Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole

When I first introduced friends to the delightful Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole, it quickly became a staple at our weekend brunches. This dish is the epitome of comfort food — hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Imagine waking up to the warm scent of sausage and eggs enveloping your kitchen. It’s a fantastic way to feed a crowd, making it perfect for family gatherings, holiday mornings, or lazy weekends when you want a delicious breakfast without too much fuss. Let’s dive into why this casserole deserves a place on your table.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole genuinely captures the essence of a satisfying breakfast. It combines the savory goodness of breakfast sausage with a medley of fresh veggies, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy egg mixture. It’s a quick one-dish wonder that utilizes common ingredients, making it both budget-friendly and accessible. Plus, you can easily make it ahead of time — just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat!

"This casserole worked like magic for my family brunch last Sunday! Everyone went back for seconds.” — Home Cook Review

How This Recipe Comes Together

The process of making this breakfast casserole is simple yet effective. Start by browning the sausage and veggies in a skillet. While that’s cooking, whisk together your eggs and spices. Once everything is combined, fold in the hash browns and cheese, then pour it all into a baking dish. After an hour of baking, you’ll be rewarded with a bubbly, golden breakfast dish that’s sure to impress.

Gather These Items

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious breakfast casserole:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage
• 6 green onions, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 10 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce (optional)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 (30 ounce) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed

Feel free to swap the sharp cheddar for your cheese of choice for a unique twist!

Directions to Follow

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage, red bell pepper, and the light parts of the green onions over medium-high heat until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, Tabasco (if using), salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Stir in half of the green onion tops and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Fold in the thawed hash browns along with the sautéed sausage mixture.
6. Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 50 minutes.
8. After 50 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle on the remaining cheese, and increase the oven temperature to 400°F. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is golden brown.
9. Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with the remaining green onion tops.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

This breakfast casserole is versatile in its serving options. For a festive touch, consider serving it with a side of fresh fruit or a zesty green salad. Pair it with a classic mimosa or a robust cup of coffee to elevate your brunch experience. You can also present it in a rustic serving dish for an inviting table setting.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

After enjoying the casserole, if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When reheating, a microwave works fine, but for a crispy top, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.

Extra Advice

For added crunch, try topping the casserole with crispy fried onions during the last few minutes of baking. If you want to lighten it up, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or opt for turkey sausage instead of regular sausage.

Creative Twists

Feel free to experiment! You can easily add ingredients such as chopped spinach, crumbled feta for a Mediterranean flair, or jalapeños for a kick. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a different cheese like pepper jack for added spice!

Your Questions Answered

Q: Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble everything the night before, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it in the morning!

Q: How can I modify this recipe for dietary restrictions?
A: For gluten-free options, ensure your hash browns are labeled gluten-free. You can also use plant-based sausage and dairy alternatives to cater to vegetarian or dairy-free diets.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in the microwave for quick meals, or place in an oven at 350°F to maintain that delicious texture.

Q: How long can I keep leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Just make sure to reheat thoroughly before eating!

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