Description
A hearty and flavorful Savory Baked Breakfast Casserole packed with breakfast sausage, sautéed vegetables, fluffy eggs, and cheesy toppings. Perfect for a comforting morning meal or brunch, this casserole is easy to prepare and bakes to golden perfection with a bubbly cheese crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside to ensure the casserole won’t stick during baking.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary, then transfer the cooked sausage to a bowl and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté the diced onions and red bell pepper over medium heat until they are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute for fragrant flavor. Remove from heat and allow the vegetables to cool slightly.
- Whisk Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, thawed hash browns, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese into the egg mixture, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to cover the bottom and create a uniform layer.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole to melt and form a cheesy crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is fully set in the center and the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows it to set further and makes serving easier. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a lower-fat option, substitute turkey or chicken sausage for pork sausage and use low-fat milk.
- Vegetarians can omit the sausage and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
- Ensure hash browns are fully thawed for even cooking.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking; add an extra 5-10 minutes to baking time if baking cold from the fridge.
- Use non-stick cooking spray liberally on the baking dish to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
