Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Eggs: The base of the casserole, providing structure and richness.

Milk: Adds creaminess and helps to bind the ingredients together.

Breakfast sausage: Adds a savory, meaty flavor to the dish.

Cheese: Melts into the casserole, adding gooey texture and flavor.

Frozen hash browns: Provides a hearty, starchy component to the casserole.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the flavor profile.

When preparing the hash browns for this breakfast casserole, make sure they are thoroughly thawed and patted dry. Excess moisture can make the casserole soggy. Additionally, for an extra layer of flavor, consider browning the hash browns in a skillet with a bit of butter before mixing them into the egg mixture. This will add a delightful crispness and depth to your dish.

• eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. This is a great vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients together.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that provides a similar texture and moisture to the casserole.

• cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage - Substitute with cooked and crumbled turkey sausage: Turkey sausage is a leaner option with less fat but still provides a similar flavor profile.

• shredded cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor and is a good option for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.

• thawed frozen hash browns - Substitute with grated sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a different flavor and are packed with nutrients, making them a healthier alternative.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, reducing the need for additional salt.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but is less visible in the dish, which can be preferable for aesthetic reasons.

• Allow the breakfast casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• For short-term storage, transfer the casserole to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the casserole. Cut it into individual portions for easy reheating. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label the containers with the date to keep track of freshness. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
• If reheating the entire casserole, cover it with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
• To maintain the best texture, avoid reheating the casserole multiple times. Reheat only the portions you plan to eat immediately.

• Oven Method:

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

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover it 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. If it’s not heated through, continue in 30-second increments 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 the leftover casserole in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until warmed through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the casserole in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at the required temperature of 350°F (175°C).

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

• Cooking spray: Used to grease the baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the milk, cheese, and hash browns accurately.

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

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

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

Pre-cook the sausage: Cook and crumble the breakfast sausage the night before to save time in the morning.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheese to skip the grating step.

Prep the night before: Combine eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl and refrigerate overnight.

Thaw hash browns in advance: Thaw frozen hash browns in the fridge overnight to save defrosting time.

Grease the dish ahead: Grease the baking dish the night before to streamline morning prep.