Egg-cellent Hash Brown Pie: A Delicious & Easy Breakfast (or Brunch!) Recipe

Are you searching for a hearty, crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch recipe that’s both delicious and relatively simple to make? Look no further than the incredible Egg and Hash Brown Pie! This savory pie combines the comforting flavors of crispy hash browns, fluffy eggs, cheese, and your favorite breakfast fillings into one satisfying dish. It’s perfect for weekend mornings, potlucks, or even a quick and easy weeknight dinner. This recipe is endlessly customizable, allowing you to use up leftover ingredients and create your own unique variations. Let’s dive in and explore how to create this delightful culinary masterpiece!

## Why You’ll Love This Egg and Hash Brown Pie

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s highlight why this dish is a winner:

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Even beginner cooks can create a beautiful and delicious pie.
* **Customizable:** The filling options are endless! Use your favorite meats, cheeses, vegetables, and spices to create a pie that suits your taste.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This pie is perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s a great option for breakfast gatherings, potlucks, or holiday brunches.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the pie ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to serve it. This makes it ideal for busy mornings.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Hash browns and eggs are relatively inexpensive ingredients, making this a budget-friendly meal.
* **Comfort Food:** The combination of crispy potatoes, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese is pure comfort food.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create your Egg and Hash Brown Pie. Remember, this is just a base recipe – feel free to experiment and add your own personal touches!

**For the Hash Brown Crust:**

* 20 ounces frozen shredded hash browns, thawed (squeeze out excess moisture!)
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* (Optional) 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and binding.

**For the Egg Filling:**

* 8 large eggs
* 1/2 cup milk or cream (cream makes it richer!)
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend)

**Optional Filling Add-ins (choose your favorites!):**

* Cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage
* Diced ham
* Chopped vegetables (onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes)
* Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, pepper jack)
* Hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a kick
* Fresh herbs (chives, parsley, dill)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* 9-inch pie dish
* Large bowl
* Small bowl
* Whisk
* Spatula
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Oven

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the Egg and Hash Brown Pie! Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect pie every time.

**Step 1: Prepare the Hash Brown Crust**

* **Thaw and Dry Hash Browns:** The most crucial step for a crispy crust is to thaw your hash browns completely and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. Place the thawed hash browns in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and wring out the excess water. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
* **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the thawed and dried hash browns, melted butter, salt, pepper, and optional Parmesan cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
* **Press into Pie Dish:** Press the hash brown mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of your 9-inch pie dish. Make sure the crust is firmly packed to prevent it from crumbling during baking. You can use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a smooth and even surface.
* **Pre-bake the Crust (Optional but Recommended):** For a crispier crust, pre-bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. This step helps to set the crust and prevent it from becoming soggy when you add the egg filling. If you choose to pre-bake, let the crust cool slightly before adding the filling.

**Step 2: Prepare the Egg Filling**

* **Whisk Eggs:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, salt, and pepper until well combined. Make sure there are no streaks of egg yolk.
* **Add Cheese:** Stir in the shredded cheese. Reserve a small amount of cheese to sprinkle on top of the pie before baking (optional).
* **Add Filling Add-ins:** If using any optional filling add-ins (cooked bacon, sausage, vegetables, etc.), gently fold them into the egg mixture. Be careful not to overmix.

**Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Pie**

* **Pour Filling into Crust:** Pour the egg filling evenly into the prepared hash brown crust.
* **Top with Cheese (Optional):** Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the pie.
* **Bake:** Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the crust is golden brown. The center of the pie should no longer jiggle when you gently shake the dish.
* **Let Rest:** Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set further and makes it easier to cut.

## Tips for Success

* **Dry Hash Browns are Key:** As mentioned earlier, squeezing out excess moisture from the hash browns is crucial for a crispy crust. Don’t skip this step!
* **Pre-bake the Crust:** While optional, pre-baking the crust is highly recommended for a crispier and more stable base.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the pie can result in a dry and rubbery filling. Keep a close eye on it and remove it from the oven when the eggs are set but still slightly moist.
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will enhance the flavor of your pie.
* **Customize to Your Liking:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and flavors. This recipe is very versatile, so get creative!

## Variations and Additions

The possibilities for customizing this Egg and Hash Brown Pie are endless! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* **Meat Lover’s Pie:** Add cooked and crumbled bacon, sausage, and ham to the filling.
* **Vegetarian Pie:** Add chopped onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, and other vegetables to the filling.
* **Spicy Pie:** Add hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to the filling.
* **Mediterranean Pie:** Add crumbled feta cheese, chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach to the filling.
* **Mexican Pie:** Add chorizo, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and pepper jack cheese to the filling. Top with salsa and sour cream after baking.
* **Cheesy Pie:** Use a blend of different cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and Gruyere.

## Serving Suggestions

Egg and Hash Brown Pie is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to complete your meal:

* **Serve with a side of fresh fruit or berries.**
* **Top with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or your favorite sauce.**
* **Serve with a side salad for a light and refreshing meal.**
* **Pair with a cup of coffee, tea, or juice.**

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This Egg and Hash Brown Pie is perfect for making ahead of time. You can assemble the entire pie (including the filling) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the pie is cold from the refrigerator.

Alternatively, you can pre-bake the hash brown crust and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Then, prepare the egg filling and bake as directed when you’re ready to serve.

## Storage Instructions

Leftover Egg and Hash Brown Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual slices or bake the entire pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

## Recipe Card: Egg and Hash Brown Pie

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 30-40 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* **For the Hash Brown Crust:**
* 20 ounces frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and drained
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* (Optional) 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* **For the Egg Filling:**
* 8 large eggs
* 1/2 cup milk or cream
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 cup shredded cheese
* **Optional Fillings:** Cooked bacon, sausage, ham, vegetables, etc.

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Crust:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Thaw and drain hash browns, squeezing out excess moisture. In a bowl, combine hash browns, melted butter, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Press into a 9-inch pie dish. Pre-bake for 15-20 minutes for a crispier crust (optional). Let cool slightly.
2. **Prepare the Filling:** In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk/cream, salt, and pepper. Stir in cheese and any desired fillings.
3. **Assemble and Bake:** Pour egg filling into the hash brown crust. Sprinkle with extra cheese (optional). Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until eggs are set and crust is golden brown.
4. **Let Rest:** Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

## Conclusion

This Egg and Hash Brown Pie is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its crispy hash brown crust, fluffy egg filling, and endless customization options, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly egg-cellent culinary experience! Happy baking!