Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

Indulge in a hearty breakfast with our delicious Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole, featuring crispy hashbrowns, savory sausage, colorful bell peppers, and cheesy goodness. Perfect for mornings when you want a satisfying and flavorful meal that can be prepared ahead of time.

Ingredients:

• 20 ounces shredded hash browns (thawed)
• 1 pound sausage (cooked, crumbled, and drained)
• ¼ cup onion (finely diced)
• ½ red bell pepper (diced)
• ½ green bell pepper (diced)
• 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded, divided use)
• 8 eggs
• 1 can evaporated milk (12 ounces, or 1 1/3 cups milk)
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (or your favorite herbs/spices, optional)
• ½ teaspoon Kosher salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch pan or a 3-quart baking dish, or spray with cooking spray.
2. Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the sausage until no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
3. Prepare Casserole: In the prepared dish, combine thawed hash browns, cooked sausage, diced onions, diced bell peppers, and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese. Mix gently and spread evenly in the pan.
4. Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, evaporated milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
5. Assemble and Bake: Pour the egg mixture over the hashbrown mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
6. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate overnight if desired for easy morning prep, or bake immediately. Bake uncovered for 55-65 minutes, or until the casserole is cooked through and golden brown on top.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 8

Serving and Storage Tips :

Serving Tips:

• Fresh Presentation: Serve the Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole straight from the oven while it’s hot and bubbling.
• Garnish Ideas: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Accompaniments: Pair with a side of fresh fruit salad, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely. Cut into individual portions and wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat refrigerated casserole portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes per serving, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole remains fresh and delicious, whether you’re preparing it for a leisurely brunch or making it ahead for busy mornings. Enjoy the convenience and flavor of this satisfying breakfast dish!

Variations :

1. Vegetarian Delight:

• Ingredients: Substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and diced tomatoes. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for extra flavor.
• Instructions: Sauté mushrooms until browned, then add spinach and diced tomatoes until wilted. Incorporate into casserole mixture and proceed with recipe as usual.

2. Ham and Cheese:

• Ingredients: Replace sausage with diced ham. Add 1 cup of diced ham and 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese to the casserole mixture.
• Instructions: Mix ham and Swiss cheese into casserole mixture. Bake as directed until cheese is melted and bubbly.

3. Mexican Fiesta:

• Ingredients: Use chorizo sausage instead of regular sausage. Add 1 cup of diced tomatoes with green chilies and 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning.
• Instructions: Cook chorizo until browned, then mix with diced tomatoes and green chilies. Add taco seasoning and incorporate into casserole mixture. Bake until heated through.

4. Mediterranean Twist:

• Ingredients: Add 1 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1/2 cup of chopped Kalamata olives, and 1 tablespoon of dried oregano.
• Instructions: Mix sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and oregano into casserole mixture. Bake as directed until flavors meld.

5. Broccoli and Cheddar:

• Ingredients: Add 1 cup of steamed broccoli florets and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
• Instructions: Mix broccoli and cheddar cheese into casserole mixture. Bake until cheese is melted and broccoli is tender.

6. Spinach and Feta:

• Ingredients: Add 1 cup of chopped spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained) and 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
• Instructions: Mix spinach and feta cheese into casserole mixture. Bake until heated through and feta is slightly melted.

7. Bacon Lover’s Dream:

• Ingredients: Replace sausage with cooked and crumbled bacon. Add 1 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon and 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
• Instructions: Mix bacon and Monterey Jack cheese into casserole mixture. Bake until cheese is bubbly and bacon is crispy.

8. Sausage and Mushroom:

• Ingredients: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms sautéed until golden brown.
• Instructions: Sauté mushrooms until golden brown, then mix with cooked sausage and incorporate into casserole mixture. Bake as directed until flavors meld.

9. Southwest Style:

• Ingredients: Use diced cooked chicken instead of sausage. Add 1 cup of corn kernels, 1 diced red bell pepper, and 1 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese.
• Instructions: Mix chicken, corn, red bell pepper, and pepper jack cheese into casserole mixture. Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. Greek Inspired:

• Ingredients: Add 1 cup of chopped roasted red peppers, 1/2 cup of chopped black olives, and 1 tablespoon of Greek seasoning.
• Instructions: Mix roasted red peppers, black olives, and Greek seasoning into casserole mixture. Bake until heated through and flavors combine.

These variations offer a range of flavors and ingredients to customize your Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole according to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting with these delicious twists on a classic breakfast dish!

FAQs:

1. Can I prepare Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?

• Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. Bake it the next morning according to the recipe instructions.

2. How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

• The casserole is done when the eggs are set in the center and the top is golden brown and slightly puffed. Use a toothpick or knife to check if it comes out clean from the center.

3. Can I use frozen hash browns instead of thawed ones?

• Yes, you can use frozen hash browns. Thaw them completely before incorporating them into the casserole mixture.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese in this casserole?

• Absolutely! Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with your favorite cheese such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss for different flavor profiles.

5. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

• Yes, ensure all ingredients used, including the sausage and seasonings, are gluten-free. Use gluten-free hash browns and double-check the labels on other ingredients like soup or spices.

6. How long can leftovers be stored in the refrigerator?

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions as needed.

7. Can I freeze Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole?

• Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then cut it into individual portions and wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

8. What can I serve with Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole?

• It pairs well with fresh fruit, a side of toast or biscuits, and a simple green salad. Choose sides that complement the hearty flavors of the casserole.

9. Can I customize the vegetables in this casserole?

• Absolutely! You can add or substitute vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, or zucchini to suit your taste preferences.

10. How can I reheat individual servings of this casserole?

• Reheat individual portions in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes.