This hearty breakfast casserole is an ideal dish for a weekend brunch or special holiday morning. Packed with flavorful sage pork sausage, colorful bell peppers, and topped with crispy fried onions, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Serve it hot with a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb bulk sage pork sausage
- 1 cup green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 10 eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 cups frozen country-style hash browns
- 1 cup French’s crispy fried onions
- 8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- Hot sauce, optional (for serving)
Directions:
Preparation Time: Approximately 20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sage pork sausage until it’s browned and crumbly. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped green and red bell peppers. Sauté until they are just tender, about 5 minutes.
- Mix the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and salt until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, evenly spread the frozen hash browns. Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the hash browns, followed by the sautéed bell peppers. Pour the egg mixture over the sausage and vegetables, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, sprinkle the crispy fried onions over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serving: Let the casserole stand for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. Serve hot, with hot sauce on the side if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair this casserole with a fresh fruit salad or a side of toast.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chives for extra flavor.
- Complement the dish with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a cup of coffee.
Cooking Tips:
- For added flavor, consider adding a cup of diced onions or mushrooms to the vegetable mix.
- Use pre-cooked sausage crumbles to save time.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, use hot sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Eggs provide high-quality protein and essential vitamins.
- Bell peppers are rich in vitamins A and C.
- Using whole milk adds calcium and vitamin D to the dish.
Dietary Information:
- This casserole is high in protein and can be modified to be gluten-free by ensuring the hash browns and crispy onions are certified gluten-free.
- To reduce fat and calories, substitute whole milk with skim milk and use reduced-fat cheese.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s a one-dish meal that’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time.
- Versatile and customizable with your favorite vegetables and cheese.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd, making it great for gatherings and potlucks.
- Deliciously satisfying with a combination of textures from the creamy eggs to the crunchy onions.
Conclusion:
This hearty breakfast casserole is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich combination of sage sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and crispy onions, it’s sure to become a favorite at your breakfast or brunch table. Enjoy it hot out of the oven, and don’t forget the hot sauce for a bit of extra zing!