If you’re searching for the kind of breakfast that’s hearty, comforting, and surprisingly effortless, this Tomato Breakfast Bake will absolutely make your mornings better. Imagine golden hash browns, creamy eggs, and juicy slices of tomato all baked together with a melty layer of mozzarella—it’s everything you crave in a satisfying breakfast, all in one dish. This recipe is a lifesaver on busy days, because you can have it prepped and in the oven in under ten minutes, then let it bake while you get ready. Whether it’s for a quick weekday breakfast or a relaxed weekend brunch, it’s always the right answer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple: No fussy steps here. Everything gets layered right in one pan, making both prep and clean-up a breeze.
- Quick to Prepare: Just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of hands-on time—you can have this in the oven before your coffee finishes brewing.
- Satisfyingly Hearty: Hash browns form a crispy, golden base that soaks up all the flavor of eggs and cheese.
- Customizable: Perfect for using up what you have, and adapts to lots of delicious tweaks.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding just yourself or a room full of hungry family, everyone will want seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Frozen Hash Browns: The best foundation for this bake; they get perfectly crispy and soak up flavors. No need to thaw—just layer them straight from the freezer.
- Eggs: Bring richness and help everything set, holding the bake together pleasantly.
- Egg Whites: Add a fluffier, lighter texture while keeping things high in protein and low in fat. Using a carton of egg whites is extra convenient!
- Shredded Mozzarella: Melts beautifully for that irresistible cheesy topping. Choose low-moisture part-skim for the best balance of creaminess and stretch.
- Whole Milk: Adds a silky creaminess to the eggs. You can swap in half-and-half for extra richness or use a plant-based milk for a lighter version.
- Tomatoes: Fresh, sliced tomatoes add juiciness and a bright, tangy contrast to the richness of the eggs and cheese. Opt for ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: The classic duo—essential for bringing out every ingredient’s best.
- Paprika: For a gentle smokiness and gorgeous color.
- Cayenne Pepper: Just a dash lends a background warmth—not spicy, just interesting!
- Chives: Fresh, chopped chives add a pop of color and a mild oniony freshness at the end.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
There’s no end to the ways you can make this dish your own:
- Add Greens: Fold in a handful of chopped spinach or kale for an extra boost of nutrition.
- Amp Up the Protein: Stir in some cooked bacon, crumbled sausage, or smoked salmon for a savory twist.
- Try Different Cheeses: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, pepper jack, or feta cheese—each brings its own richness.
- Go Dairy-Free: Use your favorite non-dairy milk and cheese to make this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets.
- Spice it Up: Toss in diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like things zesty.
- Herb Swap: Try parsley, dill, or basil in place of chives for a flavor twist.
How to Make Tomato Breakfast Bake
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish (standard 9×13-inch size works well). Spread the frozen hash browns evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Step 2: Whisk the Eggs
In a large bowl, whisk the whole eggs, carton of egg whites, whole milk, salt, pepper, paprika, and a dash of cayenne. The milk and seasonings keep these eggs layered with flavor and fluffiness—don’t skimp on the whisking!
Step 3: Layer It Up
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the hash browns, making sure everything’s well coated. Layer on the sliced tomatoes—not only do they taste fantastic, they also look so inviting. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella across the top so it bakes up golden and gooey.
Step 4: Bake
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for about 35–40 minutes, or until the eggs are set, the cheese is melted and slightly browned, and the edges are bubbling.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Scatter the chopped chives over the hot bake right as it comes out of the oven. Slice and serve while still warm for the most comforting breakfast experience.
Note: If you love extra crisp edges, let the casserole bake a couple more minutes, but watch closely so it doesn’t overcook.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Thaw Hash Browns: They’ll crisp up best straight from the freezer, and there’s no need to wait around.
- Let it Rest: After baking, let the casserole sit for five minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
- Freshness Counts: Use ripe tomatoes and fresh chives for the brightest, freshest flavors.
- Check for Set: Jiggle the pan—if the center moves like loose liquid, give it more time. You want the middle to be just barely firm.
How to Serve
The best part is, this Tomato Breakfast Bake can easily stand alone—just slice and serve! But if you want to make it part of a bigger breakfast spread, consider these pairings:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: The sweetness of seasonal fruit balances the savory, cheesy bake perfectly.
- Crunchy Toast: Serve slices alongside some crusty bread or whole grain toast for dunking into runny yolks or soaking up juices.
- Avocado Slices: For extra creaminess and a healthy fat boost.
- Hot Sauce or Salsa: If you enjoy a little zing, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or spoonful of salsa is fantastic here.
This bake is every bit as good reheated, making it a breakfast hero for meal preppers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, slice the bake into portions and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to four days.
Freezing
Wrap individual portions tightly or store in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Simply reheat slices in the microwave for a minute or two, or cover with foil and rewarm in a 350°F oven until hot. The bake stays tender and delicious!
FAQs
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Can I make this breakfast bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything the night before, cover, and stash it in the fridge. In the morning, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed—fresh hot breakfast without any morning fuss.
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Can I substitute regular eggs for the egg whites?
Yes, you can use whole eggs exclusively if you prefer. The egg whites add extra protein and keep things light, but using all eggs gives a richer texture. Adjust the number as needed to cover the hash browns and fill the dish.
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How can I tell if my bake is fully cooked?
Check the center with a knife or toothpick—if it comes out clean and the bake looks slightly puffed, you’re good to go. The cheese on top should be beautifully melted and golden.
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Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Absolutely, as written this bake contains no meat. Just double-check your cheese if you want to be strict about rennet. It’s perfect for vegetarians!
Final Thoughts
Give this Tomato Breakfast Bake a try the next time you want breakfast to feel special—without any stress or complicated steps. It tastes like comfort, looks beautiful, and can be the answer to any busy day or easy brunch gathering. Don’t forget to play around with the ingredients and make it your own. Here’s to easy, delicious mornings!
PrintTomato Breakfast Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tomato Breakfast Bake is a flavorful and hearty breakfast casserole made with frozen hash browns, eggs, tomatoes, and melty mozzarella. Ideal for meal prep or serving a crowd, this dish combines classic breakfast flavors with a savory tomato twist, topped off with fresh chives for added brightness.
Ingredients
Base
- 336 g frozen hash browns (such as Alexia Yukon Potatoes)
Egg Mixture
- 3 eggs
- 1 full 32oz container (907 g) egg whites
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup (85 g) low moisture part-skim shredded mozzarella
Additions
- 6 slices (85 g) tomato
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Dash of cayenne pepper
- Chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven – Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking of the casserole.
- Prepare Baking Dish – Lightly grease a large baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Layer Hash Browns – Evenly spread the frozen hash browns on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a solid base.
- Mix the Egg Mixture – In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg whites, whole milk, shredded mozzarella, salt, pepper, paprika, and a dash of cayenne pepper until well combined.
- Add Tomatoes – Layer the sliced tomatoes evenly over the hash browns in the baking dish.
- Pour Egg Mixture – Carefully pour the egg mixture over the hash browns and tomatoes, ensuring even distribution.
- Bake – Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve – Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped chives before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use half-and-half or whole milk in place of regular milk.
- Substitute cheddar or another cheese for mozzarella if desired.
- Add cooked vegetables or breakfast meat (like spinach or bacon) for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the microwave or oven.
- This dish can be assembled ahead and baked fresh in the morning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of bake
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 90mg