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The Ultimate Egg & Hash Brown Breakfast Pie: A Perfect Weekend Brunch Recipe

Weekends in our home often revolve around a cherished tradition: brunch. Whether we attend church on a Saturday evening or a Sunday morning usually dictates the style of our brunch. If we choose the Sunday service, it’s often followed by a delightful meal out, a chance to explore local eateries. However, opting for a Saturday evening service brings its own unique charm – a slower start to Sunday, allowing us to sleep in and enjoy a relaxed, pajama-clad brunch right at home. These tranquil mornings are when the most comforting and creative breakfast recipes come to life!

Our home brunch menu is wonderfully flexible. Some Sundays call for the comforting simplicity of eggs and bacon, a timeless classic that always hits the spot. Other times, I feel inspired to venture into new culinary territory, transforming familiar ingredients into something truly special. This particular recipe for an Egg & Hash Brown Breakfast Pie was born out of one such inspired weekend, driven by a craving for a hearty, satisfying dish that didn’t require extensive pre-planning.

Crafting the Perfect Savory Breakfast Pie for Brunch

My children, much like many kids, absolutely adore hash browns. Combine those crispy, golden potato strands with the savory crunch of bacon, and you’ve got a guaranteed winner in our household! On this specific weekend, I was eager to create a breakfast casserole. However, many of my tried-and-true casserole recipes are designed for make-ahead convenience, typically requiring an overnight refrigeration period before baking. Given it was already 10 AM, and our appetites were growing, waiting until tomorrow simply wasn’t an option. This spontaneous situation called for an immediate, delicious solution – a culinary experiment that would result in a satisfying dish ready to enjoy in a fraction of the time.

The outcome of that delightful improvisation? A truly remarkable pie, featuring a wonderfully crispy hash brown crust, generously filled with savory crumbled bacon, light and fluffy eggs, soft bread cubes, subtle notes of green onion, and rich, melted Swiss cheese. This breakfast pie quickly became a family favorite, proving that some of the best recipes arise from a blend of necessity and creativity. It’s a comforting, wholesome, and surprisingly easy dish that perfectly captures the essence of a relaxed weekend brunch.

Why This Egg & Hash Brown Pie is a Must-Try Recipe

This Egg & Hash Brown Breakfast Pie isn’t just another item on your breakfast rotation; it’s a revelation that will elevate your weekend meals. Here’s why this savory pie deserves a starring role in your kitchen:

Irresistible Hash Brown Crust: Forget soggy crusts! Our recipe ensures a gloriously golden and crispy hash brown base that not only adds incredible flavor but also provides a delightful textural contrast to the soft, custardy filling. It’s a game-changer compared to traditional pastry crusts.
Rich & Layered Flavors: Every forkful offers a harmonious blend of smoky bacon, delicate green onions, a hint of zesty Dijon mustard, and the nutty, creamy goodness of Swiss cheese. These layers of flavor create a complex and incredibly satisfying experience.
Surprisingly Simple to Prepare: Despite its gourmet appeal, this breakfast pie is remarkably straightforward to assemble. With clear, step-by-step instructions, even beginner cooks can achieve impressive results, making it perfect for a stress-free brunch.
A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re making breakfast for your immediate family or hosting a larger brunch gathering, this hearty pie is sure to be a hit. Its comforting ingredients and savory profile appeal to almost everyone.
Highly Adaptable: While the core recipe is utterly delicious, it also serves as an excellent foundation for customization. Feel free to incorporate your favorite vegetables, experiment with different types of cheese, or swap out the bacon for other savory meats.
Versatile for Any Meal: While it shines brightly as a weekend brunch centerpiece, this breakfast pie is equally fantastic for holiday mornings, a convenient weeknight “brinner” (breakfast for dinner), or even as a make-ahead option for busy weekday mornings.

Essential Ingredients for Your Savory Morning Pie

To create the most delicious Egg & Hash Brown Breakfast Pie, starting with quality ingredients is key. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is important:

Hash Brown Potatoes (4 cups, defrosted): Frozen shredded hash browns are a convenient choice. Ensure they are fully thawed before use; for an extra-crispy crust, gently squeeze out any excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel.
Green Onion (1/2 cup, sliced): These provide a mild, fresh onion flavor that enhances the overall savory profile without being overpowering.
Butter (2 Tablespoons): Used to sauté the hash browns and onions, butter contributes to the golden color and rich flavor of the crust.
Bacon (1 pound, cooked and crumbled): Crispy bacon is paramount! Cook it until perfectly rendered and shatteringly crisp, then crumble into sizable pieces. The smoky, salty notes are essential for the pie’s depth.
Italian or French Bread (4 cups, cubed without crust): The bread cubes are a crucial element, acting as a sponge to absorb the egg custard and add a wonderfully soft, yet sturdy, texture to the filling. Using crustless bread ensures a smooth, tender bite.
Cream (1 1/4 cups): Heavy cream or half-and-half will create a luxuriously rich and custardy egg filling. For a slightly lighter version, whole milk can be substituted, though the texture may be less indulgent.
Eggs (4 large): The very heart of our breakfast pie. Fresh, large eggs will give you the best structure and fluffiness.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon) & Pepper (1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon): Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors. Adjust pepper to your personal preference for a subtle or more pronounced kick.
Dijon Mustard (1 Tablespoon): This is truly the secret ingredient that elevates this pie! Dijon mustard adds a nuanced tang and depth, enhancing the eggs and cheese without imparting a strong mustard flavor. It’s a culinary trick for adding complexity.
Swiss Cheese (2 cups, shredded): Swiss cheese is chosen for its excellent melting qualities and its distinct nutty, slightly sweet flavor. Shredding cheese from a block typically yields a better melt and richer taste than pre-shredded varieties.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Egg & Hash Brown Breakfast Pie

Follow these detailed steps carefully to ensure your breakfast pie turns out perfectly golden, crispy, and utterly delicious:

Prepare Your Oven and Pie Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate and spray it generously with a non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step is key to preventing the hash brown crust from sticking and ensures your pie releases cleanly.
Cook the Bacon to Perfection: In a large skillet, cook the entire pound of bacon over medium-high heat until it reaches your desired level of crispness – typically about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease. Allow it to cool slightly, then crumble it into fairly large, discernible pieces.
Sauté the Hash Browns and Onions: Drain most of the bacon fat from the skillet, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor. Add the 2 tablespoons of butter and melt it over medium-high heat. Introduce the defrosted hash browns and sliced green onions to the skillet. Cook them for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the hash browns begin to soften and achieve a light golden-brown hue. This initial cooking step is vital for developing flavor and preventing a soggy crust.
Form the Hash Brown Crust: Carefully transfer the warm hash brown and onion mixture into your prepared pie plate. Using the back of a sturdy spoon or your clean hands, firmly press the mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the pie pan. It’s important to pack it tightly to create a stable and cohesive crust that will hold up beautifully when sliced.
Layer the Delicious Fillings: Evenly scatter the cubed bread (or bread crumbs) over the hash brown crust. These bread pieces will act as a flavorful sponge for the egg mixture. Next, generously sprinkle the crumbled, cooked bacon over the bread layer, ensuring it’s distributed throughout.
Prepare the Rich Egg Custard: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream (or milk), salt, pepper, and the secret ingredient – Dijon mustard – until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is slightly frothy. The Dijon mustard adds a subtle yet impactful depth of flavor.
Pour and Top with Cheese: Gently pour the whisked egg mixture over the bread and bacon layers in the pie dish, allowing it to seep down and evenly coat everything. Finally, sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese generously over the top of the pie.
Bake Until Golden: Place the pie plate into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25-35 minutes, or until the top appears beautifully golden brown and the egg filling is completely set in the center. To test for doneness, a knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the pie with aluminum foil.
Allow to Rest Before Serving: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool and settle for about 5 minutes before attempting to cut into slices. This brief resting period allows the egg custard to fully set, ensuring clean, intact slices that are easier to serve.

A Thought on the Cheese: The first time I prepared this delightful pie, I simply topped it with cheese. The result was a fantastically browned, delicious crust, albeit a little darker than I had initially envisioned. It tasted absolutely incredible! However, for those who prefer the cheese to be more subtly integrated and less intensely browned on top, you have an alternative: try mixing about half of the shredded Swiss cheese directly into the egg and cream mixture before pouring it into the pie. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top for that classic golden finish. Both methods yield superb results, so feel free to choose the approach that best suits your preference!

Tips for Success & Creative Variations for Your Breakfast Pie

While this Egg & Hash Brown Breakfast Pie recipe is straightforward, a few extra tips can guarantee perfect results every time. Plus, don’t hesitate to get creative with these delicious variations!

Mastering the Crispy Hash Brown Crust

Thaw and Drain Thoroughly: For an exceptionally crispy crust, it’s essential that your frozen hash browns are fully thawed. Take an extra moment to place the thawed hash browns in a clean kitchen towel and firmly squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This step is critical in preventing a watery or mushy crust.
Pre-Cook for Flavor: Don’t skip the step of sautéing the hash browns and onions in butter before pressing them into the pie pan. This not only kickstarts the browning process but also infuses the crust with an initial layer of savory flavor.
Press Firmly: When you’re forming the crust, ensure you press the hash brown mixture very firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the pie plate. A compact crust is less likely to crumble and will hold together beautifully when sliced.

Customizing Your Breakfast Pie Filling

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, offering a perfect canvas for your culinary imagination. Here are some ideas to make it uniquely yours:

Boost with Vegetables: Elevate the nutritional content and flavor by sautéing finely diced bell peppers (any color), fresh spinach (ensure it’s squeezed dry after wilting), mushrooms, or zucchini along with the hash browns and onions. Remember to cook down any high-water-content vegetables thoroughly to avoid a watery pie.
Explore Meat Alternatives: If bacon isn’t your preference, consider swapping it for crumbled breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or even chicken sausage), diced ham, or for a touch of elegance, flaked smoked salmon. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the meat or use a plant-based sausage substitute.
Cheese Adventures: While Swiss cheese is a fantastic choice, feel free to experiment with other shredded cheeses. Sharp cheddar offers a familiar tang, Gruyère adds a sophisticated nuttiness, Monterey Jack provides creamy melt, or try an Italian blend for a different character.
Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh, finely chopped herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme into the egg custard mixture for an aromatic boost and brighter flavor profile.
Add a Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes mixed into the egg custard, or a generous dash of your favorite hot sauce drizzled over the top before serving, can add a delightful fiery note.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

Bacon Prep: To save time on busy mornings, you can cook and crumble the bacon a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Hash Brown Prep: Thaw your hash browns ahead of time. You can even sauté them with the onions and press them into the pie plate, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. However, for the crispiest possible crust, preparing this step just before baking is ideal.
Storing Leftovers: Any leftover slices of breakfast pie can be stored in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Individual slices are easily reheated in the microwave until warmed through. For a delightful return of crispness to the hash brown crust, reheating in a toaster oven or conventional oven is highly recommended.

Recipe Card: Egg & Hash Brown Breakfast Pie

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Egg & Hash Brown Breakfast Pie

Egg & Hashbrown breakfast pie is perfect for a weekend brunch or breakfast, offering a hearty and flavorful start to your day.

★★★★★
5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe

Prep Time
5 mins

Cook Time
30 mins

Total Time
35 mins

Course: Breakfast/Brunch

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Egg & Hash Brown Breakfast Pie, Savory Pie

Servings: 1 pie (approx. 6-8 slices)

Calories: 7529 kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Ingredients

4 cups hash brown potatoes, defrosted
1/2 cup green onion, sliced
2 Tablespoons butter
1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
4 cups Italian or French bread, cubed without crust
1 1/4 cup cream (or substitute whole milk for a lighter option)
4 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded (freshly shredded for best melt)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Liberally spray a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate with non-stick cooking spray.
In a large skillet, cook the bacon until it is crispy. Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble into desired pieces once cooled.
Drain most of the bacon grease from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the defrosted hash browns and sliced green onions. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the hash browns are softened and lightly browned.
Carefully press the cooked hash brown and onion mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie pan to form an even crust.
Evenly place the cubed bread (or bread crumbs) over the hash brown crust, then sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top of the bread.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream (or milk), salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
Pour the whisked egg mixture evenly over the bread and bacon layers in the pie dish.
Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese over the top of the pie. (Alternatively, you can mix half the cheese into the egg mixture before pouring, then top with the remaining cheese).
Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the egg filling is completely set in the center. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.
Remove from the oven and let the pie sit for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the pie to set fully for cleaner cuts.

Nutrition

(Please note: The calorie count provided in the original source (7529kcal for 1 pie) appears to be exceptionally high and may be an error. Nutritional values are estimates and can vary significantly based on specific brands and preparation methods of ingredients used. For accurate nutritional information, it is recommended to calculate using a reliable nutritional analysis tool with your specific ingredients.)

This delightful recipe was shared at: Kitchen Dreaming: Weekend Social