Make-Ahead Breakfast Bars Recipe

Name: Make-Ahead Breakfast Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: cooking spray; 3 cups frozen Southern-style hash browns; 4 eggs, lightly beaten; 1 cup cubed fully cooked ham; 1 cup shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese blend; 0.5 teaspoon onion powder; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 0.125 teaspoon ground black pepper

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

Cooking spray
3 cups frozen Southern-style hash browns
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup cubed fully cooked ham
1 cup shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese blend
teaspoon onion powder
teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
Lightly grease an 8x11-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine hash browns, eggs, ham, shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
Gently shake the dish from side to side to level out the ingredients.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for about 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before cutting into bars. Serve and enjoy!

Cook's Note

If you are using defrosted hash browns or prefer fresh potatoes, the baking time may be slightly shorter.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	233	-
Total Fat	18g	23%
Saturated Fat	8g	42%
Cholesterol	153mg	51%
Sodium	571mg	25%
Total Carbohydrate	15g	5%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Total Sugars	0g	-
Protein	14g	28%
Vitamin C	15mg	17%
Calcium	26mg	2%
Iron	1mg	8%
Potassium	471mg	10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Breakfast is often considered the most important meal of the day, providing the energy needed to kickstart your morning. However, with busy schedules, finding the time to prepare a hearty meal can be challenging. This is where the Make-Ahead Breakfast Bars recipe comes in, offering a delicious and practical solution. These breakfast bars, made with a blend of hash browns, eggs, ham, and cheese, are perfect for those looking for a quick and satisfying meal on the go.

History of Make-Ahead Breakfast Bars

The concept of breakfast bars can be traced back to the growing demand for quick and portable breakfast options. In the early 20th century, as work and school schedules became increasingly hectic, the need for grab-and-go meals led to the creation of various breakfast foods, such as energy bars and granola bars. The idea of a "make-ahead" breakfast, which could be prepared in advance and eaten later, gained popularity in the 1980s, aligning with the increasing interest in meal prep and convenience foods. The Make-Ahead Breakfast Bar, a savory version of this idea, emerged as an easy and customizable dish that could be tailored to individual tastes while still providing the essential nutrients needed to fuel the day.

Regional Variations and Features

Though the Make-Ahead Breakfast Bar has become a popular choice in many regions of the United States, it also has regional twists. In the Southern U.S., the use of Southern-style hash browns is common, adding a crispy texture and rich flavor. Other variations include substituting ham with sausage or bacon, and incorporating a variety of cheeses such as pepper jack or feta for a spicier or tangy profile. Vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, and onions can also be added for extra flavor and nutrition.

Comparison with Similar Dishes

While similar in some ways to dishes like frittatas or quiches, Make-Ahead Breakfast Bars stand apart in their portability and convenience. Frittatas, for instance, are typically cooked on the stovetop and often require careful attention during preparation. Quiches, on the other hand, typically involve a crust and may take longer to bake. In contrast, breakfast bars are easy to prepare in advance, and they can be cut into individual servings, making them ideal for busy mornings when time is limited. The use of hash browns as a base adds a comforting, starchy element that is not usually found in other egg-based breakfast dishes.

Where Are Make-Ahead Breakfast Bars Usually Served?

Make-Ahead Breakfast Bars are commonly served in homes, particularly for busy families, students, or professionals who need a quick meal on the go. They are also a popular choice for meal prepping, as they can be baked in large batches and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for several days. These bars are often enjoyed at breakfast but can also be served as a hearty snack or lunch. They are perfect for gatherings such as brunches or casual get-togethers, offering guests a filling and satisfying option.

Interesting Facts About Make-Ahead Breakfast Bars

1. Make-Ahead Breakfast Bars are highly customizable. You can experiment with different meats, cheeses, and vegetables to suit your personal preferences or dietary restrictions. For instance, vegetarians can replace the ham with tofu or mushrooms, while those on a low-carb diet might substitute the hash browns with cauliflower rice.

2. These breakfast bars are not only convenient but also nutritious. Each serving provides a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, ensuring you start your day feeling satisfied and energized.

3. Make-Ahead Breakfast Bars are perfect for meal prepping. You can bake a batch over the weekend and have breakfast ready for the entire week. Just grab a bar and go!

4. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover ingredients. If you have extra vegetables, cheese, or meats from other meals, they can easily be incorporated into the mixture, reducing food waste.

5. They freeze well. If you find yourself with extra servings, simply freeze them, and they'll stay fresh for months, making it easy to have a homemade breakfast even on the busiest mornings.

Conclusion

Whether youre looking for a fast breakfast option, a meal-prep solution, or a dish to share with friends and family, Make-Ahead Breakfast Bars are a versatile and delicious choice. With their savory blend of eggs, hash browns, ham, and cheese, these bars are sure to become a staple in your breakfast routine. Plus, with endless variations and the ability to prepare them in advance, they are as convenient as they are tasty. Try them today and discover the perfect solution to busy mornings!

FAQ about Make-Ahead Breakfast Bars Recipe

Once the bars have cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in individual portions, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and stored in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Yes, you can substitute fresh potatoes for frozen hash browns. However, if you're using fresh potatoes, be sure to grate and cook them until they are tender before mixing them into the recipe. Keep in mind that the cooking time may be shorter than the recipe suggests for frozen hash browns.

Yes, you can try using an egg substitute such as a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg), or use a store-bought egg replacer. The texture may vary slightly, but they should still turn out tasty.

This recipe is highly customizable! You can swap the ham for bacon, sausage, or even chicken. You can also change the cheese to your favorite variety, such as Swiss or pepper jack. Additionally, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.

Yes, you can assemble the bars and freeze them before baking. Simply prepare the mixture in the casserole dish, cover it tightly, and freeze. When you're ready to bake, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time since it's starting from a frozen state.

To reheat the breakfast bars, simply place them in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on the portion size. Alternatively, you can heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.

These breakfast bars are a great standalone dish, but you can pair them with fresh fruit, a side of yogurt, or a light salad for a more complete meal. A drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream can also add extra flavor.

Absolutely! You can skip the ham and add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or roasted peppers. You can also add a plant-based protein such as tofu or tempeh to keep it filling while maintaining a vegetarian profile.

The cook time ensures that the eggs are fully cooked and the hash browns have a crispy texture. If you are using thawed hash browns or fresh potatoes, your cook time may be shorter, so it's important to check for doneness by ensuring the center is set and not too liquidy.

Yes, you can adjust the portion size by halving or doubling the recipe. Just make sure to use an appropriately sized baking dish and adjust the baking time accordingly. A smaller dish will cook faster, and a larger dish will take longer.

Comments

Donna Edwards

04/17/2024 03:51:57 AM

I highly recommend this versatile recipe! What stands out to me is its adaptability, as you can customize it to suit different preferences by changing the meats, cheeses, and potatoes. It's easy to make and perfect for preparing ahead and freezing. I chose to use 6 eggs instead of the original amount and reduced the potatoes to 2.5 cups, as I found the potato-to-other-ingredients ratio to be too high. I also baked it covered for the full 40 minutes. As someone who prefers more protein than carbs and enjoys a meaty flavor, this recipe is definitely a winner for me.

Jeffrey Williams

01/14/2023 11:31:04 PM

I made this dish twice now, with some tweaks to the original recipe. The first time, I stuck to the recipe but adjusted the quantities for a larger pan. It turned out great, although it needed more than 40 minutes in the oven. The second time, I swapped the ham for cooked bacon, used pepper jack cheese, and added garlic. Another delicious outcome! The variations you can try with different meats and cheeses are endless. I'm thinking of experimenting with hash browns, peppers, and onions next for even more flavor possibilities.

Adam Perez

03/08/2024 03:19:29 AM

Added an extra egg and some spinach to this great recipe.

Emily Hall

04/11/2023 04:45:35 PM

This place was a complete waste of time and money. It's far from being a bar in any sense. The portions are oversized, making the batter too thin to even cut. The potatoes were still too hard to eat after 40 minutes. Do not order this dish, save yourself the disappointment.

Rachel Garcia

01/04/2024 06:42:37 PM

Fantastic substitute for making Spanish Tortilla. I used to follow an authentic recipe that required hours of prep work and left me with a mountain of dirty dishes, not to mention the inevitable mess of eggs and potatoes everywhere. This alternative is a breeze to make, and my family enjoys it just as much as the traditional version from my Spanish friend (shh, don't tell his mother). It's perfect for any mealtime - dinner, lunch, breakfast - and you can even freeze it to enjoy later on!

Angela Campbell

10/18/2023 10:43:38 AM

Certainly! Here is a revised version of the review: "Absolutely yes."

Jose Adams

05/08/2025 07:25:57 PM

This recipe was simple to assemble, but I found it lacking and ended up adding some extra ingredients - onions and more cheese. I wasn't able to locate the southern style hashbrowns, so I substituted with O'Brien potatoes, which may have affected the final result. Despite this, I will give it another try in the future. Appreciate the straightforward breakfast idea.

Tyler Jackson

03/24/2023 10:23:16 AM

Super fast, incredibly comforting, and extremely convenient to make extra for the freezer! This recipe is perfect for a satisfying breakfast that the entire family can enjoy on busy mornings, or for older kids to whip up on weekends with little oversight. I might try adding some green onions and a hint of hot sauce next time for a bit of extra flavor.