Breakfast Casserole – A Hearty, Make-Ahead Family Favorite

Introduction

Recipe for Breakfast Casserole—a warm, filling, and versatile dish perfect for feeding a crowd at any morning gathering. Packed with layers of eggs, cheese, sausage, and hash browns, this casserole is ideal for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or simply meal prepping for the week. Its beauty lies in its simplicity—you can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients, and it’s a great way to use up leftovers. Today, Elonore Chef IA will guide you through how to prepare this comforting breakfast bake step by step!

Elonore Chef IA’s Tip:

“To save time, you can prepare this casserole the night before, refrigerate it, and simply pop it in the oven in the morning for a stress-free, delicious breakfast.”

Breakfast Casserole : A Brief History

The concept of the breakfast casserole dates back to traditional American casserole cooking, which became particularly popular in the mid-20th century. With ingredients layered in a baking dish and cooked together, casseroles were embraced for their convenience, ability to serve large groups, and adaptability.

The breakfast version typically features a combination of eggs, cheese, and breakfast meats like bacon or sausage, making it a hearty way to start the day. As time has gone on, variations have emerged, from vegetarian options to recipes incorporating unique flavors like chorizo, spinach, or even southwestern-style seasonings.

Breakfast Casserole : Perfect Occasions

This Breakfast Casserole is perfect for:

• Weekend Brunches: When you have a little more time to relax and enjoy a hearty meal, this casserole is the perfect option to feed the whole family.
• Holiday Breakfasts: Whether it’s Christmas morning, Easter brunch, or any other celebration, a breakfast casserole makes feeding a group simple and delicious.
• Meal Prep: Prepare this casserole ahead of time, and you’ll have a delicious, filling breakfast ready to go throughout the week.
• Potlucks and Gatherings: This dish is easy to transport and can be reheated, making it ideal for potlucks, picnics, or any group gathering.

Pair this casserole with a side of fresh fruit, muffins, or a simple green salad for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy.

Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs 🥚
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
• 1/2 cup milk 🥛
• 1 lb breakfast sausage (cooked and crumbled) 🍖
• 2 cups frozen hash browns (thawed) 🥔
• 1/2 onion (chopped) 🧅
• 1 bell pepper (chopped) 🌶️
• 1 teaspoon salt 🧂
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika 🌶️
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) 🌿

Breakfast Casserole : Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prep the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Use a spatula to break the sausage into crumbles as it cooks. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.

Elonore Chef IA:

“Make sure the sausage is fully cooked and crumbled for even distribution throughout the casserole. For a spicier version, try using chorizo or hot Italian sausage.”

3. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a little oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion 🧅 and bell pepper 🌶️ over medium heat until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Whisk the Eggs and Milk

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs 🥚, milk 🥛, salt 🧂, pepper, and paprika 🌶️. This egg mixture will hold all the other ingredients together as the casserole bakes.

5. Assemble the Casserole

In the prepared baking dish, layer the thawed hash browns 🥔 at the bottom. Spread the cooked sausage 🍖 and sautéed vegetables evenly over the hash browns. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheese 🧀 on top. Pour the egg mixture over everything, ensuring it covers the entire dish. Finally, top with the remaining cheese.

6. Bake the Casserole

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden and bubbly. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when it’s ready.

7. Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley 🌿 if desired, then slice and serve warm.

Breakfast Casserole : Nutritional Benefits

Breakfast Casserole is packed with protein from the eggs 🥚 and sausage 🍖, giving you sustained energy throughout the morning. Adding vegetables like bell peppers 🌶️ and onions 🧅 boosts the fiber and vitamin content, while using hash browns 🥔 adds carbohydrates for energy.

For a lighter version, you can swap out the sausage for turkey sausage, reduce the cheese, or add more veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients. Using a dairy-free milk alternative is also an option for those with dietary restrictions.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Cooking

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for layering and baking all the casserole ingredients evenly.
• Skillet: For browning the sausage and sautéing the vegetables.
• Mixing Bowl: To whisk the eggs and milk mixture together.
• Whisk and Spatula: Essential for preparing the egg mixture and cooking the sausage.

Health Considerations and Precautions

• Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your sausage and hash browns are gluten-free. Always check labels to ensure no cross-contamination.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the sausage and add more veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to make a delicious vegetarian version.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free cheese and milk alternative (such as almond or oat milk) to keep the casserole dairy-free without sacrificing creaminess.

FAQ

1. Can I make Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply bake it as directed. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since the casserole will be cold.

2. Can I freeze Breakfast Casserole?

Absolutely! Bake the casserole as directed, allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

3. How long does Breakfast Casserole last in the fridge?

Once baked, the casserole will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven for a quick and easy breakfast.

This Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that can easily be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re making it for a weekend brunch or meal prepping for busy mornings, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Try it outfor a hearty meal throughout the week. Tag us with #Recipesify to show off your creation, and check out our Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole for another tasty twist on this classic!