Start your day off right with this delicious and satisfying Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole. Packed with flavorful ingredients and easy to make, this casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for busy mornings. With a golden, crispy hash brown crust, savory sausage, and creamy egg filling, every bite is sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this mouthwatering breakfast dish!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply bake it according to the instructions.
Q: Can I use frozen hash browns instead of thawed ones? A: Yes, you can use frozen hash browns, but be sure to thaw them completely before using them in the recipe. Otherwise, they may not cook evenly.
Q: Can I customize the ingredients in this casserole? A: Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or meats to customize this casserole to your liking.
Ingredients:
- 30 ounces shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 1 lb ground pork sausage (Jimmy Dean’s All Natural is a great choice)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup butter
- 10 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced, divided
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Cook the Sausage Mixture:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground pork sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula as it cooks. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set aside.
3. Saute the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dried marjoram, dried thyme, seasoned salt, and black pepper until well combined.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the thawed hash brown potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and half of the shredded cheese.
6. Pour the Egg Mixture:
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, making sure it seeps into all the nooks and crannies.
7. Bake:
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
8. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese and sliced green onions over the top. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Cook Notes:
- Feel free to use your favorite type of sausage in this recipe, such as turkey sausage or chorizo, for a different flavor profile.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Make sure to thaw the hash browns completely before using them to ensure even cooking.
Variations:
- Southwestern Twist: Add diced green chilies, black beans, and Monterey Jack cheese for a Southwestern-inspired flavor.
- Italian Flavor: Use Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, and Italian seasoning for an Italian twist.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
To make this recipe keto or low-carb-friendly, you can make the following adjustments:
- Substitute the hash browns with grated cauliflower or broccoli for a lower-carb option.
- Use heavy cream instead of milk for a creamier texture and fewer carbs.
- Skip the onions and bell peppers to further reduce the carb count.
Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. With its combination of crispy hash browns, savory sausage, and fluffy eggs, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. Plus, with the option to customize the ingredients to suit your tastes and dietary preferences, it’s a versatile recipe that you can make your own. So why wait? Whip up a batch of this delicious casserole and enjoy a delicious and filling meal that will keep you satisfied all morning long!
