Easy Denver Omelet Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

This Easy Denver Omelet Hash Brown Casserole combines the comforting flavors of a classic Denver omelet with the hearty satisfaction of hash browns in one magnificent dish. It’s a crowd-pleasing breakfast casserole that’s perfect for weekend family brunches or holiday mornings when you want something substantial without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of savory ham, colorful vegetables, and melty cheese folded into eggs and hash browns creates a delicious one-pan meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare it the night before and bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast or brunch.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This casserole serves 12, making it perfect for family gatherings or when you have overnight guests.
• Complete Meal: Protein, vegetables, and carbs all in one dish means you don’t need to prepare additional sides.
• Customizable: Easily adapt with whatever vegetables or cheese you have on hand.
• Minimal Prep: Just some basic chopping and mixing before the oven does all the work.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Frozen Hash Browns: The foundation of our casserole, providing that comforting potato base without the hassle of shredding potatoes yourself.
• Cubed Ham: Adds savory protein and the signature Denver omelet flavor. Pre-cubed ham saves prep time.
• Cheddar Cheese: Creates that irresistible gooey, melty texture. Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor punch.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Bring brightness and a slight acidity that balances the richness of the eggs and cheese.
• Green Bell Pepper: A Denver omelet essential, adding color and a fresh, slightly sweet crunch.
• Yellow Onion: Provides aromatic depth and traditional Denver omelet flavor.
• Garlic: Infuses the whole casserole with incredible savory notes.
• Eggs: The binding ingredient that brings everything together into a cohesive dish.
• Milk: Creates a custard-like texture when combined with the eggs for a tender casserole.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the dish.

Variations

Veggie Lovers Version

Swap the ham for additional vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a vegetarian-friendly option.

Spicy Kick

Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a morning wake-up call.

Cheese Options

Try different cheese combinations like pepper jack for spice, Swiss for a traditional Denver flavor, or a Mexican blend for a southwestern twist.

Meat Alternatives

Substitute the ham with cooked bacon, breakfast sausage, or even leftover rotisserie chicken.

How to Make Denver Omelet Hash Brown Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the frozen hash browns, cubed ham, shredded cheddar cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped bell pepper, diced onion, and minced garlic. Stir everything until well combined, then transfer this colorful mixture to your prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture

In the same bowl (no need to wash it!), whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well blended.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the hash brown mixture in the baking dish. Use the back of a wooden spoon to gently press everything down, ensuring the egg mixture is distributed throughout.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for one hour until the center is set and the edges turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 6: Rest Before Serving

Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before cutting into it. This resting time is crucial as it allows the center to finish setting and makes for cleaner slices.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Thaw the Hash Browns: Use them straight from the freezer for the best texture.
• Layer Strategically: Make sure the hash browns, vegetables, and ham are evenly distributed before adding the egg mixture.
• Check for Doneness: The casserole should be set in the center but might have a slight jiggle. The 10-minute rest will finish the cooking process.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover, refrigerate, and bake in the morning. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
• Uniform Cutting: Make sure your vegetables are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings:

Serve with a fresh fruit salad, yogurt parfaits, or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the casserole.

Topping Ideas:

Set out bowls of extra toppings like sliced avocado, salsa, sour cream, or chopped green onions so everyone can customize their serving.

Beverage Match:

Pair with coffee, orange juice, or even a spicy Bloody Mary for weekend brunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Freezing

After baking and cooling completely, cut the casserole into individual portions and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. This makes for easy grab-and-go breakfasts.

Reheating

For refrigerated leftovers, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then microwave, or reheat from frozen for 3-4 minutes. You can also reheat larger portions in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, but you’ll need to shred them yourself and pat them very dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Otherwise, your casserole may become too watery. Fresh potatoes may also require slightly longer cooking time.

What if I don’t have all the vegetables listed in the recipe?
The beauty of this casserole is its flexibility. Use whatever vegetables you have on hand – broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms all work wonderfully. Just make sure to keep the proportions similar so the egg-to-filling ratio stays balanced.

Can this recipe be made the night before?
Absolutely! Assemble everything as directed, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove it from the refrigerator while your oven preheats, then bake as directed, possibly adding 5-10 minutes to account for the cold start.

Is this casserole gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your specific ingredients, particularly the frozen hash browns and ham, as some brands may include additives containing gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Denver Omelet Hash Brown Casserole is a morning game-changer that combines convenience with incredible flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning meals for a busy week ahead, this versatile dish delivers satisfaction in every bite. The familiar flavors of a diner-style Denver omelet in an easy-to-serve format will make this a requested favorite in your home. Give it a try this weekend and watch how quickly it disappears!

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