Hearty Breakfast Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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This Hearty Breakfast Casserole is your answer to a satisfying, all-in-one morning meal. It brings together classic breakfast favorites into a warm, comforting dish that's perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping for the week ahead.

Ingredients for Hearty Breakfast Casserole

The foundation of this dish is the eggs, which hold everything together and provide protein. Whole milk adds creaminess to the egg mixture. The breakfast sausage gives a savory, meaty element that’s hard to resist. Cheddar cheese melts beautifully, adding richness and a slight tang. Onions and green bell peppers introduce sweetness and a pop of color. Frozen hash browns make the dish hearty and filling, while salt, black pepper, and garlic powder enhance the overall flavor. A touch of butter helps sauté the veggies to perfection.

Tips & Tricks

  • Consider using a mix of cheeses for more depth of flavor—think Monterey Jack or a bit of pepper jack for some heat.
  • Want to save some time in the morning? Prep everything the night before and refrigerate, then bake fresh in the morning.
  • If you're out of breakfast sausage, swap it with bacon or ham for a different twist.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad, adding a sweet contrast to the savory dish. For a fuller brunch spread, consider serving with a side of toast or English muffins to scoop up every last bit. A light, crisp juice such as orange or apple complements it well, balancing the richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, just make sure to grate them and squeeze out excess moisture before using.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
What can I use if I don’t have whole milk?
Half-and-half or a mix of cream and water will work just fine.

Hearty Breakfast Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it's ready when you are. Grab a large skillet and cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until it's browned and no longer pink. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set aside. Don't clean the skillet just yet—you'll use it for the veggies.

Add the butter to the same skillet, letting it melt before tossing in the chopped onions and green bell peppers. Sauté these until they're soft and aromatic. This usually takes about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing burns.

While your veggies are cooking, crack those eggs into a large bowl. Whisk them together with the whole milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until it’s all nicely blended. This will be your creamy binding agent.

In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, start layering. Spread out the thawed hash browns evenly at the bottom. Follow with the cooked sausage, then the sautéed veggies, and finally, sprinkle the cheddar cheese all over. The cheese is going to melt and create a delightful top layer.

Pour the egg mixture over everything, making sure it seeps into all the nooks and crannies. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the center is set.

Once baked, let the casserole cool slightly. It’ll make serving easier and bring out the flavors more distinctly.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • It's a complete breakfast in one dish, saving time and cleanup.
  • Customizable with your favorite add-ins or toppings.
  • Perfect for meal prep or feeding a hungry brunch crowd.
  • Rich in flavor from the combination of sausage, cheese, and veggies.

Ingredients

8 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1 pound breakfast sausage
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup chopped green bell peppers
3 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon butter

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add butter, onions, and bell peppers; sauté until soft.
4. In a large bowl, beat eggs with milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
5. In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer hash browns, cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and cheese.
6. Pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients.
7. Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden and the casserole is set in the middle.
8. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

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