Best Breakfast Casserole
When it comes to breakfast, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a hearty breakfast casserole. The Best Breakfast Casserole is the perfect solution for those busy mornings or a delightful brunch with family and friends. It’s packed with flavors, easy to prepare, and can even be made ahead of time for your convenience. This casserole combines savory breakfast sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese, all topped with a delightful crunch of hash browns. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want a comforting meal, this recipe will quickly become your go-to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This breakfast casserole is not just delicious; it’s incredibly versatile! You can customize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. It’s perfect for meal prep, can easily feed a crowd, and makes for fantastic leftovers. Imagine waking up to the smell of this casserole baking in the oven, the aroma filling your home and beckoning everyone to the table. Plus, with ingredients like spicy breakfast sausage and green chilies, it packs a flavor punch that will leave you wanting more!
What You’ll Gather
- Cooking Spray: For greasing your baking dish.
- 1 lb Breakfast Sausage: Choose regular or hot, depending on your spice preference.
- 1 Medium Onion: Chopped, for sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1 Red Bell Pepper: Seeded and chopped, adding color and crunch.
- 12 Large Eggs: The base of our casserole, providing protein and richness.
- 2 Cups Half and Half: For a creamy texture that makes each bite indulgent.
- 1 (4 oz) Can Green Chiles: Chopped, for a hint of heat.
- 2 Teaspoons Kosher Salt: Divided, to enhance the flavors.
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper: Divided, for seasoning.
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder: For that aromatic touch.
- 30 oz Frozen Hash Browns: Thawed, serving as the hearty base.
- 2 Cups Cheddar Cheese: Shredded, for that gooey, melty goodness.
- 3 Scallions: Sliced, for garnish, adding a fresh touch.
Gear Up: What to Grab
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect size for this casserole.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining all the ingredients.
- Whisk: Essential for beating the eggs and half and half.
- Skillet: To cook the sausage and vegetables.
- Spatula: For mixing ingredients and serving.
Build Best Breakfast Casserole Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your casserole bakes evenly and turns golden brown.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Spray your 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This will make serving and cleanup a breeze!
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, add the breakfast sausage. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Once browned and fully cooked, remove it from the heat and drain any excess fat.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté until they are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Combine with the cooked sausage in a large mixing bowl.
Step 5: Whisk the Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, green chiles, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Add the thawed hash browns, sausage mixture, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese into the egg mixture. Stir everything together until evenly incorporated.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining cup of cheddar cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced scallions, then cut into squares and serve warm. Enjoy the Best Breakfast Casserole with your favorite hot sauce or fresh fruit on the side!
Dietary Customizations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the breakfast sausage with a plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot sausage and adding more or fewer green chiles.
- Cheese Alternatives: Use a dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free version.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace hash browns with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb dish.
Insider Tips
- For a make-ahead option, prepare the casserole the night before. Cover and refrigerate before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- If you love a bit of crunch, consider adding some crushed tortilla chips on top before baking.
- To elevate the flavor, try adding herbs like cilantro or parsley for freshness.
- Don’t skip the resting time after baking; it helps the casserole set and makes serving easier.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
The Best Breakfast Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Best Breakfast Casserole FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! You can use diced fresh potatoes or even other vegetables like zucchini or spinach. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole is done when the edges are golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. The eggs should be fully set, not jiggly.
Can I add other meats to the casserole?
Yes! Feel free to mix in cooked bacon or ham for added flavor. Just ensure any meat is fully cooked before adding it to the mixture.
What can I serve with the breakfast casserole?
This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, a side salad, or even Homemade Southern Buttermilk Biscuits for a complete breakfast spread.
Bring It Home
Whether you’re treating yourself or hosting a brunch gathering, the Best Breakfast Casserole is sure to impress. Its rich flavors and hearty texture make it an unforgettable meal that everyone will love. With a few simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you’ll have a satisfying breakfast ready to serve in no time. So gather your loved ones, grab a plate, and dig into this delightful casserole that’s perfect for any occasion!
Best Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Step 2: Spray your 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 4: Sauté the onion and red bell pepper in the same skillet until soft, about 5 minutes. Combine with the cooked sausage in a large bowl.
- Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, green chiles, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Step 6: Stir in the thawed hash browns, sausage mixture, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Step 7: Pour into the prepared baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 45-55 minutes until set and golden.
- Step 8: Let cool for a few minutes, garnish with scallions, cut into squares, and serve warm.
Notes
- Prepare the casserole the night before for a make-ahead option.
- Add crushed tortilla chips on top for extra crunch.
- Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro for added flavor.
- Let the casserole rest after baking for easier serving.
