If you’re looking for a savory, satisfying, and easy-to-make breakfast, the Hashbrown Denver Omelette Bake is the perfect dish to add to your morning routine. Combining the classic flavors of a Denver omelette—ham, onions, and bell peppers—with crispy hash browns and melty cheese, this casserole is a one-pan wonder that makes breakfast both effortless and delicious.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting brunch, or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers rich flavors, a hearty texture, and a golden, cheesy topping that makes it irresistible. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels indulgent but is also packed with protein, vegetables, and energy-boosting ingredients.
Why This Hashbrown Denver Omelette Bake is a Must-Try
Breakfast casseroles have long been a staple for busy mornings and weekend brunches, but this recipe takes it up a notch. Here’s why it stands out:
1. All the Flavors of a Denver Omelette in One Dish
A classic Denver omelette (sometimes called a Western omelette) is known for its savory combination of diced ham, onions, and bell peppers. This dish takes that beloved flavor profile and transforms it into a baked casserole, making it easier to prepare and serve for a crowd.
2. Crispy Hash Browns Add a Perfect Texture
Instead of a simple egg base, this casserole incorporates shredded hash browns, creating a crispy, golden layer at the bottom. The contrast between the fluffy eggs and crunchy potatoes adds depth and makes each bite more satisfying.
3. A Cheese Lover’s Dream
Cheese is the glue that brings this dish together. The sharpness of pepper Jack, the richness of cheddar, and the gooey texture when melted make this casserole a truly indulgent experience.
4. A Great Make-Ahead Option
This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning, making it ideal for holidays, brunch gatherings, or busy weekday mornings.
5. Fully Customizable
One of the best things about this dish is that it’s easy to modify based on your preferences. You can:
- Swap ham for bacon or sausage.
- Add more vegetables like mushrooms, tomatoes, or spinach.
- Make it spicier with jalapeños or extra hot sauce.
- Use different cheeses like Swiss or Gouda for a unique twist.
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- Ham: 2 (8-ounce) ham steaks, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 3 cups)
- Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion (chopped), 1 medium green bell pepper (chopped)
- Hash Browns: 1 (16-ounce) package of frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- Cheeses: 4 ounces sharp pepper Jack cheese (shredded), 2 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese (shredded)
Seasonings:
- Kosher Salt: 2 teaspoons
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
Egg Mixture:
- Eggs: 8 large
- Whole Milk: 1 cup
- Sour Cream: 3/4 cup
- Hot Sauce (Optional): 2 teaspoons
Other Essentials:
- Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Cooking Spray
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook the Ham and Vegetables:
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook ham, onion, and bell pepper for 10 minutes until ham browns and onions are translucent.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Spread hash browns evenly in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle pepper Jack cheese over the hash browns.
- Add the cooked ham and vegetables evenly.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sour cream, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour over the layered ingredients.
- Add the Cheddar Cheese:
- Sprinkle Cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until eggs are set and top is golden brown.
- Serve & Garnish:
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or additional toppings as desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: ~15g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
Secrets to the Perfect Hashbrown Denver Omelette Bake
Even though this dish is simple to make, a few small details can elevate it from good to great.
1. Use Fully Thawed and Dried Hash Browns
Frozen hash browns contain a lot of excess moisture, which can make the casserole soggy instead of crispy. Make sure to thaw and pat them dry with a paper towel before layering them into the baking dish.
2. Brown the Ham and Vegetables Before Baking
Cooking the ham, onions, and bell peppers beforehand brings out their natural sweetness and creates a more complex, caramelized flavor. It also helps remove excess moisture, preventing the casserole from becoming watery.
3. Use Whole Milk or Cream for a Richer Texture
A Denver omelette typically has a light, fluffy texture, and the same principle applies to this bake. Using whole milk, heavy cream, or sour cream in the egg mixture creates a creamier, more custard-like consistency.
4. Bake Until Golden and Set
This casserole is best when baked until the eggs are completely set and the top is golden brown. The cheese should be melted and slightly crispy around the edges for the best texture and flavor.
5. Let It Rest Before Slicing
Letting the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after baking allows the eggs to firm up slightly, making it easier to slice into clean portions.
Tasty Variations to Try
Once you master the base recipe, you can experiment with different flavors to suit any occasion.
1. Spicy Southwest Hashbrown Omelette Bake
- Add diced green chilies or jalapeños for extra heat.
- Use pepper Jack cheese and a pinch of smoked paprika for a bold flavor.
- Serve with salsa and avocado slices for a Tex-Mex twist.
2. Loaded Veggie Hashbrown Bake
- Swap the ham for sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and spinach.
- Use Swiss or feta cheese for a lighter, Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
- Top with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for brightness.
3. Meat Lover’s Hashbrown Omelette Bake
- Combine ham, crumbled bacon, and cooked breakfast sausage for a protein-packed version.
- Use extra-sharp cheddar for a bold cheese flavor.
4. Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free Version
- Replace dairy milk with almond or oat milk.
- Use dairy-free cheese substitutes or omit the cheese altogether.
- Ensure your hash browns are gluten-free by checking the packaging.
FAQs About Hashbrown Denver Omelette Bake
1. Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Simply bake it fresh in the morning.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
3. Can I Freeze This Dish?
Absolutely! Bake the casserole, let it cool completely, then cut it into portions and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
4. Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?
Yes! You can grate fresh potatoes, but make sure to squeeze out all excess moisture using a kitchen towel before using them in the recipe.
5. What’s the Best Way to Reheat the Casserole?
For the best texture, reheat it in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes. If you’re short on time, microwave it for 1–2 minutes per serving.
Final Thoughts: A Crowd-Pleasing Breakfast That Never Fails
The Hashbrown Denver Omelette Bake is the perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it an ideal dish for breakfast, brunch, or even a breakfast-for-dinner night. It’s easy to prepare, highly customizable, and packed with protein, veggies, and gooey melted cheese—everything you need for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to prep an easy, hearty breakfast for the week, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. So, next time you’re planning a weekend brunch or need a make-ahead breakfast, give this cheesy, savory, and irresistible omelette bake a try—you won’t regret it!
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Best Hashbrown Denver Omelette Bake
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Denver Omelette Hashbrown Casserole combines all the hearty flavors of a classic Denver omelette with the comforting layers of a hashbrown casserole. Packed with savory ham, sautéed onions, green bell peppers, and gooey cheese, it’s a perfect dish for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner. Easy to prepare and customizable to your taste, this casserole will become a family favorite in no time!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 (8-ounce) ham steaks, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 3 cups)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped (about 1 1/4 cups)
- 1 (16-ounce) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 4 ounces sharp pepper Jack cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
- 2 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1/2 cup)
Egg Mixture:
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra shredded cheese
- Salsa
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Cook the Ham and Vegetables:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ham, onion, and green bell pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the ham is lightly browned and the onions are translucent.
- Remove the skillet from heat and set the mixture aside.
Layer the Ingredients:
- Spread the thawed hash browns evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the pepper Jack cheese over the hash browns.
- Evenly distribute the cooked ham and vegetable mixture over the cheese layer.
Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, hot sauce (if using), 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layers in the baking dish, ensuring even coverage.
Add the Cheddar Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
Bake the Casserole:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or any additional toppings of your choice.
- Serve warm, and enjoy your flavorful breakfast casserole!
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the fully baked casserole in individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Customization: Add mushrooms, diced tomatoes, or spinach for extra veggies. Swap out the ham for cooked bacon or sausage if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
