra bacon on top.
5. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly hot and the cheese is golden and melted.
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with scallions, parsley, or chives before serving.

Weekly Meal Planning

Loaded Hash Brown Casserole works perfectly for make-ahead breakfasts and holiday brunches. Save and schedule this recipe with CookifyAI to plan brunches or breakfasts throughout the week. It automatically calculates your total ingredient needs and creates a master shopping list organized by store section.

Planning Benefits:

• Consolidates ingredients from all weekly recipes
• Organizes shopping lists by grocery aisle for fast trips
• Prevents doubling up or missing ingredients
• Makes weekly and holiday meal prep a breeze

Pro tip: Schedule this casserole alongside other holiday brunch favorites. CookifyAI will total overlapping ingredients—like cheese, eggs, or onions—making shopping cost-effective and avoiding last-minute store runs. Give it a try: plan your holiday menu now!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

This casserole’s bold flavors, creamy texture, and brunch-friendly serving style make it a winner for holiday gatherings. Enjoy effortless meal planning and stress-free cooking this season!