Quick Morning Magic: Hearty Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Hearty breakfast casserole mornings demand something extraordinary that breaks free from boring routine.

Layers of cheesy goodness and savory ingredients promise a delightful start to your day.

Comfort meets convenience in this one-pan wonder that feeds everyone at the table.

Imagine cutting through golden-brown edges revealing perfectly nestled eggs and crispy bacon bits.

Weekend brunch or weekday morning, this dish comes together with minimal effort.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients create such a memorable meal.

Prepare to become the breakfast hero your household craves.

Breakfast Casserole Make-Ahead And Packed With Protein

• Quick Weekday Winner: Whip up this breakfast casserole in under an hour, making it perfect for busy mornings when time is tight.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with sausage, cheese, and hash browns, this dish satisfies hungry family members with its hearty and delicious combination of flavors.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole the night before, refrigerate, and pop it in the oven for a stress-free morning meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Great for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or feeding a hungry group, this casserole adapts to any breakfast or brunch occasion with ease.

What’s Layered Into a Breakfast Casserole

• Sausage: Savory meat that adds rich flavor and protein to the breakfast casserole. Choose ground pork sausage for best taste and texture.
• Eggs: Binding ingredient that provides structure and classic breakfast protein. Fresh, large eggs work best.

• Cheddar Cheese, Pepper Jack Cheese: Melty cheeses that add creamy, spicy depth to the dish. Sharp cheddar provides bold flavor, while pepper jack adds a subtle kick.

• Bell Pepper: Colorful vegetable that adds sweetness and crunch. Red or green peppers work well for visual appeal.
• Onion Powder: Provides subtle onion flavor without chopping fresh onions.
• Scallions: Fresh garnish with mild onion flavor and bright green color.

• Frozen Hash Browns: Convenient potato base that creates crispy bottom layer. Thawed hash browns will help maintain the casserole's structure.

• Half-and-Half: Creamy liquid that helps create rich, smooth egg mixture. Adds luxurious texture to the casserole.
• Garlic Salt: Seasoning that provides both salt and garlic flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds warm, slightly spicy seasoning to enhance overall taste.

• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and makes dish removal easier.

Assemble A Breakfast Casserole Like This

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Fire up your oven to 350°F.

Grab a large skillet and heat it over medium-high flame.

Toss in the sausage and cook it until it turns a beautiful golden brown, breaking it into small pieces as you go.

This should take around 7 minutes.

Once done, transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Step 2: Soften the Bell Pepper

In the same skillet with those delicious sausage drippings, add your chopped bell pepper.

Sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the peppers become tender and slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Scoop them out and join them with the sausage on the plate.

Step 3: Whip Up the Egg Mixture

Grab a large mixing bowl and crack your eggs into it.

• Onion powder
• Garlic salt
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well combined.

• Cooked sausage
• Sautéed bell peppers
• Cheddar cheese
• Pepper Jack cheese

Step 4: Prepare the Hash Brown Base

• Remaining garlic salt
• Remaining black pepper

Spread these seasoned hash browns evenly across a greased 13×9-inch baking dish.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

Pour the egg mixture over the hash browns, gently pressing down to ensure everything is nicely nestled.

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the center is set and the hash browns have turned a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 15-20 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps it set and makes cutting easier.

Sprinkle some fresh sliced scallions on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious breakfast feast!

Casserole Tips For Better Breakfast Layers

• Drain sausage thoroughly on paper towels to prevent soggy hash browns and maintain crispy texture.
• Grate cheese freshly for better melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Assemble casserole night before, refrigerate, and bake morning of serving to save precious morning time.
• Swap sausage with bacon or ham, or use vegetarian protein alternatives for dietary preferences.
• Let casserole rest after baking to help eggs set completely and make cutting and serving easier.

Breakfast Bake Stays Rich for Another Morning

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze breakfast casserole for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring even heating.
• Cut desired portion and microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stopping halfway to stir. Check temperature to ensure thorough reheating without overcooking edges.

Hearty Picks For Breakfast Casserole

• Cheese and Charcuterie Companion: Pair this hearty breakfast casserole with a crisp cheese board featuring aged cheddar, creamy gouda, and spicy pepper jack. Add some thinly sliced prosciutto and salami to complement the sausage's rich flavors.
• Wine and Brunch Buddies: Select a light, sparkling prosecco or a crisp mimosa to cut through the casserole's richness. The bubbles and citrus notes will refresh your palate and balance the dish's savory elements.
• Fresh and Zesty Sidekick: Serve alongside a bright citrus salad with mixed greens, segments of orange, and a tangy vinaigrette. The fresh, acidic flavors will contrast beautifully with the dense, cheesy casserole and add a refreshing element to the meal.
• Morning Mocktail Magic: Create a refreshing morning drink with freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, a splash of sparkling water, and a sprig of rosemary. This light, herbal beverage will cleanse the palate and provide a sophisticated non-alcoholic option.

Morning Casserole Concepts

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace hash browns with riced cauliflower, creating a keto-friendly version that reduces carbohydrate content while maintaining similar texture and flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute sausage with plant-based chorizo or crumbled tofu, adding vegetarian-friendly protein and maintaining the casserole's hearty character.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking cheese and seasoning labels to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals without compromising taste.
• Mediterranean-Style Remix: Incorporate feta cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes instead of traditional cheeses and peppers, bringing a Mediterranean-inspired flavor transformation to the classic breakfast casserole.

FAQs

• What type of cheese works best in this breakfast casserole?

Cheddar and pepper Jack cheeses provide the perfect blend of sharpness and spiciness. They melt beautifully and add rich flavor to the casserole.

• Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?

No, frozen hash browns work best because they have the right moisture content and texture. Fresh hash browns might make the casserole too wet or soggy.

• Is it okay to use a different type of meat instead of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute with cooked bacon, ground turkey, or ham. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before adding to the egg mixture.

• How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is done when the eggs are set in the center and the hash browns are golden brown. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean, and the top should be lightly browned.

Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Hearty breakfast casserole brings together layers of eggs, sausage, and cheese in a comforting morning delight. Rich flavors meld perfectly, promising a satisfying start that will energize you for the day ahead.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 lb pork breakfast sausage roll
• 12 large eggs
• 8 oz sharp Cheddar cheese (about 2 cups)
• 8 oz pepper Jack cheese (about 2 cups)

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 8-oz green bell pepper, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions (1 large scallion)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Dairy and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 cups half-and-half
• 24 oz frozen shredded hash browns (about 10 cups, from 1 30-oz bag)
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Initiate the culinary process by preheating the oven to 350°F and preparing a 13×9-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage, breaking it into crumbles and stirring frequently until it achieves a rich, golden-brown color (approximately 7 minutes).
3. Transfer the browned sausage to a paper towel-lined plate, keeping the skillet’s residual drippings for additional flavor.
4. Sauté the chopped bell pepper in the same skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the vegetables become tender and slightly softened (about 3-4 minutes).
5. Combine the bell pepper with the sausage on the paper towel plate.
6. Create the egg mixture by whisking eggs, half-and-half, onion powder, garlic salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly integrated.
7. Fold in the cooked sausage, bell pepper, Cheddar cheese, and pepper Jack cheese into the egg mixture, ensuring even distribution.
8. Season the frozen hash browns with the remaining garlic salt and black pepper, then arrange them in an even layer across the prepared baking dish.
9. Gently pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hash browns, carefully pressing down to ensure the potatoes are completely submerged.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown hash brown crust and firm, set eggs in the center.
11. Allow the casserole to rest for 15-20 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the dish set and makes serving easier.
12. Garnish with freshly sliced scallions before presenting this hearty breakfast creation to eager diners.

Notes

• Customize the meat by swapping sausage with turkey sausage or bacon for varied flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
• Ensure hash browns are completely thawed to prevent excess moisture that could make the casserole soggy.
• Grate cheese fresh for maximum melting and flavor integration, avoiding pre-shredded varieties with anti-caking agents.
• Elevate the dish by adding diced jalapeños or green chiles for an extra kick of spice and complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 330 mg