Easy & Delicious Breakfast Casserole Recipe: Perfect for Weekends & Meal Prep
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Breakfast Casserole
By: Julia Pacheco
Eggs, cheese, and your favorite breakfast fixings baked into one easy dish—this Breakfast Casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping like a pro.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
Servings: 8 servings
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Ingredients
Adjust servings:
Instructions
- Set oven to 375℉ and grease 9×13 baking dish.
- To the baking dish, add and mix in hashbrowns, ham, and cheese.
- In a bowl, completely whisk eggs, milk, salt and pepper. Pour into baking dish.
- Bake 35-40 minutes until eggs are set.
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Nutrition
Calories: 439kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
Monounsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0.03g
Cholesterol: 311mg
Sodium: 1415mg
Potassium: 584mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Vitamin A: 666IU
Vitamin C: 8mg
Calcium: 271mg
Iron: 3mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation only.
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Why You’ll Love This Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipe
This breakfast casserole recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a convenient and delicious solution for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or even a simple weeknight dinner. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a favorite for home cooks of all skill levels. Here’s a deep dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation:
Effortless Preparation
One of the biggest appeals of this breakfast casserole is its simplicity. With minimal prep work, you can have a hearty and satisfying meal ready to go in just over an hour. The recipe primarily involves mixing ingredients in a baking dish and letting the oven do the rest. No fancy techniques or culinary expertise required!
Adaptable to Your Preferences
This casserole recipe is highly customizable. Don’t like ham? Swap it out for sausage, bacon, or even a plant-based alternative. Prefer different veggies? Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or whatever your heart desires. This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses as well. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses can add a unique twist.
Perfect for Meal Prep
If you’re a fan of meal prepping, this breakfast casserole is your new best friend. You can easily prepare it on the weekend and enjoy delicious and convenient breakfasts throughout the week. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven, making it a time-saving option for those hectic mornings. Portioning the casserole into individual servings makes it even easier to grab and go.
Ideal for Feeding a Crowd
Hosting a brunch or a get-together? This breakfast casserole is a fantastic way to feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. The recipe easily scales up to accommodate larger gatherings. Simply double or triple the ingredients as needed, and bake it in a larger baking dish. Your guests will be impressed by the delicious and comforting flavors.
A Budget-Friendly Meal
Breakfast casseroles are a great way to stretch your grocery budget. You can use leftover ingredients from other meals, such as cooked meats, vegetables, and cheese. Hashbrowns are an inexpensive base for the casserole, and eggs are a relatively affordable source of protein. This recipe offers a lot of value for your money.
Packed with Flavor and Nutrients
This breakfast casserole is not only delicious but also provides essential nutrients to start your day off right. Eggs are a complete protein source, while cheese provides calcium and other important minerals. The addition of vegetables adds vitamins and fiber. You can further enhance the nutritional value by using whole wheat bread or adding lean protein sources.
A Comforting and Satisfying Meal
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm and cheesy breakfast casserole. The combination of savory meats, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s the perfect dish to enjoy on a chilly morning or whenever you need a little bit of culinary comfort.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Breakfast Casserole
While this breakfast casserole recipe is incredibly easy to make, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you elevate it from good to great. Here are some insider secrets to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overcook the Hashbrowns: If you’re using fresh hashbrowns, avoid overcooking them before adding them to the casserole. They will continue to cook in the oven, and overcooked hashbrowns can become mushy.
- Whisk the Eggs Thoroughly: Make sure to whisk the eggs, milk, and seasonings together until they are completely combined and frothy. This will help create a light and airy texture in the finished casserole.
- Let the Casserole Rest: After baking, let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into it. This will allow the eggs to set completely and prevent the casserole from falling apart.
- Add a Topping: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider adding a topping to the casserole before baking. Crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, or a sprinkle of herbs are all excellent options.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the taste of the casserole. Use fresh eggs, good-quality cheese, and flavorful meats for the best results.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations. Add a dash of hot sauce, a sprinkle of paprika, or a pinch of garlic powder to customize the casserole to your liking.
- Prevent Soggy Casserole: To avoid a soggy casserole, make sure to drain any excess liquid from the cooked meats and vegetables before adding them to the baking dish.
Variations on the Classic Breakfast Casserole
The beauty of the breakfast casserole lies in its versatility. While the classic recipe is delicious on its own, there are endless ways to customize it to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few variations to inspire your culinary creativity:
- Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole: Omit the meat and load up on vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. You can also add plant-based sausage or bacon for a vegetarian-friendly protein boost.
- Gluten-Free Breakfast Casserole: Use gluten-free hashbrowns and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. You can also add a layer of gluten-free bread cubes to the bottom of the baking dish.
- Mexican Breakfast Casserole: Add chorizo, black beans, corn, and salsa to the casserole for a zesty Mexican-inspired flavor. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream before serving.
- Italian Breakfast Casserole: Use Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil for a taste of Italy. A drizzle of pesto before baking will add an extra layer of flavor.
- Sweet and Savory Breakfast Casserole: Add diced apples, cinnamon, and a sprinkle of brown sugar for a sweet and savory twist. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a little sweetness with their breakfast.
No matter how you choose to customize it, this breakfast casserole recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Its simplicity, versatility, and delicious flavor make it a winner for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable breakfast experience!