Name: Easy Breakfast Casserole - Quick Make-Ahead Meal
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1 pound Beef Sausage; 6 Eggs; 2 cups Milk; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Pepper; 1/2 package Frozen Hash Browns (15 oz); 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipe. Who doesn’t love waking up to a delicious, hassle-free meal that promises a symphony of flavors and textures? This easy breakfast casserole recipe is the ultimate solution for those mornings when you crave something comforting and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish, allowing you to prep the night before and simply pop it in the oven. People adore this casserole because it’s incredibly versatile, easily adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand – think savory sausage, crispy bacon, a medley of fresh vegetables, or even a hint of spicy chorizo. What truly sets this easy breakfast casserole recipe apart is its ability to bring everyone to the table with a smile. It’s a warm hug in a dish, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that makes any morning feel a little more special, whether it’s a busy weekday or a leisurely weekend brunch.

Ingredients:

1 pound Sausage
6 Eggs
2 cups Milk
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Pepper
1/2 package Frozen Hash Browns (15 oz)
2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Sausage and Hash Browns

The first step to creating this delicious and Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipe is to get your sausage cooked and your hash browns ready. Take your pound of sausage and place it into a large skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll want to break it up with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. Cook until there is no pink remaining and the fat has rendered out. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease using a slotted spoon or by carefully tilting the skillet. Set the cooked sausage aside. Now, let’s address the hash browns. You’ll need about half of a 15-ounce package, which is approximately 7.5 ounces or about 1 and 3/4 cups. Since they are frozen, you don’t need to thaw them completely. It’s actually beneficial to have them still slightly frozen for this recipe, as they will cook through nicely in the casserole. If your hash browns are in a large block, you might want to break them up a bit so they distribute more evenly in the casserole dish.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole Base

Now that our sausage is cooked and cooled slightly, and the hash browns are prepped, we can start building our casserole. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. Lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. This is a crucial step to ensure your casserole comes out cleanly. Evenly spread the prepared frozen hash browns across the bottom of the baking dish. Then, scatter the cooked and drained sausage over the top of the hash browns. Try to distribute them as evenly as possible so every bite gets a good mix of flavors. Next, sprinkle about half of your shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage and hash brown layer. This will create a cheesy foundation and help bind the layers together as it melts.

Creating the Custard Mixture

Step 3: Whisk Together the Eggs, Milk, and Seasonings

This is where we create the creamy, custardy base that will hold our casserole together and make it so wonderfully rich. In a large bowl, crack your 6 eggs. Add the 2 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper to the bowl with the eggs. Now, grab a whisk and get to work! You want to whisk everything together vigorously until the yolks and whites are completely combined and the mixture is a uniform pale yellow color. Make sure there are no streaks of egg white visible. This thorough whisking is important for achieving a smooth and consistent texture in your finished casserole. Don’t rush this step; a well-mixed egg and milk base is key to a great casserole.

Step 4: Combine and Pour the Custard

With your egg mixture perfectly whisked, it’s time to bring it all together. Gently pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the sausage, hash browns, and cheese in the baking dish. Try to pour it in a way that it saturates all the ingredients. You might need to tilt the dish slightly to ensure the custard gets into all the nooks and crannies. You can also use a spoon or spatula to gently push down some of the hash browns and sausage to help them absorb the liquid. Don’t worry too much about perfection here; the goal is to get the liquid distributed as evenly as possible.

Baking and Finishing

Step 5: Bake and Add Final Toppings

At this point, your Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipe is almost ready for the oven. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Once preheated, place the baking dish into the center of the oven. Bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. You should see that the eggs are mostly set but might still look a little wet in the very center. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown, and the center of the casserole is completely set. You can test for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean. Let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the casserole to firm up, making it easier to cut and serve neat portions. Enjoy your hearty and delicious breakfast!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipe is a game-changer for busy mornings or relaxed weekend brunches. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients, making it a truly personal delight. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a delicious and satisfying start to your day, this casserole delivers every time. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your additions – the possibilities are nearly endless. I truly hope you enjoy making and, more importantly, eating this wonderful dish as much as I do. It’s a comforting, hearty, and absolutely delicious way to begin any day.

Serving suggestions include pairing it with fresh fruit, a side of toast, or even a dollop of sour cream for an extra tangy kick. For variations, consider adding cooked sausage or bacon, different types of cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack, or even some sautéed vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or onions. The key is to make it your own!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making ahead. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to account for it being cold from the refrigerator.

What kind of bread is best for this breakfast casserole?

A slightly stale or day-old bread works best as it will absorb the liquid without becoming too mushy. French bread, challah, or even a good quality white bread are excellent choices. Avoid very soft, fresh breads.