Description
Pioneer Woman Breakfast Potato Casserole delivers a hearty morning feast with creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. Rich layers of comfort await hungry diners seeking a satisfying start to their day.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 10 eggs
- 1 pound (454 grams) breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 4 green onions, chopped, white and green parts separated
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
Cooking and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon butter or nonstick cooking spray, for greasing
- 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
- 1 (30-ounce) package of frozen, shredded hash browns, thawed
Instructions
- Warm the cooking chamber to 350°F (177°C) and coat a 13-by-9-inch (33-by-23-centimeter) baking vessel with butter or nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and crumble the sausage into tiny fragments. Cook until the meat loses all pink coloration, approximately 6-8 minutes. Incorporate diced bell peppers and the tender white and pale green sections of green onions. Sauté for an additional 3 minutes, then transfer the aromatic mixture to a separate plate for slight cooling.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together eggs, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, optional hot sauce, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Gently integrate half the verdant green onion segments into the liquid base.
- Delicately fold 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese, thawed hash brown potatoes, and the prepared sausage mixture into the creamy egg foundation, ensuring thorough and even distribution throughout the blend.
- Transfer the complete mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula for uniform thickness. Shield the top with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes.
- Remove the foil, scatter the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese across the surface, and elevate the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C). Continue baking until the center becomes firm and the top develops a light golden crust, roughly 10-15 minutes.
- After removing from the oven, allow the casserole to rest and settle for 10 minutes. Garnish with remaining green onion tops, then serve while warm and inviting.
Notes
- Prep Ahead Smartly: Assemble your casserole and store in the refrigerator up to two days before baking, allowing flavors to meld and making mealtime easier.
- Protect While Baking: Shield the casserole with aluminum foil during cooking to maintain moisture and ensure even heat distribution, removing near the end for a golden, crispy top.
- Select Cheese Wisely: Opt for low-moisture cheeses like sharp cheddar or aged gouda that melt beautifully and prevent unwanted sogginess in your dish.
- Sauté Vegetables First: Quickly cook onions, peppers, and other vegetables before adding them to the casserole, reducing excess liquid and intensifying their natural flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 466 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 844 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 410 mg