Description
A hearty breakfast casserole featuring shredded hashbrowns, eggs, sharp cheddar, and bacon, all smoked to perfection for a crispy top and creamy, custardy center with a distinct smoke ring.
Ingredients
Scale
- 30 oz frozen shredded hash browns
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup wood chips (hickory or applewood), soaked
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker to 275°F (135°C) with soaked wood chips for at least 15 minutes until thin blue smoke appears.
- Thaw the frozen hash browns and squeeze out excess moisture thoroughly using paper towels.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Grease a 9×13 casserole dish. Spread the hash browns evenly in the bottom, then sprinkle with shredded cheese and crumbled bacon.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top and gently press down with a spatula to ensure ingredients are submerged.
- Place the dish on the smoker grate and smoke for 45 minutes without opening the lid.
- Check the internal temperature; if it is below 160°F (71°C), continue smoking in 10-minute increments.
- Once the eggs are set and the temperature reaches 160°F, remove the foil (if used) and brush the top with melted butter.
- Smoke for an additional 5-10 minutes to crisp the top until golden brown.
- Remove from the smoker and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Ensure hash browns are thoroughly squeezed dry to prevent a soggy casserole. Use a meat thermometer to ensure eggs reach 160°F for safety and texture. This recipe can be assembled the night before and refrigerated; add 10 minutes to cooking time if smoking from cold. For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8th of the cassero
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 22
Keywords: smoked hashbrown casserole, breakfast casserole, smoker recipes, crispy hashbrowns, weekend breakfast, make-ahead breakfast, hickory smoked eggs