Breakfast Casserole: 7 Savory Reasons to Make It Today

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Breakfast Casserole

Breakfast Casserole is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings warmth and satisfaction to your mornings. This hearty breakfast casserole is packed with savory breakfast sausage, fresh vegetables, and gooey cheese. It’s the perfect solution for those busy mornings or lazy weekends when you want to feed the family something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. With this easy breakfast casserole recipe, you’ll learn how to create a layered breakfast casserole that is not only filling but also customizable to fit your family’s tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Breakfast Casserole

This breakfast casserole is a game changer for your morning routine. First, it saves time; you can prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning, making it a fantastic option for busy weekdays or brunch gatherings. Second, it’s versatile; you can easily swap out ingredients like the sausage or vegetables to suit your preferences, making it suitable for both meat lovers and vegetarians alike. Third, it’s a crowd-pleaser; serve this breakfast bake for a crowd, and everyone will leave satisfied. Fourth, it’s nutritious; packed with protein and vegetables, it’s a balanced morning dish. Fifth, the leftovers are just as delicious, making it perfect for meal prep. Lastly, it’s gluten-free, catering to those with dietary restrictions. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this morning casserole will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients for Breakfast Casserole

Gather these items:

  • 1 pound ground breakfast sausage or pork sausage
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium bell peppers, chopped (1 red, 1 yellow)
  • 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 large handful fresh baby spinach
  • 1 pound shredded or diced hash browns, thawed
  • 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 12 large eggs
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half
  • 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Optional garnishes: avocado slices, chopped green onions

How to Make Breakfast Casserole Step-by-Step

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the hash browns in an even layer and cook for 5–7 minutes without stirring, until the bottom is deeply golden and crispy. Flip in sections and cook another 4–5 minutes, adding more oil if needed. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to the baking dish, leaving behind 2 tablespoons of grease. (If there is excess grease, drain and discard it.)
  3. Step 3: Add the onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the skillet and sauté for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and browned. Add the garlic and sauté for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the spinach and Old Bay and toss until the spinach is just wilted. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and toss briefly with the hash browns and sausage to combine.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, black pepper, and half-and-half. Stir in 1½ cups of the cheddar cheese.
  5. Step 5: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and veggies, and give it a gentle stir to mix everything together. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar on top, along with a few extra twists of black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–55 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
  7. Step 7: Let the casserole cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with sliced green onions and avocado and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Breakfast Casserole

Keep these in mind:

  • Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference.
  • This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
  • Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
  • For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or hot sausage.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors.

Breakfast Casserole: 7 Savory Reasons to Make It Today - Breakfast Casserole - additional detail

Best Ways to Serve Breakfast Casserole

This casserole shines on its own, but you can elevate your serving experience. Try serving it with a side of fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast. If you’re hosting a brunch, pair it with mimosas or coffee for a delightful finish. For a complete meal, consider adding a light salad or some crispy bacon on the side. The options are endless!

How to Store and Reheat Breakfast Casserole

This casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply slice a piece and warm it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. It’s great for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a quick and easy breakfast throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breakfast Casserole

What’s the secret to perfect Breakfast Casserole?

The secret lies in the balance of ingredients. Ensure you use a mix of proteins like sausage and veggies. Also, don’t skip the half-and-half, as it adds creaminess to the egg mixture, making it a delightful breakfast egg bake.

Can I make Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning. This makes it a perfect option for overnight breakfast casserole meals or quick breakfast casserole for busy mornings.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Breakfast Casserole?

Avoid overcooking the hash browns; they should be crispy, but not burnt. Also, be careful not to overbake the casserole, as it can become dry. Keeping an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking is crucial.

Variations of Breakfast Casserole You Can Try

There are numerous ways to customize your breakfast casserole. For a vegetarian breakfast casserole, simply omit the sausage and load it up with extra veggies like zucchini or asparagus. For a southwestern twist, consider adding black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes for a savory breakfast dish. If you love potatoes, try a breakfast casserole with potatoes instead of hash browns. The possibilities are endless!

For more breakfast ideas, check out our loaded breakfast hash recipe or try our breakfast casserole with tater tots for a fun twist!

For more tips on meal prepping, visit our last recipes page for inspiration!

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Breakfast Casserole

Breakfast Casserole: 7 Savory Reasons to Make It Today


  • Author: basmer
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A hearty breakfast casserole packed with sausage, vegetables, and cheese.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground breakfast sausage or pork sausage
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium bell peppers, chopped (1 red, 1 yellow)
  • 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 large handful fresh baby spinach
  • 1 pound shredded or diced hash browns, thawed
  • 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 12 large eggs
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half
  • 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Optional garnishes: avocado slices, chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the hash browns in an even layer and cook for 5–7 minutes without stirring, until the bottom is deeply golden and crispy. Flip in sections and cook another 4–5 minutes, adding more oil if needed. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In the same skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to the baking dish, leaving behind 2 tablespoons of grease. (If there is excess grease, drain and discard it.)
  3. Add the onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the skillet and sauté for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and browned. Add the garlic and sauté for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the spinach and Old Bay and toss until the spinach is just wilted. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and toss briefly with the hash browns and sausage to combine.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, black pepper, and half-and-half. Stir in 1½ cups of the cheddar cheese.
  5. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and veggies, and give it a gentle stir to mix everything together. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar on top, along with a few extra twists of black pepper.
  6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–55 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
  7. Let the casserole cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with sliced green onions and avocado and enjoy!

Notes

  • Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference.
  • This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
  • Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 250mg

Keywords: Breakfast Casserole, Easy Breakfast, Sausage Casserole, Egg Casserole

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