Description
This Easy Denver Omelet Hash Brown Casserole is a hearty and flavorful breakfast or brunch dish featuring sautéed onions, bell peppers, diced ham, and shredded hash browns baked with eggs and cheddar cheese. It combines classic Denver omelet flavors with the convenience of a casserole, making it perfect for meal prep or casual weekend mornings.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Meat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 8 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped chives or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch or similar-sized baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Sauté Vegetables and Ham: Heat the olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and both diced bell peppers, cooking for 3–4 minutes until they are softened. Add the diced cooked ham and cook for an additional 2 minutes to warm through and blend flavors, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Mix Egg Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 8 large eggs, ½ cup milk, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until fully combined and slightly frothy.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the thawed shredded hash browns, sautéed vegetables with ham, and ¾ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the egg mixture, ensuring an even distribution of all components.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top to create a golden cheesy crust during baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top turns a nice golden brown color.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use pre-diced ham or leftover holiday ham to save time.
- For extra flavor, consider adding mushrooms or substituting cheddar cheese with pepper jack cheese.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it an excellent option for meal prep or brunch.
