Summer means vacations and guests, which also means preparing extra meals. It's the time to get out those counter-top appliances to avoid heating up the kitchen. Almost everyone has at least one slow cooker, and it can be put to good use to make a delicious brunch dish that cooks with no supervision. Easy Layered Brunch Bake has everything your guests will need for a hearty brunch dish - hash browns, onions, peppers, cheese, ham, and eggs - and it stays hot in the slow cooker for hours, just in case guests come and go at different times. If you want to get fancy, you can serve this yummy dish with fresh fruit and some kind of breakfast bread such as muffins, biscuits, or toast. It's good for a buffet because it stays warm in the slow cooker without overcooking.

Easy Layered Brunch Bake can also be prepared in a Dutch oven if you happen to be camping. Leftovers are delicious heated up in a skillet with a little butter until the hash browns are crisp. Cooked sausage or bacon can be substituted for the ham, if you like; it will be luscious, no matter what you use.

8 Servings

1 16 oz. package frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup green bell peppers, diced, or substitute part diced jalapeno pepper
1/2 pound diced lean ham
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1/2 cup milk
6 eggs

1. Spray the inside of a 3-4 quart slow cooker liberally with non-stick spray.
2. Arrange one-third of the hash browns over the bottom of the slow cooker; sprinkle the hash browns with salt and pepper.
3. Sprinkle one-third of the onions, peppers, and ham over the hash browns; top with one cup of the cheese.
4. Repeat the layers twice more.
5. Whisk together the milk and eggs (or blend); pour evenly over the hash brown mixture.
6. Cover, set the slow cooker to low, and let cook four to six hours.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 329 Calories from Fat 185
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 56% Protein 26% Carb. 17%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 21 g
Saturated Fat 11 g
Cholesterol 218 mg
Sodium 629 mg
Total Carbohydrate 14 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 22 g

Vitamin A 16% Vitamin C 36% Calcium 0% Iron 10%