Easy Breakfast Casserole: A Hearty Morning Delight
Embark on a morning culinary journey with our Easy Breakfast Casserole — a delectable fusion of savory breakfast sausage, fluffy eggs, and golden hash browns, crowned with a blanket of gooey cheddar cheese. This recipe not only tantalizes the taste buds but also makes the most of your precious time with its straightforward preparation.
This easy breakfast casserole is not only simple to make but also versatile, allowing you to add your favorite ingredients for a personalized touch. Enjoy the delightful flavors and ease of this breakfast dish!
Cooking time:
The total cooking time for this Easy Breakfast Casserole is approximately 50 minutes. Here’s a breakdown:
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. This initial covered baking time allows the ingredients to cook and set.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: After the initial 30 minutes, uncover the casserole and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes. This uncovered baking time gives the top of the casserole a chance to turn golden brown and develop a slightly crispy texture.
Always ensure that the eggs are fully cooked, and the casserole is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the casserole is ready. The internal temperature should reach at least 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 12 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Hash browns (enough to cover the bottom of a 9×13 dish)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the oven is fully heated before baking.
- Cook the Breakfast Sausage:
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the breakfast sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Cook until it’s fully browned and cooked through.
- Once cooked, drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- Crack 12 eggs into a large mixing bowl.
- Add 1/2 cup of whole milk to the eggs.
- Season the egg mixture with salt and pepper to taste. You can start with about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, adjusting according to your preference.
- Whisk the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper together until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy. Set aside.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Spread hash browns in an even layer on the bottom of the greased dish, creating a base for the casserole.
- Evenly distribute the browned breakfast sausage over the hash browns.
- Sprinkle a small amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage, providing a layer of melty goodness.
- Pour the prepared egg mixture over the sausage and cheese, ensuring it covers the entire casserole.
- Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese for a gooey and flavorful finish.
- Bake:
- Cover the casserole dish with foil to help the eggs cook through without over-browning the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This allows the casserole to set.
- Uncover and Finish Baking:
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil to expose the top of the casserole.
- Continue baking for an additional 20 minutes or until the casserole is set, and the top is golden brown.
- Serve:
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm slices of this delicious breakfast casserole. Garnish with fresh herbs or additional toppings if desired.
Tips:
- Customize the casserole by adding diced vegetables, such as bell peppers or onions, to the egg mixture.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for added flavor.
- You can prepare this casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Bake it the next morning for a quick and easy breakfast.