Description
Hearty Breakfast Potato Casserole brings together savory layers of comfort and indulgence from pioneer kitchens. Crispy potatoes, melted cheese, and rich eggs will satisfy you with classic morning warmth and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (454 grams) breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 10 eggs
- 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
- 1 (30-oz/850 g) package of frozen, shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 4 green onions, chopped, white and green parts separated
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp butter or nonstick cooking spray, for greasing
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the culinary chamber to 350°F (177°C) and generously lubricate a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to ensure seamless release.
- Sausage Medley: In a skillet over medium-high heat, pulverize the sausage into minuscule fragments, cooking until devoid of pink undertones. Introduce diced bell peppers and tender green onion whites, sautéing for an additional 3 minutes before transferring to a holding plate.
- Liquid Foundation: Within a capacious mixing vessel, vigorously whisk eggs, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, optional hot sauce, sea salt, and black pepper. Delicately incorporate half the green onion segments into this silky emulsion.
- Composition: Gently fold shredded cheese, thawed hash brown potatoes, and the sausage blend into the creamy egg base, ensuring comprehensive and uniform integration.
- Baking Sequence: Cascade the mixture into the prepared baking vessel, leveling the surface with a spatula. Envelop with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes at the initial temperature.
- Finale: Unveil the foil, sprinkle remaining cheese atop, and escalate the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C). Continue baking until the core solidifies and the surface achieves a golden-brown shimmer, approximately 10-15 minutes.
- Presentation: Extract from the oven and permit a 10-minute resting period. Embellish with residual green onion tops, then serve while radiating warmth and temptation.
Notes
- Prep Like a Pro: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and more even cooking.
- Sausage Sizzle Tip: Drain excess fat after cooking sausage to prevent a greasy casserole and maintain a crisp texture.
- Cheese Melt Magic: Use freshly shredded cheese for optimal melting and avoid pre-packaged shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents.
- Potato Perfection: Thaw hash browns completely and pat dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture that could make the casserole soggy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 486
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1020 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 370 mg