Slow-Cooker Hashbrown Casserole

Slow-Cooker Hashbrown Casserole: A Hearty Side Dish

If you’re searching for a delicious and easy-to-make slow-cooker dish, the Slow-Cooker Hashbrown Casserole is a must-try. Whether it’s for breakfast, a hearty dinner, or a cozy family gathering, this dish hits all the right notes. It brings to mind the cheesy hashbrowns served at Cracker Barrel—comforting, rich, and oh-so-satisfying. You can even add your own twist by swapping out the sausage for bacon or ham. Let’s dive into how to make this classic dish that’s bound to become a staple at your table.

Recipe Details:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 hours (low setting)

Servings: 8

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 32 ounces frozen shredded hashbrowns
• 1 pound ground pork sausage, browned and drained
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 dozen eggs, beaten
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Simple Steps to Make Slow-Cooker Hashbrown Casserole

1. Layer the Ingredients:
   Start by greasing your slow cooker. Then, place ⅓ of the hashbrowns, sausage, onion, green pepper, and cheese in layers. Repeat this process two more times, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
2. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
   In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker.
3. Cook:
   Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 10 hours. The low and slow cooking method allows all the flavors to meld perfectly, giving you that creamy, cheesy goodness.
4. Serve:
   This casserole serves eight people, making it ideal for family breakfasts, potlucks, or holiday brunches.

Expert Tips for Success

• Make it Your Own: Feel free to substitute the sausage with bacon or ham for a different flavor profile.
• Add Veggies: For an extra boost of nutrients, consider adding mushrooms or spinach into the layers.
• Cheese Variations: If you prefer a sharper flavor, swap out the cheddar for pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese.

FAQs

Can I use fresh hashbrowns instead of frozen?
Yes, you can, but frozen hashbrowns provide consistent texture and ensure the dish doesn’t get too mushy during the long cooking time.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the slow cooker in the morning and let it cook.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
No worries! You can bake this casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 60-75 minutes until the eggs are fully cooked.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 32 ounces frozen shredded hashbrowns
• 1 pound ground pork sausage, browned and drained
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 dozen eggs, beaten
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Simple Steps to Make Slow-Cooker Hashbrown Casserole

1. Layer the Ingredients:
   Start by greasing your slow cooker. Then, place ⅓ of the hashbrowns, sausage, onion, green pepper, and cheese in layers. Repeat this process two more times, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
2. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
   In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker.
3. Cook:
   Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 10 hours. The low and slow cooking method allows all the flavors to meld perfectly, giving you that creamy, cheesy goodness.
4. Serve:
   This casserole serves eight people, making it ideal for family breakfasts, potlucks, or holiday brunches.

Expert Tips for Success

• Make it Your Own: Feel free to substitute the sausage with bacon or ham for a different flavor profile.
• Add Veggies: For an extra boost of nutrients, consider adding mushrooms or spinach into the layers.
• Cheese Variations: If you prefer a sharper flavor, swap out the cheddar for pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese.

FAQs

Can I use fresh hashbrowns instead of frozen?
Yes, you can, but frozen hashbrowns provide a consistent texture and ensure the dish doesn’t get too mushy during the long cooking time.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the slow cooker in the morning and let it cook.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
No worries! You can bake this casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 60-75 minutes until the eggs are fully cooked.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Slow-Cooker Hashbrown Casserole isn’t just about convenience—it’s a crowd-pleaser packed with flavor.

One reviewer said,

“I made this for a family brunch, and everyone went back for seconds. It was the easiest dish to prepare, and the slow cooker did all the work!”

The numbers back it up too—research shows that slow-cooker meals save an average of 2 hours of active cooking time per week, making them a favorite for busy families. With a dish like this, you’ll not only save time but also win over even the pickiest eaters.