This tasty Potato O’Brien Breakfast Casserole is packed with comforting flavors. You’ll love the mix of crispy potatoes, colorful peppers, and gooey cheese all baked together!
This dish is perfect for a cozy brunch, and it brings smiles to the table. I love making it the night before, so all I have to do in the morning is pop it in the oven. Easy peasy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Potatoes O’Brien: These are your star ingredient! They give the casserole its flavor and heartiness. If you don’t have them, you can use diced fresh potatoes with bell peppers instead. Just pre-cook them until tender.
Diced Cooked Ham or Bacon: Both add a delicious meaty flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey bacon or even sautéed mushrooms make great substitutes for a vegetarian version.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar brings a nice sharpness. I love using a mix of cheeses sometimes, like Monterey Jack or mozzarella, for extra creaminess. You can also skip it for a dairy-free option by using non-dairy cheese.
Eggs: Large eggs bind everything together. If you’re vegan or egg-free, mashed tofu or flax eggs can be a good alternative, but the texture will be different.
How Do You Make Sure the Eggs Are Perfectly Set?
Getting the eggs just right is key to a perfect casserole! Make sure to follow these steps:
- Whisk the eggs well with milk until fully combined. This ensures smooth texture.
- Check for doneness at the 45-minute mark by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
- If your casserole looks golden but is still wobbly in the center, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning and bake a little longer.
Letting it rest after baking lets the flavors settle and keeps it from falling apart when serving. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Potatoes O’Brien Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups frozen Potatoes O’Brien (diced potatoes with red and green bell peppers)
- 1 cup diced cooked ham or cooked bacon bits
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Egg Mixture:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
For Greasing and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil (for greasing the baking dish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 45-55 minutes to bake, totaling around 1 hour for a warm and satisfying breakfast. Plus, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving, so it’s easier to cut and serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it with butter or oil to prevent sticking later.
2. Layer the Potatoes:
In the greased baking dish, spread the frozen Potatoes O’Brien evenly along the bottom. You can use the potatoes straight from the freezer or thaw them first if you prefer. Just know that if they’re still frozen, they may take a bit longer to bake.
3. Add the Ham or Bacon:
Next, take the diced cooked ham or the bacon bits and scatter them evenly over the potatoes. This will add such a lovely flavor!
4. Sprinkle the Cheese:
Now, add about half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the potato and meat layer. This will make the casserole wonderfully cheesy!
5. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until it’s all well combined. This mix will create the creamy filling for your casserole.
6. Pour It All Together:
Gently pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered potato, ham, and cheese in the baking dish. Make sure it covers everything nicely.
7. Top with More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top. More cheese makes everything better, right?
8. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake it uncovered for 45-55 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the eggs should be set, and the top will turn a beautiful golden brown. You can check doneness by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out clean.
9. Let It Rest:
Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This help it firm up, making it easier to cut and serve.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle the sliced green onions on top for a fresh twist. Then scoop out portions and enjoy your hearty and colorful Potatoes O’Brien Breakfast Casserole!
Enjoy every cheesy, delicious bite!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh potatoes, you can use diced potatoes with red and green bell peppers. Just be sure to pre-cook them until tender before adding them to the casserole to ensure they bake evenly.
Can I Make This Breakfast Casserole Vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the eggs with a mixture of silken tofu blended until smooth or use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg, let sit until gel-like). Also, swap the shredded cheese with a dairy-free alternative and omit the meat or use plant-based protein.
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Definitely! You can assemble the entire casserole the night before. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, just pop it in the oven without needing to thaw, but be sure to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of milk if needed to keep it moist.
