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There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a savory breakfast casserole baking in the oven to kickstart your day, or even to enjoy as a delightful dinner. This particular recipe isn’t just a crowd-pleaser; it’s a family favorite that consistently earns rave reviews. What makes it truly stand out is its incredible versatility and the comforting, hearty flavors that satisfy even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing a holiday meal, or simply seeking a comforting weeknight dinner, this breakfast casserole delivers a memorable culinary experience. Its robust combination of ingredients creates a symphony of tastes and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. I recently whipped it up for dinner, and honestly, we all absolutely adored it! It’s quickly become a go-to dish in our household, beloved for its straightforward preparation and incredibly satisfying outcome.
The Foundation: Perfectly Chosen Potatoes
The base of any great breakfast casserole often begins with the humble potato, and this recipe is no exception. I’m genuinely not exaggerating when I say I’ve experimented with a wide array of potato options for this dish, and the beautiful truth is, you simply can’t go wrong! Each choice brings its unique texture and flavor profile, allowing you to tailor the casserole to your personal preference or what you happen to have on hand. This flexibility is one of the casserole’s greatest strengths, ensuring delicious results every time.
Seriously, the options are endless, and they all contribute wonderfully to the overall experience:
- Frozen Hash Browns: These are often our top choice for their classic breakfast appeal and convenience. They crisp up beautifully, adding a fantastic textural contrast to the soft eggs and savory meats. Their finely shredded form integrates seamlessly into the casserole, providing a consistent potato base.
- Leftover Baked Potatoes: A brilliant way to repurpose leftovers! Cubing already baked potatoes adds a soft, fluffy element with a slightly different depth of flavor. This option is perfect for minimizing food waste and adding a rustic touch.
- Frozen Sweet Potato Fries: For a delightful twist and a touch of natural sweetness, sweet potato fries are an excellent choice. They introduce a subtle earthy flavor that complements the savory ingredients surprisingly well, offering a healthier, more vibrant dimension to the casserole.
- Frozen French Fries: Similar to hash browns but with a different cut, French fries can provide a satisfying crunch on the edges and a tender interior. They absorb the flavors of the egg mixture beautifully.
- Waffle Fries: These fun, geometrically cut fries offer a fantastic surface area for crisping, making them a superb option for adding texture. Their unique shape also makes the casserole visually appealing and enjoyable, especially for kids.
- Tater Tots: And if you’re feeling adventurous, trying tater tots wouldn’t be a bad idea at all! Their crispy exterior and soft, mashed interior would create a wonderful contrast and a playful texture within the casserole.
What I’m truly emphasizing is that I haven’t encountered a single “bad experience” with any of these potato varieties. Each one has contributed to a delicious and satisfying casserole. So, feel empowered to experiment and have some fun with it! Whether you’re aiming for a classic diner feel or a gourmet twist, the right potato choice can elevate your breakfast casserole to new heights.
The Essential Seasoning: The Role of Quality Salt
Salt is more than just a seasoning; it’s a fundamental flavor enhancer that can transform a dish from good to extraordinary. In this breakfast casserole, the quality of salt truly makes a difference. I’m particularly meticulous about the salt I use, which is why my absolute favorite, and truthfully, the only salt I consistently turn to, is seasoned salt from Redmond Real Salt. It brings a depth of flavor that processed salts simply can’t match, elevating every component of the casserole.
My affection for Redmond Real Salt stems from its unparalleled purity and integrity. It’s a truly unprocessed salt, teeming with naturally occurring trace minerals that are often stripped away in commercial table salts. There are no unwanted fillers, anti-caking agents, artificial additives, or harmful pollutants added to it. Sadly, the majority of commercially available table salts undergo extensive processing, which not only removes these vital trace minerals but often introduces various undesirable chemicals to prevent clumping. Redmond Real Salt, on the other hand, is meticulously mined from an ancient sea bed located in central Utah, making it a genuine sea salt with a rich history and exceptional mineral content. This translates directly into superior flavor and a healthier choice for your culinary endeavors.
For those eager to experience the difference, you can find both my beloved unseasoned and seasoned salt HERE. As an added bonus, my affiliate coupon code ‘AMBERSKITCHEN’ will save you a generous 15% on your purchase. It’s an investment in flavor and wellness that you won’t regret!
Crafting the Perfect Blend: Other Key Ingredients
Beyond the potatoes and salt, several other ingredients come together to form the rich and savory profile of this breakfast casserole. Each component plays a crucial role, and thankfully, most offer flexibility for customization based on your dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Milk: In this particular recipe, I opt for whole milk, as it lends a creamy richness and a delightful mouthfeel to the egg mixture. However, feel absolutely free to substitute it with any milk you prefer. Skim, 2%, or 1% milk will work just fine for a lighter option, while almond milk or other plant-based alternatives are excellent choices for those seeking a dairy-free version. The key is to ensure the liquid helps bind the eggs and other ingredients together, regardless of its fat content.
Cheese: Cheese is undeniably a star player in any casserole, adding both flavor and a luscious texture. I typically use a pre-grated blend of Colby Jack cheese, often sourced from Costco, for its convenience and balanced mild-to-medium flavor. However, this is another ingredient where you can truly have fun and unleash your creativity! Cheese is an effortless way to inject a significant amount of flavor. For instance, Swiss cheese would impart a distinct sharpness and nutty undertones, elevating the casserole with a more sophisticated profile. If you’re aiming for a milder, meltier experience, mozzarella is an excellent choice, offering a delicate flavor that allows other ingredients to shine. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack can also be fantastic additions, each bringing its own unique character.
Sausage: My go-to for this casserole is Jimmy Dean traditional pork sausage, known for its consistent flavor and texture. However, don’t hesitate to mix things up! Chicken sausage offers a leaner alternative without sacrificing flavor, especially if seasoned well. For those who enjoy a bit of a kick, spicy Italian sausage will infuse the casserole with a zesty heat. Alternatively, a sweet-flavored breakfast maple sausage can provide a wonderful counterpoint to the savory elements, creating a uniquely delicious flavor combination that’s both comforting and intriguing.
Bacon: For the bacon component, center-cut, thick-sliced bacon is my weapon of choice. Its robust flavor and substantial texture hold up beautifully in the casserole. However, feel free to use any bacon you genuinely enjoy. The only firm recommendation I have regarding bacon is to steer clear of pre-packaged bacon bits. While convenient, they often lack the authentic flavor and satisfying chew of freshly cooked and crumbled bacon, which truly makes a difference in the overall taste and texture of the dish.
Onion: The nuanced flavor of a properly sautéed onion is what truly makes this casserole fantastic. The caramelization process transforms the raw pungency of the onion into a sweet, savory depth that permeates the entire dish. Therefore, if at all possible, take the extra time to sauté your onions until golden and tender for the absolute best flavor. If time is genuinely short or you’re simply not an onion fan, you can substitute the fresh onion with about a half teaspoon of onion powder. While it won’t offer the same depth or texture, it will provide a subtle onion essence.
Elevate Your Casserole: Optional Add-Ins & Fresh Garnishes
While the core recipe for this breakfast casserole is utterly delicious on its own, a few optional add-ins can truly elevate its flavor profile and visual appeal. These additions provide opportunities for customization, allowing you to tailor the dish to specific tastes or add a pop of color and freshness.
Green Chiles: Incorporating a 4 oz can of mild diced green chiles adds a fantastic, subtle tang and a hint of Southwestern warmth to the dish. Their mild heat and earthy flavor complement the savory meats and cheesy goodness without overwhelming the other ingredients. They bring a layer of complexity that is both inviting and incredibly satisfying.
Green Onions: Beyond their role as an ingredient, chopped green onions serve as an excellent optional garnish. Sprinkled generously over the top of the baked casserole just before serving, they add a vibrant burst of color and a fresh, mild oniony bite that brightens the entire dish. They not only enhance the aesthetic but also contribute a refreshing crispness.
Consider other additions like diced bell peppers for sweetness and color, sliced mushrooms for an earthy umami flavor, or a handful of fresh spinach for added nutrients and a touch of green. A dash of hot sauce in the egg mixture or a sprinkle of paprika on top before baking can also introduce exciting new dimensions.
Tips for Casserole Success
To ensure your breakfast casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are a few simple tips:
- Don’t Overmix Eggs: When whisking the eggs with milk and seasonings, mix just enough to combine. Overmixing can result in a tougher, less tender casserole.
- Prep Ahead: This casserole is an excellent make-ahead option. You can assemble the entire dish the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just remember to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.
- Even Layering: Distribute your ingredients evenly in the pan. This ensures every slice gets a good mix of potatoes, meats, and cheese.
- Avoid Overbaking: Bake until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Overbaking can lead to a dry, rubbery texture. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the eggs set further and makes for cleaner slices.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this hearty casserole with a side of fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or some warm toast for a complete meal. It’s also excellent with a dollop of sour cream or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Breakfast Casserole
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Ingredients
- 2-3 cups of cooked cubed potatoes (or any variation from above like hash browns, sweet potato fries, etc.)
- 1 large onion diced and sautéed in a little oil until translucent and tender
- 1 pound pork sausage cooked and crumbled, then drained of excess fat
- 1 pound bacon cooked until crispy and crumbled (not shown in video)
- 12 large eggs for a fluffy, rich texture
- 1 cup whole milk or your preferred milk alternative
- 1 1/2 tsp Redmond seasoned salt or your favorite seasoned salt
- black pepper to taste freshly ground for best flavor
- 2 cups of grated cheese Colby Jack, cheddar, or your favorite blend
- 4 green onions chopped for garnish, adding freshness and color
- 1, 4 oz. can diced mild green chiles optional, for a subtle tangy kick
Instructions
- Prepare Meats: Cook sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles until fully browned. Drain any excess grease and set aside. In the same skillet (or a separate one), cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then crumble once cooled. Set aside.
- Sauté Onion: Add a little oil to your skillet if needed, then sauté the diced onion over medium heat until it’s soft, translucent, and lightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
- Whisk Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy. Pour in the milk and mix gently.
- Assemble Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Evenly spread the cooked potatoes across the bottom of the pan. Layer the cooked sausage, crumbled bacon, sautéed onion, and diced green chilies (if using) over the potatoes. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the layers. Finally, carefully pour the egg and milk mixture over all the ingredients, ensuring it disperses well.
- Bake and Serve: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 40-50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. Remove from oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish generously with chopped green onions before serving.
ENJOY this incredibly satisfying and customizable breakfast casserole!
This savory breakfast casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a versatile culinary canvas awaiting your personal touch. From the foundational choice of potatoes to the rich layers of meat, cheese, and perfectly seasoned eggs, every element contributes to a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you stick to the classic combination or venture into creative variations with different cheeses, sausages, or fresh vegetables, this recipe promises delicious results. It’s ideal for lazy weekend mornings, bustling holiday brunches, or even a hearty, unexpected dinner. The ability to prepare it ahead of time also makes it a lifesaver for busy hosts and families. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, ignite your culinary spirit, and savor the delightful experience of creating and sharing this truly fantastic breakfast casserole. It’s guaranteed to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection!