Heather Heffner'S Breakfast Casserole
Hearty breakfast casserole combining crispy hash browns, savory ham, melted Swiss and Monterey Jack cheeses, baked to perfection—ideal for weekend brunch or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Press the hash brown potatoes between paper towels to remove excess moisture. Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Place the potatoes evenly in the bottom of the pan. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes until brown around the edges. Remove from oven and let stand until slightly cool, about 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.
- Layer the cooked ham and shredded cheeses on top of the potatoes.
- In a bowl, combine the beaten eggs and light cream or half and half.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the pan.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for about 25 minutes or until the center is set.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or bell peppers to the hash browns. If you prefer a spicier kick, substitute the Monterey Jack cheese with a pepper jack cheese. For a vegetarian version, replace the ham with sautéed mushrooms or spinach. This dish can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking for an easy breakfast option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the breakfast casserole warm, garnished with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for added freshness. It pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad, such as Sarah Salad, for a well-rounded meal. For a complete breakfast, consider serving it with coffee or fresh juice.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover breakfast casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Heather Heffner'S Breakfast Casserole contains roughly 888 calories, with 24g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (58% of the Daily Value), protein (48% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 521mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen hash browns instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen hash browns can be used. Just ensure they are thawed and drained of excess moisture before pressing and layering in the pan. This will help achieve the desired texture.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it in the morning, adjusting the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the ham?
For a different protein option, you can substitute the ham with cooked sausage or bacon. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, consider using sautéed mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).