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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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).
- Transfer the browned sausage to a paper towel-lined plate, keeping the skillet’s residual drippings for additional flavor.
- 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).
- Combine the bell pepper with the sausage on the paper towel plate.
- 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.
- Fold in the cooked sausage, bell pepper, Cheddar cheese, and pepper Jack cheese into the egg mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- 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.
- Gently pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hash browns, carefully pressing down to ensure the potatoes are completely submerged.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown hash brown crust and firm, set eggs in the center.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 15-20 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the dish set and makes serving easier.
- 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