Breakfast Casserole
This breakfast casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, offering a satisfying, flavorful start to any morning. With its mix of crispy hash browns, savory sausage, and gooey melted cheese, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Easily customizable to suit your taste, this recipe can be made with various proteins like bacon or ham, and even leftover potatoes can replace the hash browns. The addition of Italian seasoning and sharp cheddar adds a bold depth of flavor.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or preparing a leisurely weekend breakfast, this casserole delivers both ease and deliciousness in every bite. Serve it up with fresh scallions or chives for a simple finishing touch.
Breakfast Casserole Ingredients
The foundation of this breakfast casserole begins with golden, crispy hash browns, offering a satisfying texture that holds the dish together. Savory sausage brings richness and depth, while sharp cheddar cheese melts into gooey, flavorful pockets. Eggs and whole milk form a creamy base, binding everything together with a smooth, comforting consistency. A dash of Italian seasoning adds aromatic warmth, complemented by the freshness of chopped scallions or chives to finish the dish with a pop of color and flavor.
Breakfast Casserole: Enhancements and Helpful Tips
Recipe Tips
- Texture Matters: For the best texture, make sure to thaw the hash browns slightly before layering them in the baking dish. This helps avoid clumping, ensuring a more even cook throughout. If you’re using leftover potatoes, dice them into uniform ½-inch pieces for consistency.
- Cheese Variations: While sharp cheddar provides a rich, tangy flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for a gooier result or Monterey Jack for a creamier texture. You can even combine different cheeses to create a blend of flavors.
- Crispy Edges: If you like your casserole with crispy, golden edges, leave it uncovered while baking. This allows the top to brown beautifully while keeping the inside soft and creamy. To get an extra crispy top, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
What to Serve with Breakfast Casserole
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant, tangy fruit salad is the perfect counterbalance to the rich, savory casserole. The freshness of seasonal fruits like berries, orange segments, and melons will add a refreshing contrast, brightening up the dish.
- Crispy Breakfast Bacon or Sausage: For those who enjoy more protein with their breakfast, crispy bacon or breakfast sausage links are a great addition. The smoky flavor of the bacon or the spiced sausage complements the casserole’s savory richness, making it a hearty, satisfying meal.
- Toast or English Muffins: Serve the casserole with warm, buttery toast or English muffins on the side for a comforting addition. You can even top them with a dollop of jam or marmalade for a touch of sweetness, balancing the flavors of the casserole.
FAQ: Breakfast Casserole
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead. Simply prepare it, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, bake it as directed, though it may need a few extra minutes in the oven since it’s cold from the fridge.
2. Can I use different types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While frozen hash browns provide great texture, you can substitute them with leftover cooked potatoes. Just dice them into ½-inch pieces for the best consistency.
3. Is this casserole suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, you can easily make this casserole vegetarian by omitting the sausage and using plant-based alternatives or vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor and texture.
4. Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this breakfast casserole. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 30-40 minutes or until heated through.
Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- Frozen diced or shredded hash browns
- Unsalted butter for greasing
- Olive oil
- Bulk breakfast sausage or Italian sausage alternatively, smoked bacon, cooked
- Large eggs
- Whole milk
- Kosher salt such as Diamond Crystal
- Italian seasoning
- Black pepper
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh scallions or chives optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Begin by heating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with unsalted butter. Allow the frozen hash browns to thaw slightly at room temperature, breaking up any clumps.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, using a spoon to break up the meat. Continue cooking until browned and slightly crispy, about 5 to 8 minutes. Once done, transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the hash browns evenly in the greased baking dish. Top with the cooked sausage and shredded cheddar cheese, then toss to combine. Pour the prepared egg mixture over the ingredients, ensuring the hash browns are submerged.
- Bake and Serve: Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 45 to 50 minutes or until the eggs are set and the edges have turned lightly golden brown. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes before garnishing with fresh scallions or chives, if desired. Slice into squares and serve.
