Introduction
Looking to serve a hearty breakfast that combines the rich flavors of eggs, sausage, and cheese? This delicious breakfast casserole is perfect for gatherings or a satisfying family brunch. With its combination of flavors and textures, it’s sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
12 extra-large eggs
1 cup heavy cream
20 ounces frozen hashbrowns, thawed
1 pound pork sausage
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
4 green onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: Serves 8-10
To create this delicious breakfast casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start by cooking the pork sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Set the sausage aside and use some of the drippings to sauté diced onion and red bell pepper until softened, then add minced garlic.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the thawed hashbrowns, cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and softened cream cheese. Mix in 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese until well combined. Pour the mixture into the baking dish, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden and set. Let it rest before serving, and enjoy this comforting dish!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the pork sausage until browned and crumbled. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the skillet.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the butter to the skillet with the drippings. Sauté the diced onion and red bell pepper until softened, which should take about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper until well combined and smooth.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Stir in the thawed hashbrowns, cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, softened cream cheese, and 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top for added flavor.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. The casserole is done when the center is set and the top is golden brown.
Step 8: Rest Before Serving
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set further and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Notes
Tip for Thawing Hashbrowns
Ensure the hashbrowns are completely thawed for even cooking. You can place them in the refrigerator overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.
Variations
Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference. Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini can be great additions.
Storage Instructions
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Serving Suggestion
This casserole pairs well with a fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Sautéing Vegetables
Sautéing involves cooking vegetables in a small amount of fat over medium heat to enhance their flavor and texture. In this recipe, onions, red bell peppers, and garlic are sautéed until softened, creating a flavorful base.
Cooking Sausage
Cooking sausage requires browning it in a skillet until fully cooked and crumbled. This enhances the flavor and texture, making it a hearty addition to the casserole.
Whisking Ingredients
Whisking is the process of mixing ingredients together to ensure an even distribution. In this recipe, whisk the eggs, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper until well combined for a smooth and fluffy texture.
Layering
Layering involves spreading the mixture in a baking dish evenly for consistent cooking. This technique ensures that each bite of the casserole has a balanced mix of ingredients.
Baking
Baking uses dry heat in an oven to cook the dish evenly. This recipe calls for baking at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.
Letting Rest
Letting the casserole rest after baking helps set the ingredients, making it easier to slice and serve. A 10-minute resting period allows flavors to meld while cooling slightly.
FAQ
Can I use different types of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute with any type of sausage, such as turkey or chicken sausage, depending on your preference.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Just add extra baking time if you bake it straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk as a lighter alternative, but the texture may be less rich.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini based on your taste preferences.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
The hearty breakfast casserole made with extra-large eggs, creamy heavy cream, and a blend of savory meats and vegetables creates a satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. Its combination of flavors and textures makes it a favorite for brunch gatherings or as a filling meal to start the day. The warmth of the dish, paired with the melted cheddar cheese topping, provides a comforting experience that is sure to please a crowd.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Spinach and Feta Casserole
Replace the sausage and bacon with sautéed spinach and crumbled feta cheese for a delicious meat-free option.
Southwestern Breakfast Casserole
Add black beans, corn, and diced jalapeños for a spicy twist. Garnish with avocado and fresh cilantro before serving.
Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole
Use Italian sausage and mix in diced tomatoes and Italian herbs, creating an Italian-inspired breakfast delight.
Greek Yogurt and Herb Egg Bake
Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt and enhance the flavor with herbs like dill and oregano, making it lighter and refreshing.
Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bake
For a luxurious touch, add smoked salmon and capers, using cream cheese throughout the mixture for a rich and savory flavor.
Loaded Veggie Casserole
Incorporate a variety of vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and asparagus for a colorful and nutritious breakfast option.
