If you’re looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing breakfast that feels a little special but couldn’t be easier to make, this breakfast pie is it. It’s packed with crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, creamy cottage cheese, and golden hash browns—all baked into a buttery pie crust and finished with a crunchy cornflake topping that takes it over the top.
It’s the kind of recipe that works just as well for slow weekend mornings as it does for feeding a holiday crowd.
More Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love
Why You’ll Love This Breakfast Pie
- Uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients
- Perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch
- Crispy, creamy, cheesy texture in every bite
- That cornflake topping adds irresistible crunch
- Feels elevated but is incredibly easy to throw together
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups frozen hash browns (thawed)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Crunchy Topping:
- 1 cup cornflakes, lightly crushed
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
How to Make Breakfast Pie with Hash Browns
1. Prep the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Prepare the Crust
Place your pre-made pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges if desired.
3. Layer the Filling
Spread the thawed hash browns evenly across the bottom of the crust.
Top with crumbled bacon, green onions, and shredded cheese.
4. Mix the Egg Base
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- eggs
- milk
- cottage cheese
- salt and pepper
Pour the mixture evenly over the layered ingredients.
5. Add the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix crushed cornflakes with melted butter.
Sprinkle evenly over the top of the pie.
6. Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
7. Rest and Serve
Let the pie sit for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps everything set perfectly.
The Breakfast Sauces Will Take This Breakfast Pie Over The Top
Tips for the Best Breakfast Pie
- Thaw your hash browns to avoid excess moisture
- Use thick-cut bacon for better texture and flavor
- Cottage cheese makes it extra creamy without being heavy
- Don’t skip resting time—it slices much cleaner
Variations
- Swap bacon for sausage or ham
- Add sautéed peppers or spinach
- Use pepper jack cheese for a little heat
- Try crushed butter crackers instead of cornflakes
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Assemble the pie the night before and refrigerate
- Bake fresh in the morning for best results
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat slices in the oven or air fryer for crisp edges
What to Serve with Breakfast Pie
This breakfast pie pairs perfectly with:
The Best Breakfast Pie with Crunchy Cornflake Topping
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4–6 SERVINGS 1x
Description
This easy breakfast pie is loaded with bacon, eggs, hash browns, and cheese, all baked in a flaky pie crust and topped with crispy cornflakes for the perfect crunchy finish. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or make-ahead mornings.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
- 3 green onions, sliced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- 1 cup cornflakes, lightly crushed
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Place pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and set aside.
- Spread thawed hash browns evenly into the bottom of the crust.
- Sprinkle bacon, green onions, and shredded cheese over the hash browns.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cottage cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients.
- In a small bowl, mix crushed cornflakes with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the cornflake topping evenly over the pie.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Thaw hash browns before using to prevent excess moisture
- Let the pie rest before slicing for clean cuts
- Great make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings
- Swap bacon for sausage or ham if desired
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 45 MINS
- Category: Breakfast, HOLIDAYS
- Method: BAKED
- Cuisine: American, Breakfast
FAQ
Can I make breakfast pie ahead of time?
Yes, this is a great make-ahead recipe. Assemble it the night before and bake in the morning.
Can I freeze breakfast pie?
Yes. Bake it first, let it cool completely, then freeze. Reheat covered in the oven.
Why use cottage cheese?
Cottage cheese adds creaminess and protein without making the pie too dense.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, but shred and squeeze out excess moisture before using.
Final Thoughts
This breakfast pie is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. It’s simple, filling, and just a little bit different thanks to that crispy cornflake topping. Whether you’re hosting brunch, feeding a busy family, or just want something warm and satisfying to start your day, this one delivers every time.
