The Southern Breakfast Recipe That Became An Instant Hit In 2024

A hearty Southern breakfast just isn’t complete without the essentials: hash browns, cheese, bacon, and eggs. And somewhere along the way, Southerners combined all our favorite morning staples into one unforgettable dish—the breakfast casserole. It’s the kind of comfort food many of us have been enjoying since our footie-pajama days, and no matter how much time goes by, we always come back to that old-fashioned classic. The more nostalgic, the better.

Over the years, breakfast casseroles like our Stuffed Ham-and-Cheese Croissant Casserole and the ever-popular Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole have won over readers. But in 2024, there's one classic recipe that rose above the rest: Deep-Dish Loaded Hash Brown Casserole.

What Is Deep-Dish Loaded Hash Brown Casserole?

We’re glad you asked. If your favorite part of late-night Waffle House runs is the smothered hash browns, there’s a good chance you’ll love Deep-Dish Loaded Hash Brown Casserole. While the origins of this Southern favorite can be traced back to the Midwest’s “funeral potatoes,” Southerners have stylishly rebranded it, transforming it into a beloved staple of potlucks and family breakfasts. It brings together everything we love about hearty comfort food in one perfect dish.

At its core, this casserole is all about bold flavors, with crispy bacon and sharp Cheddar cheese serving as the foundation. To make it your own, you can add garnishes like juicy cherry tomatoes and chopped scallions for a pop of freshness. And whatever you do, don’t forget the hot sauce. A touch of milk and sour cream lends the casserole a rich, creamy texture and keeps the hash browns perfectly moist as they bake, ensuring every bite is irresistibly luxurious.

Why We Love Deep-Dish Loaded Hash Brown Casserole

It Uses Refrigerator Staples

Last-minute grocery runs can really kill the momentum of making a new recipe. Thankfully, this casserole leans on basic ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, like frozen shredded hash browns, bacon, sour cream, and cheese. And if you do find yourself needing to make a quick store run, you at least have the peace of mind of knowing it won’t cost you a pretty penny.

It Feeds a Crowd

One of the main reasons Southerners love casseroles is because they can feed a lot of people, and this dish is no different. This particular recipe only requires 20 minutes of active time and yields 12 servings. So whether you’re hosting a big family brunch or contributing to the church potluck, this deep-dish casserole gets the job done.

You Can Customize To Your Heart’s Desire

Unlike other forms of baking, casseroles leave a lot of room for creative intuition. Want to add a little spice with jalapeños? Go for it. Want to make it vegetarian? Swap out the bacon for veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms. This recipe can easily be adapted to your preferences, while still pairing beautifully with just about any breakfast spread.