Breakfast Casserole

A classic Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines eggs, cheese, breakfast meats, and vegetables for a comforting and satisfying start to the day. Perfect for brunches, holidays, or meal prepping, this casserole is easy to customize and can be prepared ahead of time for stress-free mornings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and Delicious: A no-fuss recipe with big flavors.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
• Customizable: Tailor the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
• Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for family breakfasts, potlucks, or gatherings.
• Balanced and Hearty: A complete meal in one dish with protein, veggies, and cheese.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Eggs
• Milk
• Salt and pepper
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite blend)
• Breakfast sausage, bacon, or ham (cooked and crumbled)
• Hash browns (shredded or diced, fresh or frozen)
• Vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach, diced)
• Butter or cooking spray (for greasing the dish)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Cook the Meat and Vegetables: If using sausage or bacon, cook it until crispy. Sauté the vegetables until tender.
3. Layer the Ingredients: Spread hash browns evenly in the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle with the cooked meat, sautéed vegetables, and half of the shredded cheese.
4. Mix the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish.
5. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
6. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden and bubbly.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or tomatoes.
• Spicy Twist: Add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or a splash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace hash browns with roasted cauliflower or omit them entirely.
• Cheese Lovers: Use a mix of cheeses like Swiss, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for extra richness.
• Sweet Potato Version: Swap hash browns for shredded sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of hash browns?

Yes, shred or dice fresh potatoes, but make sure to squeeze out excess moisture before using.

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes, assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.

How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?

Ensure that any frozen ingredients, like hash browns or vegetables, are thawed and patted dry before assembling.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative and use dairy-free cheese.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is ready when the top is golden, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Can I add bread instead of hash browns?

Yes, use cubed bread (like French or sourdough) for a different texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger baking dish or make two casseroles to feed a larger group.

What toppings pair well with this dish?

Sour cream, salsa, avocado, or fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro are excellent choices.

Can I use egg whites instead of whole eggs?

Yes, substitute whole eggs with egg whites or a combination of both for a lighter option.

Can I add cheese inside and on top?

Absolutely! Mixing cheese into the layers and sprinkling it on top ensures a cheesy bite in every forkful.

Conclusion

This classic Breakfast Casserole is the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing meals for the week, or simply treating your family to a hearty breakfast, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection!

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