Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This ensures easy serving and cleanup later.
Layer the Hash Browns
Spread the frozen shredded hash browns evenly in the prepared baking dish, creating a solid base for your casserole. No need to thaw them beforehand.
Create the Creamy Mixture
In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and well combined. This creates a rich, creamy binding layer for the casserole.
Add Flavor Elements
Stir the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper into the cream cheese mixture. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed throughout.
Layer the Casserole
Spread the cream cheese and bacon mixture over the hash browns in the baking dish, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs well, then add the milk and whisk until thoroughly combined. The eggs will bind everything together while adding protein and fluffy texture.
Combine All Layers
Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the casserole, ensuring it covers all ingredients. Use a spatula to gently press down on the top, allowing the egg mixture to soak into all layers.
Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Insert a knife in the center - it should come out clean when the casserole is done.
Rest Before Serving
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set properly and makes it easier to portion and serve.
