This Southwestern Sunrise Breakfast Casserole is a vibrant and flavorful way to start your day. Packed with spicy chorizo, colorful veggies, and topped with creamy avocado, it’s a hearty dish that brings a taste of the Southwest to your morning table.
Chorizo: Adds a spicy, savory punch that forms the backbone of this dish. It’s the ingredient that wakes up your taste buds.
Eggs: The binding agent that holds everything together, creating a fluffy and tender texture.
Milk: Helps to keep the eggs creamy and soft, balancing out the spices.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding richness and a sharp, tangy flavor.
Bell Peppers: Bring in sweetness and a pop of color, making each bite vibrant.
Onions: Add a savory depth and subtle sweetness, perfectly complementing the chorizo.
Corn Kernels: Provide a burst of sweetness and texture, making the casserole more interesting.
Avocado: Offers a creamy, buttery finish that cools down the heat from the chorizo.
Corn Tortillas: Layered at the base, they absorb the flavors and give the dish a comforting, hearty structure.
Cumin and Paprika: These spices round out the Southwestern profile with earthy, smoky notes.
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad of mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors. For a breakfast spread, consider serving it with a side of refried beans and some freshly squeezed orange juice to complete the Southwestern theme.
First, get your oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). While that's warming up, grab a skillet and set it over medium heat. Toss in the chorizo and cook it until it's nicely browned, taking care to drain any excess fat. This will prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
Next, in a spacious bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cumin, paprika, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture will be poured over the rest of the ingredients, so make sure it's well-combined.
Now, grease a 9x13 inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. Line the bottom with your corn tortilla strips. These will soak up all the delicious flavors.
Layer on the cooked chorizo, along with the bell peppers, onions, and corn. Spread them evenly so each bite is packed with flavor.
Pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients, ensuring it covers everything evenly. Then, sprinkle the cheddar cheese generously over the top.
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the eggs have set and the top is a beautiful golden brown.
Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before adding the avocado slices on top. This gives the casserole a final touch of creaminess.
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