American Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Breakfast sausage: Adds a savory and slightly spicy flavor to the casserole.

Eggs: Provides structure and richness to the dish.

Milk: Helps to create a creamy texture and binds the ingredients together.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the dish.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the casserole, adding a gooey and rich texture.

Frozen hash browns: Provides a crispy and hearty base for the casserole.

When cooking the sausage, make sure to break it up into small crumbles as it browns. This ensures even cooking and better distribution throughout the casserole. Additionally, allow the hash browns to thaw slightly before mixing them in; this helps them incorporate more smoothly and cook evenly.

• breakfast sausage - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can be seasoned to mimic the flavors of breakfast sausage.

• breakfast sausage - Substitute with vegetarian sausage: For a vegetarian option, use vegetarian sausage which provides a similar texture and flavor.

• large eggs - Substitute with egg substitute: Egg substitutes are great for those with egg allergies or for a lower cholesterol option.

• large eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water per egg for a vegan alternative.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in casseroles.

• milk - Substitute with soy milk: Soy milk is another dairy-free option that provides a similar consistency to cow's milk.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, but use less to avoid overpowering the dish.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct replacement and may offer a slightly different flavor profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor, often used in lighter-colored dishes.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: For a spicier kick, use cayenne pepper, but reduce the amount to avoid overwhelming the dish.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella: Mozzarella provides a milder flavor and a gooey texture.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: For a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese which melts similarly to cheddar.

• frozen hash browns - Substitute with diced potatoes: Fresh diced potatoes can be used, though they may require a longer cooking time.

• frozen hash browns - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a different flavor and added nutrients, but will change the overall taste of the dish.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, transfer the casserole to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• For longer storage, cut the cooled casserole into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date. These can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

• To reheat from the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.

• To reheat from frozen, it's best to thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as for refrigerated storage. If reheating directly from frozen, increase the heating time to 45-50 minutes, ensuring the dish is heated evenly.

• For a quicker option, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover American breakfast casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the top get crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Cut a portion of the casserole and place it on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. If needed, continue heating in 30-second intervals until hot.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place a portion of the casserole in the skillet.
  4. Cover with a lid and heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until warmed through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place a portion of the casserole in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If necessary, continue heating in 2-minute intervals until hot.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at the specified temperature until it is golden and set.

• Skillet: Used to cook the sausage over medium heat until browned.

• Mixing bowl: Used to whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper, and to combine all ingredients.

• Whisk: Used to mix the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper thoroughly.

• Baking dish: Used to hold the casserole mixture while it bakes in the oven.

• Spatula: Used to stir in the cooked sausage, shredded cheese, and hash browns into the egg mixture.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the milk and shredded cheese accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt and black pepper accurately.

• Knife: Used to cut and serve the casserole once it has cooled slightly.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to cut the casserole when serving.

Pre-cook the sausage: Cook the breakfast sausage ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This will save you time on the day you plan to make the casserole.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Buy shredded cheddar cheese instead of shredding it yourself. It’s a small step that can save you a few minutes.

Mix the night before: Combine the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, sausage, cheese, and hash browns in a bowl the night before. Store it in the fridge and pour it into the baking dish in the morning.

Use a food processor: If you prefer fresh hash browns, use a food processor to shred the potatoes quickly.