Start your day with a delicious and satisfying meal by trying this Hearty Breakfast Casserole. This simple yet flavorful recipe brings together classic breakfast ingredients, creating a comforting dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or for a relaxed family breakfast.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 12 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hash browns
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Sausage:
- In a skillet, brown one pound of breakfast sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and set the cooked sausage aside.
- Prepare Egg Mixture:
- Crack 12 eggs into a large bowl.
- Add 1/2 cup of milk to the eggs.
- Season the egg mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Whisk the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set the egg mixture aside.
- Prepare Hash Browns:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place hash browns flat inside the greased dish, creating an even layer.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the browned breakfast sausage evenly over the layer of hash browns.
- Sprinkle a small amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage.
- Pour the prepared egg mixture evenly over the sausage and cheese layers.
- Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with foil to prevent over-browning during the initial baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove Foil and Continue Baking:
- After the initial 30 minutes, remove the foil to allow the top to brown.
- Continue baking for an additional 20 minutes or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.
- Check for Doneness:
- To check if the casserole is done, insert a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, the eggs are set.
- Serve:
- Let the breakfast casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm and enjoy your delicious breakfast!
Why You’ll Love It:
- Savory and Satisfying Start: This Hearty Breakfast Casserole offers a savory and satisfying beginning to your day, with the richness of breakfast sausage, eggs, and cheese coming together in a harmonious blend.
- Effortless Morning Preparation: With a simple and straightforward preparation process, this casserole is a go-to option for busy mornings. Spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious breakfast.
- Versatile Flavor Palette: The recipe’s versatility allows you to get creative with additional ingredients. Add your favorite veggies, herbs, or spices to customize the flavor to your liking and suit your taste preferences.
- Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for gatherings, family brunches, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. The generous proportions and satisfying flavors make it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
- Balanced Nutrition: Packed with protein from the breakfast sausage and eggs, this casserole provides a balanced and hearty meal to fuel you through the morning. The addition of hash browns adds a comforting and fulfilling texture.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: The make-ahead nature of this casserole makes it a convenient option for planning ahead. Prepare it the night before, refrigerate, and simply bake it in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
- Comfort in Every Bite: The combination of creamy eggs, savory sausage, and cheesy goodness over crispy hash browns creates a comforting and indulgent dish that brings warmth and joy to each bite.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: Whether you’re serving a family with diverse tastes or a group of friends, the familiar and delightful flavors of this casserole make it universally appealing, making breakfast a shared and enjoyable experience.
How to store it:
Storing the Hearty Breakfast Casserole properly is essential to maintain its freshness and flavor. Here’s a guide on how to store it:
- Cool Down:
- Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature after baking. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for an extended period, especially if it contains perishable ingredients.
- Refrigeration:
- Once cooled, cover the 9×13-inch dish containing the casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place the covered dish in the refrigerator.
- Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days.
- Freezing:
- For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions or the entire casserole.
- Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, transfer it to airtight freezer-safe containers.
- Label with the date of preparation to track freshness.
- Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing:
- When ready to enjoy frozen casserole, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before to thaw gradually.
- For quicker thawing, you can use the defrost function on a microwave or place the frozen casserole in a sealed plastic bag under cold running water.
- Reheating:
- Reheat refrigerated or thawed casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe level, at least 165°F (74°C), to prevent foodborne illness.
- You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave using short intervals, stirring in between.
- Note on Texture:
- Keep in mind that the texture of the eggs may change slightly after refrigeration and reheating. To maintain optimal texture, consider undercooking the eggs slightly during the initial baking if you anticipate reheating leftovers.
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Serve Fresh:
- While the casserole can be stored and reheated successfully, it’s often at its best when served fresh from the oven.
