Ingredients You'll Need
Before we get cooking, let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s a list of what you will need:
8 large eggs
2 cups milk (whole or low-fat)
1 lb breakfast sausage (or substitute with ham, bacon, or a meat alternative)
4 cups frozen hash browns (or freshly grated potatoes)
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite blend)
1 medium onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: diced tomatoes, spinach, or other vegetables
Feel free to switch out ingredients based on your supplies or dietary needs.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This essential step ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and gives you that perfect golden brown top.
Step 2: Prepare the Sausage
In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbly. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and set aside. For added flavor, add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Whisk the Eggs and Milk
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk, ensuring there are no lumps. This mix creates a smoother texture for your casserole.
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, start layering your ingredients. First, spread the hash browns evenly at the bottom.
Next, add the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables. Pour the egg and milk mixture over this layer, and top with shredded cheese. Feel free to add extra ingredients like diced tomatoes or spinach. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for about 45 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the eggs are set.
Step 6: Let it Rest
After pulling it out of the oven, let your breakfast casserole sit for about 10 minutes. This resting period makes it easier to slice and serve.
Variations to Try
Vegetarian Version: Swap the sausage for mushrooms, spinach, and diced tomatoes. This hearty veggie dish still satisfies.
Southwest Style: Add black beans, corn, diced jalapeños, and top it with pepper jack cheese. This brings a spicy kick to your plate!
Sweet Treat: For a sweeter option, use diced fruit like apples or berries combined with cinnamon and vanilla. This makes for a dessert-like breakfast that’s perfect for brunch gatherings.
Storage Tips
You can prepare it the night before and refrigerate it. Simply pop it in the oven in the morning. It's also a great option for leftovers.
Cut any leftover casserole into squares and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, just microwave or place it back in the oven until warmed through.
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