This Cheesy Hash Brown Pie is crispy on the edges, creamy in the center, and loaded with comforting potato and cheese flavor. Shredded hash browns form the base of the dish, while eggs, sour cream, cheddar, and simple seasonings turn it into an easy casserole-style pie that works for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
It is a great recipe for using frozen hash browns because there is very little prep. Everything comes together in one bowl, goes into a pie dish, and bakes until golden and bubbling. The result is hearty enough to serve on its own but also pairs well with eggs, bacon, sausage, salad, or roasted vegetables.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is easy, flexible, and made with familiar ingredients. The hash browns give the pie structure, while the cheddar melts into the filling and creates crisp cheesy edges.
It is also easy to customize. Add cooked bacon, sausage, ham, green onions, peppers, mushrooms, or extra cheese depending on what you have available.
Ingredients
- 1 bag frozen shredded hash browns, 30 ounces, thawed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley, optional
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cup cooked crumbled bacon
- 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1 cup sautéed mushrooms
- 1/2 cup extra shredded cheese for topping
Ingredient Notes
Hash browns: Thaw the frozen hash browns before mixing so they bake evenly. If they are very wet, press them gently with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the strongest flavor. Monterey Jack, Colby, pepper Jack, or a cheddar blend can also be used.
Sour cream: Sour cream makes the filling rich and creamy. Plain Greek yogurt can be substituted for a slightly lighter version.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the potatoes and cheese together so the pie slices cleanly after resting.
How to Make Cheesy Hash Brown Pie
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate or similar baking dish.
- Place the thawed hash browns in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the melted butter and stir until the potatoes are lightly coated.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, sour cream, and milk until smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture over the hash browns.
- Fold everything together until evenly combined.
- Add any optional cooked meat or vegetables.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pie dish.
- Press it gently into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes, until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- If using an instant-read thermometer, the center should reach at least 160°F for the egg mixture.
- Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with green onions or parsley and serve warm.
How to Get Crispy Edges
Removing excess moisture from the thawed hash browns is one of the easiest ways to improve texture. Wet potatoes steam rather than brown.
A metal or ceramic pie dish works well, but a cast-iron skillet can create especially crisp edges.
Do not cover the pie while baking. The uncovered surface allows moisture to escape and the cheese to brown.
For extra crispness, bake the pie for the final three to five minutes under the broiler, watching carefully so the cheese does not burn.
How to Prevent a Watery Hash Brown Pie
Drain or dry the potatoes if they release a lot of moisture after thawing. Vegetables such as mushrooms should also be cooked before adding because they release water in the oven.
Let the pie rest after baking. The filling continues to set as it cools slightly, making it easier to slice.
If using very watery sour cream or yogurt, reduce the milk slightly.
Easy Variations
For bacon cheddar hash brown pie, fold cooked crumbled bacon into the filling and sprinkle a little more over the top.
For sausage breakfast pie, brown breakfast sausage, drain it well, and add it before baking.
For ham and cheese pie, use diced cooked ham and Swiss cheese in place of part of the cheddar.
For a vegetable version, add sautéed peppers, onions, spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli.
For a spicy version, use pepper Jack cheese, jalapeños, and a pinch of cayenne.
What to Serve with Cheesy Hash Brown Pie
For breakfast or brunch, serve it with scrambled eggs, fried eggs, bacon, sausage, fruit, or toast.
For lunch or dinner, pair it with a green salad, roasted vegetables, tomato soup, or grilled chicken.
A spoonful of sour cream, salsa, hot sauce, or chopped chives also makes a great topping.
Make-Ahead Instructions
The pie can be assembled several hours ahead. Cover the unbaked dish and refrigerate until ready to cook.
When baking directly from the refrigerator, add approximately five to 10 minutes to the baking time and check that the center is fully set.
You can also bake the pie ahead, cool it, refrigerate it, and reheat individual slices as needed.
Storage and Reheating
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.
Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes for the best texture. The microwave also works, though the edges will be softer.
To freeze, cool the pie completely and wrap individual slices tightly. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Printable Recipe Card
Cheesy Hash Brown Pie
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 to 50 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Category: Breakfast, brunch, or dinner
Cooking Method: Oven
Quick Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Combine thawed hash browns, butter, onion, seasonings, and cheese.
- Whisk eggs, sour cream, and milk.
- Mix everything together and transfer to a greased pie dish.
- Top with cheese.
- Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until golden and set.
- Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Hash Brown Pie is an easy, comforting recipe with crispy potatoes, melted cheddar, and a creamy savory center. It is simple enough for a weekday meal but also perfect for brunches, holidays, and potlucks.
Keep the hash browns fairly dry, bake the pie uncovered, and let it rest before slicing for the best golden edges and firm, cheesy center.