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- 8 large eggs - 1 cup milk - 2 cups frozen hash browns, properly thawed - 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup chopped mixed bell peppers (red, green, yellow) - 1 small onion, finely diced - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish This breakfast casserole shines with simple, tasty ingredients. You start with eight large eggs and a cup of milk. These two create a rich base. Next, you need two cups of thawed frozen hash browns. They give the dish its hearty feel. For added flavor, include a cup of cooked breakfast sausage. Crumble it and spread it over the hash browns. Then, add a cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top. This cheese melts beautifully and adds a delicious taste. I also love mixing in a cup of chopped bell peppers for color and crunch. Don't forget the seasoning! A small onion, finely diced, adds a sweet note. Use garlic powder and smoked paprika to enhance the flavor. Salt and freshly ground black pepper make everything pop. Finally, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a touch of brightness. This combination of ingredients makes a breakfast that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. - Combine 8 large eggs and 1 cup milk in a bowl. - Season with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. - First layer: spread 2 cups thawed hash browns evenly. - Second layer: sprinkle 1 cup crumbled sausage, then add 1 small diced onion and 1 cup chopped bell peppers. - Final layer: pour egg mixture over the top and add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. - Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes. - Check for doneness: eggs should be set, and cheese golden brown. - Cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing into squares. - Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright touch. To get the best hash brown base, use thawed, frozen hash browns. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This step helps remove excess moisture. A dry base keeps your casserole from becoming soggy. Press the hash browns down firmly in the dish. This gives a sturdy foundation for your layers. For the egg mixture, you want a nice, moist texture. Whisk the eggs and milk well. This helps the eggs soak into the other layers. Pour the egg mixture slowly over the layers. This way, each part gets a good amount and cooks evenly. To kick up the flavor, try adding spices. Garlic powder and smoked paprika are great choices. They add depth and warmth to your casserole. You can also experiment with Italian seasoning or a pinch of cayenne for heat. Before baking, think about extra toppings. A sprinkle of extra cheese or some diced tomatoes can add flavor and color. Fresh herbs, like basil or chives, can brighten up the dish too. You can easily swap ingredients for your needs. If you want a vegetarian version, leave out the sausage. Instead, add spinach or mushrooms. These veggies add flavor and nutrients. Adjust the spice levels to fit your taste. If you love heat, add jalapeños. For a milder dish, skip the spicy elements and stick to herbs. This flexibility makes your casserole unique to you. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, try using fresh bell peppers and herbs instead of frozen or dried options. Customize Your Meat: Feel free to substitute the breakfast sausage with cooked bacon, ham, or even a plant-based protein for a different twist. Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast. Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick or knife to check the center of the casserole; it should come out clean when fully cooked. {{image_4}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of the Crack Breakfast Casserole. Simply substitute the cooked breakfast sausage with plant-based alternatives. Options like veggie sausage or tofu work well. Adding more vegetables can boost nutrition and flavor. Consider using spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for added taste. For those who love meat, you can create a meat lover’s version. Incorporate crispy bacon or diced ham into the layers. Mixing different types of sausage adds depth. Try spicy sausage for a kick or sweet sausage for a milder taste. Cheese is key to a tasty casserole. You can use different cheese types for unique flavors. Swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack for some heat. Combining cheeses, like mozzarella and gouda, creates a richer taste. Experimenting with cheese can elevate your dish and make it even more delicious. After you bake your Crack Breakfast Casserole, let it cool. Then, cut it into squares. Place the squares in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. This keeps the casserole fresh and tasty. To serve, simply reheat the squares in the microwave or oven. To freeze your casserole, follow these steps. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped squares in a freezer bag or container. Label it with the date. You can freeze the casserole for up to three months. When you want to eat it, take out a square and thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot. In the fridge, the Crack Breakfast Casserole lasts about four days. In the freezer, it stays good for three months. Always check for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or smell something off, toss it. Keeping an eye on your food helps avoid waste and keeps meals safe. Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before. Just follow these steps: - Mix the eggs and milk in a bowl. - Layer the hash browns, sausage, onion, and peppers in the baking dish. - Pour the egg mixture on top. - Cover and store it in the fridge overnight. When you're ready to bake, take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Then, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake it for 40-45 minutes. For reheating, slice any leftovers and warm them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. You can also heat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. If you need a milk substitute, there are many options: - Almond milk - Soy milk - Oat milk - Coconut milk These dairy-free options work well. Just use the same amount as the recipe calls for. You can tell if the casserole is done by checking a few signs: - The eggs should be fully set. - The cheese should be golden brown. - A knife inserted in the center should come out clean. If you want to test doneness, gently jiggle the dish. If it shakes like jelly, it needs more time. If it is firm, it's ready! This blog post shared a tasty recipe for Crack Breakfast Casserole. It covered main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned how to layer flavors and customize the dish for your taste. Remember, you can make it vegetarian or add more meat. Don’t forget about the storage tips for leftovers. With these guidelines, you can create a fantastic breakfast every time. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and make this dish your own!

Crack Breakfast Casserole Delight

A delicious breakfast casserole featuring eggs, sausage, cheese, and vegetables, perfect for a hearty morning meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups frozen hash browns, properly thawed
  • 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup chopped mixed bell peppers (red, green, yellow)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined. Season the mixture with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and ground black pepper, ensuring a balanced flavor.
  • Evenly layer the thawed hash browns on the bottom of your prepared baking dish, pressing them down gently for an even base.
  • Next, sprinkle the crumbled breakfast sausage over the hash browns. Follow this layer with the diced onion and chopped bell peppers, distributing them evenly.
  • Carefully pour the whisked egg mixture over the layered ingredients, making sure to evenly saturate all the elements for uniform cooking.
  • Finish by sprinkling the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, covering it fully for that gooey, cheesy finish.
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The casserole is ready when the eggs are fully set, and the cheese has turned a delightful golden brown.
  • Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for approximately 5-10 minutes before slicing it into neat squares for serving.
  • Garnish each square with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with a side of sliced avocados or fresh fruit for a complete breakfast experience.
Keyword breakfast, casserole, cheese, eggs, sausage