Loaded Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

#### Instructions:

**1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.

**2. Layer the Hashbrowns:**
Spread the thawed hashbrowns evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Press them down slightly to create an even base for the casserole.

**3. Cook and Crumble the Bacon:**
In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess fat. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

**4. Combine the Eggs and Seasonings:**
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper until fully combined. This mixture will form the custard that holds the casserole together.

**5. Layer the Bacon and Cheese:**
Scatter the crumbled bacon evenly over the hashbrowns, followed by the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the entire dish, ensuring that the ingredients are well-distributed.

**6. Bake the Casserole:**
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center—if it comes out clean, the casserole is ready.

**7. Garnish and Serve:**
Once the casserole is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Slice it into squares and serve!

#### Tips for the Best Loaded Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole:

– **Add Veggies:** If you want to make the casserole a bit more hearty, consider adding sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. These veggies will add extra flavor and nutrients.

– **Make it Spicy:** If you love a bit of heat, sprinkle some chopped jalapeños or add hot sauce to the egg mixture. This will give the casserole an extra kick.

– **Swap the Bacon:** If you prefer sausage, you can easily swap out the bacon for cooked sausage crumbles. Ground turkey sausage is another great option if you’re looking for a leaner alternative.

– **Meal Prep-Friendly:** This casserole is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble it the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven and bake as usual.

– **Freezer-Friendly:** If you have leftovers or want to make this casserole ahead of time for a later date, it freezes well. Simply bake the casserole, let it cool, and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To reheat, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

#### Why You’ll Love This Loaded Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole:

This casserole is the ultimate breakfast comfort food. It’s packed with all the flavors you crave in the morning—crispy hashbrowns, savory bacon, melted cheese, and a rich egg mixture. Plus, it’s versatile and customizable based on your preferences, so you can easily make it your own. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just looking for an easy week’s worth of breakfast, this loaded hashbrown casserole will become a family favorite in no time.

Enjoy this savory, cheesy breakfast treat, and happy cooking!