why make this recipe
This Easy Breakfast Casserole is a fantastic way to start your day. It combines delicious ingredients like bacon, sausage, hash browns, and cheese, making it hearty and satisfying. Plus, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for busy mornings. With just one dish to clean up, it’s both easy and enjoyable, letting you focus on the most important meal of the day.
how to make Easy Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients:
- 8 slices bacon, cut into chunks
- 3/4 pound ground breakfast sausage
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup diced red peppers
- 1 (30 ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 cups cheese, shredded (I use pepper jack and cheddar)
- 10 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- Green onions or chives for garnish
- More salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Heat a large 12-inch oven-safe skillet on medium heat and add the bacon, cooking until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to drain.
- In the same skillet, cook the sausage, onions, and red peppers for about 8-10 minutes until done. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Drain all but 2 tablespoons of grease from the skillet. Add the thawed hash browns, granulated garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined.
- Layer the cooked sausage, onions, peppers, and bacon on top of the hash browns. Sprinkle 2 cups of cheese over this layer. Then, pour the egg mixture evenly over everything.
- Place the skillet in the oven on the middle rack and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until just set and not wobbly in the center.
- After 40-45 minutes, add the remaining cheese on top and return it to the oven for an additional 10-12 minutes.
- Once done, garnish with sliced green onions or chives before serving.
how to serve Easy Breakfast Casserole
To serve the Easy Breakfast Casserole, cut it into squares and place them on individual plates. You can enjoy it warm straight from the oven. It goes well with fresh fruit, toast, or a light salad on the side for a well-rounded breakfast.
how to store Easy Breakfast Casserole
After the casserole has cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
tips to make Easy Breakfast Casserole
- Make sure to thaw the hash browns completely for even cooking.
- You can customize the cheese based on your preference—mix different types for added flavor.
- If you like a little kick, add more red pepper flakes or serve with hot sauce.
- Consider prepping the ingredients the night before to save time in the morning.
variation
You can easily change the flavors in this casserole. Substitute vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for the red peppers. You can also switch out the proteins by using turkey sausage or leaving out the meat entirely for a vegetarian version.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole and store it in the fridge overnight before baking.
How do I know when it’s done?
The casserole is done when the center is set and not wobbly. You can also check if a knife comes out clean when inserted in the middle.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Bake it first, let it cool completely, then freeze in individual portions for easy meals later on. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.
Easy Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Meat Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon, cut into chunks
- 3/4 pound ground breakfast sausage
Vegetable Ingredients
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup diced red peppers
- 1 30 ounce bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed Make sure to thaw completely for even cooking.
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Add more for a spicier kick.
Dairy Ingredients
- 3 cups cheese, shredded (pepper jack and cheddar) You can customize the cheese based on preference.
- 10 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
For Garnishing
- Green onions or chives for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Heat a large 12-inch oven-safe skillet on medium heat and add the bacon, cooking until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to drain.
- In the same skillet, cook the sausage, onions, and red peppers for about 8-10 minutes until done. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Drain all but 2 tablespoons of grease from the skillet. Add the thawed hash browns, granulated garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined.
Assembly and Baking
- Layer the cooked sausage, onions, peppers, and bacon on top of the hash browns. Sprinkle 2 cups of cheese over this layer. Then, pour the egg mixture evenly over everything.
- Place the skillet in the oven on the middle rack and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until just set and not wobbly in the center.
- After 40-45 minutes, add the remaining cheese on top and return it to the oven for an additional 10-12 minutes.
- Once done, garnish with sliced green onions or chives before serving.