Breakfast Casserole

There’s something about a hearty breakfast casserole that just feels like a warm hug in food form. Imagine waking up on a weekend morning to the smell of sizzling sausage, sweet bell peppers, and melted cheese filling your kitchen. This dish is the perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and satisfying. Every bite is packed with flavor, and the best part is that it’s a hands-off meal once it’s in the oven. Trust me, this one’s going to make you look forward to breakfast like never before.

Recipe Origin:
Breakfast casseroles are a staple in American brunch culture, perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for busy mornings. This particular version combines lean turkey sausage with hash browns and fresh vegetables, making it a little lighter than the classic but still indulgent and comforting. It’s designed to be versatile, satisfying, and simple, without skimping on flavor.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:
Large skillet for cooking sausage and vegetables
Mixing bowl
Whisk
9×13 inch baking dish or similar casserole dish
Spatula or wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

Why You’ll Love Breakfast Casserole
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating an easy, comforting dish that works for any morning. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or treating yourself, it’s a win every time.

Versatile: Perfect for weekend brunch, meal prep, or even breakfast-for-dinner nights. Pair with toast, fruit, or a fresh salad and you have a complete meal.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, accessible ingredients. You likely already have eggs, cheese, and hash browns in your pantry.

Quick and Easy: Once the sausage and veggies are cooked, everything comes together in one dish. Minimal hands-on time, maximum flavor.

Customizable: Swap in your favorite cheese, use different vegetables, or add cooked bacon or ham.

Crowd-Pleasing: The cheesy, savory combination is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a dish that disappears fast.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results:
Use freshly shredded cheese—it melts better and gives a creamier texture.
Drain excess fat from sausage if needed to avoid a greasy casserole.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking before slicing to help it hold its shape.
Season generously with salt and pepper, especially if using low-sodium ingredients.

Ingredients in Breakfast Casserole
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Here’s what makes this casserole so comforting and flavorful:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For sautéing sausage and vegetables, adds a subtle richness.
Turkey Breakfast Sausage: The star of the dish, providing savory flavor and protein.
Yellow Onion: Sweetness and depth that balances the richness of the sausage.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds freshness, color, and a mild sweetness.
Frozen Hash Browns: The base of the casserole, providing hearty texture and a satisfying bite.
Cheddar Cheese: Melty, sharp, and indulgent, it ties everything together.
Sliced Chives: Bright and fresh, sprinkled on top for a finishing touch.
Eggs: Bind the casserole together, creating a custardy texture.
Whole Milk: Makes the egg mixture creamy and soft.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life.

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this hearty, cheesy breakfast casserole:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven Preheat your oven to 375°F. This ensures even cooking and a perfectly set casserole.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Veggies In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the turkey sausage and cook until browned. Remove the sausage and set aside. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Combine the Base Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine thawed hash browns, cooked sausage, sautéed onions, and peppers. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and sliced chives.

Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole Pour the egg mixture over the hash brown and sausage mixture. Stir gently to combine everything evenly. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown. Check with a toothpick or knife inserted in the center—it should come out clean.

Step 7: Rest Before Serving Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows it to firm up slightly and makes slicing easier.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy Slice into squares or rectangles and serve warm. Pair with fresh fruit, a simple salad, or toast for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6–8
Calories per serving: Approximately 350–400
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve Breakfast Casserole
Fresh Salads: A small green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
Toast: Serve with buttered toast or a crusty baguette to scoop up cheesy bites.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables or sautéed greens are great additions.
As a Standalone: It’s hearty enough to enjoy on its own for a simple, satisfying meal.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Prepare the casserole the night before and store in the fridge, uncovered, and bake the next morning. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Variations to Try:
Cheese Swap: Try Gruyere, Fontina, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and add mushrooms or zucchini.
Breakfast-for-Dinner: Serve alongside a fresh salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal.

Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables and shred cheese the night before to save time in the morning.
Spice It Up: Adjust seasoning to taste. Extra salt and pepper enhances flavors.
Double the Batch: Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat slowly to prevent dryness.

FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use regular frozen hash browns instead of diced?
A1: Yes, but diced hash browns give a more even texture.

Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely. Swap sausage for extra vegetables or plant-based sausage.

Q3: Can this be frozen?
A3: Yes, assemble and freeze before baking. Bake from frozen, adding extra cooking time.

Q4: Can I make it ahead of time?
A4: Prepare the night before and bake in the morning for convenience.

Q5: Can I use shredded pre-packaged cheese?
A5: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a creamier texture.

Q6: Can I use egg whites only?
A6: Yes, but it may be less rich and custardy.

Q7: How do I make it extra cheesy?
A7: Add more shredded cheese on top before baking for a golden cheesy crust.

Q8: Can I add herbs?
A8: Chives are classic, but thyme or parsley works beautifully.

Q9: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A9: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to keep the texture crispy.

Q10: Can I use ground beef instead of turkey sausage?
A10: Yes, but drain excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.

Conclusion
This Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate combination of hearty, cheesy, and flavorful. It’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd. With crispy edges, gooey melted cheese, and savory sausage and vegetables, it’s sure to become a favorite in your breakfast rotation. Simple, satisfying, and completely customizable, it’s the kind of dish that makes mornings brighter and bellies happy.

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