Introduction:
In case you are hosting a breakfast or brunch gathering, be sure to prepare this Hearty Sausage and Potato Breakfast Casserole, as it is wunderfully delicious and quite filling. Packed with flavorsome sausage, crispy hash browns, delicious cheddar cheese and rich flavors from the eggs, this dish is a one down wonder which requires less effort to make. Whether it is crowd feeding or food prepping for the week, this casserole is sure to keep only hunger away.
Ingredients:
2 pounds of ground breakfast sausage
2 pounds of frozen shredded potatoes
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
9 large eggs
2 cups milk
1 can of chopped green chilies (Optional for hotness)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and Pepper, as desired
Instructions:
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and light greasing a 9×13 inch baking pan.
Cook the sausage: In a skillet over medium-high heat break up the sausage and brown over heat. Then, remove excess grease and set the sausage aside.
Cook the hash browns: In the same pan with the sausage, add frozen hash browns and cook them until they are golden brown and partially thawed around 8-10 minutes.
Assemble the casserole: Carefully place the hash browns into the even layer into the disposed baking vessel. Use the cooked sausage next, spread the sausages over the hash browns, next use the grated cheese or layer parmesan and then the green chilies.
Prepare the egg mixture: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, the milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Pour the egg mixture: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole.
Bake: Allow the casserole to bake, lightly uncovered, in the hot oven for thirty five to forty minutes, or until the mixes rise and set entirely.
Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes then cut it into blocks and serve.
Hints for Success:
Be sure to drain the sausage properly so you do not have a lot of fat in the casserole.
Buy fresh cheese, which is more grates so that it melts better.
For a nice crust on the top, try browning the casserole by grilling it for a couple of minute at the end of the cooking period.
Health Benefits:
Protein: Portions for eggs and sausages are seasoned with considerable density of calories to keep you feeling satiated.
Calcium: As noted french fries, calcium is also found in cheddar cheese and it promotes healthy bones.
Vitamins: Some vitamins such as B12 and D from the sausage and eggs respectively are also included in the dish.
Carbohydrates: Energy through complex carbohydrates is gained from potatoes.
Nutritional Information (Per serving):
Calories: 400-450
Protein: 20-25g
Fat: 25-30g
Carbohydrates: 15-20g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 600-800mg (relative to type of sausage and cheese)
Calcium: 15% Daily Value
Variations and Substitutions:
Vegetarian version: Consider using plant sausage or sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms and peppers in place of the sausage.
For a healthier alternative: Replace the pork sausage with turkey sausage and use low-fat cheese along with skim milk.
Spicy version: Do not fail to kick it up with the addition of jalapenos, hot sauce or the use of hot sausage.
Cheese swap: Other famous varieties to experiment with include Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and pepper jack.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Is it possible for me to prepare this casserole in advance? Yes! You can put it together the previous evening, keep it covered, and place it in the refrigerator. You will have to bake it in the morning.
Is this casserole one that I can preserve in the refrigerator? Yes. After baking, we allow it to cool, cut it into individual portions, and put it in the fridge. Hear each portion in the microwave or the oven as needed.
Are frozen potatoes mandatory or I can use fresh potatoes? Yes, fresh potatoes can be shredded but make sure there is no water retention.
What are the best side dishes for this casserole? Fresh fruits, a salad, or even buttery toast also combine well with this casserole.
Conclusion:
This Hearty Sausage and Potato Breakfast Casserole will be a hit, no matter when it is served. It is easy to prepare in advance, can be stored in a cold freezer, and can be made to your specifications. Give it a try and savor the tasty and warm pleasures that deliver sunshine at the start of a new day!