POTATO, BROCCOLI & PEPPER JACK EGG CASSEROLE

Easter is only a week away, and in the coming days, I am excited to share some of my family’s favorite Easter traditions with you. Let’s kick things off with a delightful brunch recipe. Our family’s Easter Brunch is a cherished event that everyone eagerly anticipates. After celebrating mass on Easter Sunday each year, we gather at either my house or my mother’s home. My four young children are always eager to start the hunt for hidden eggs filled with little toys or treats, while the women in our family get busy in the kitchen.

We usually do a lot of the prep work for the meal and even the table setting the day before. We take our time with this because it’s a special occasion, and honestly, it’s just fun! I believe the key to truly enjoying Easter with your family is preparation. Although it can be challenging to get things done ahead of time, it’s worth it when you can sit down, relax, and genuinely enjoy your family’s company on the day itself.

Alongside ham, Polish sausage, pierogi, baked goods, and fresh fruits and vegetables, our family loves a hearty egg casserole. This Potato, Broccoli & Pepper Jack Egg Casserole is a big hit every year! To make this delicious casserole even easier, I always start by using Ore-Ida Shredded Hash Brown Potatoes, available in the freezer section at your local Walmart.

These flavorful Shredded Hash Brown Potatoes are then mixed with eggs, broccoli, chopped ham (perfect for Easter), red pepper, onion, garlic, sour cream, milk, Sharp Cheddar, and spicy Pepper Jack cheeses to create an amazing dish that satisfies everyone in the family! My children aren’t big fans of ham by itself, so for Easter, I chop some good quality deli ham and add it to the casserole. They don’t seem to mind and never complain about the veggies either! To make your Easter Brunch preparations even easier, this casserole can be made ahead of time. Yes, you can prepare it the night before, cover it, and place it in your refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it on Easter! How great is that?! I don’t know about you, but having a main dish ready helps me sleep much easier the night before a big family gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is perfect for Easter brunch or any special occasion. It’s packed with flavors from the Pepper Jack cheese and the hearty goodness of potatoes and ham, balanced by the freshness of broccoli and red peppers. Plus, it’s a make-ahead dish, saving you time and stress on the big day!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• 11 x 15 (5 qt.) baking dish or two smaller dishes
• Sauté pan
• Whisk
• Aluminum foil

Ingredients

• 1 (30 oz.) bag Ore-Ida Shredded Hash Brown Potatoes, thawed completely
• 1 (14 oz.) bag broccoli florets, thawed completely
• 1/2 lb. good quality deli ham, chopped small
• 1/2 large red pepper, chopped small
• 1/2 large onion, chopped small
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 2 cups of shredded Pepper Jack cheese, divided
• 2 cups of shredded Sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 12 eggs
• 3/4 cup 2% fat or higher milk
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1 Tbsp. dried parsley
• 1 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
2. Sauté the red pepper, onion, and garlic in 2 Tbsp. butter until softened, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
3. In an extra-large mixing bowl, combine the potatoes, ham, and 1 1/2 cups of each of the cheeses.
4. Evenly spread half of the potato mixture into a lightly greased 11 x 15 (5 qt.) baking dish.
5. If your casserole dish isn’t large enough, divide the mixture between two dishes.
6. Layer the broccoli and red pepper mixture on top of the potatoes.
7. Cover the vegetables with the remaining potato mixture.
8. In the same mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole.
9. Sprinkle with dried parsley and top with the remaining cheese (1 cup total).
10. Bake covered with foil for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 30-35 minutes until the edges are browned and the casserole appears set.
11. Cooking time may vary based on dish size and shape. If using a thicker dish, expect to bake for an additional 20 minutes or so.
12. Remove from the oven and allow to cool and set for 10 minutes before serving.
13. Serve hot or warm at room temperature. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
14. If making ahead, prepare the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to increase baking time when cooking straight from the fridge.

Tips for Success

• Make sure your hash browns and broccoli are fully thawed to ensure even cooking.
• Use a good quality deli ham for the best flavor.
• Feel free to adjust the cheese types and quantities to suit your taste.
• Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it set and makes serving easier.

Additional Tips or Variations

You can swap out the deli ham for cooked bacon or sausage for a different twist. Adding some diced jalapeños can spice things up if you like a bit of heat!

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This casserole is a balanced mix of protein and vegetables, providing a hearty and satisfying meal that will keep you full and energized.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can this casserole be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked casserole. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.

What if I don’t have Pepper Jack cheese?
You can substitute with Monterey Jack or any other cheese you prefer.

Conclusion

I hope you try this Potato, Broccoli & Pepper Jack Egg Casserole for your next Easter brunch or any special occasion. It’s a family favorite that’s sure to impress your guests. I’d love to hear how it turns out—feel free to share your experiences in the comments below!