Why Make This Recipe
Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole is a go-to dish for anyone who loves a hearty breakfast. It’s perfect for family gatherings or weekend brunches. This recipe combines savory sausage, creamy eggs, and melty cheese, creating a mouthwatering dish that will please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can feed a crowd.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients:
- 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, 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
Directions:
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Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Kick off this cozy breakfast by setting your oven to a warm 350°F. While the oven is working its magic, give your 9-by-13-inch baking dish a generous spray with nonstick cooking spray. This little step ensures a smooth release later on, saving you from any stuck-on mess. -
Step 2: Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables
In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, cook the breakfast sausage with the red bell pepper and the white and light green parts of the chopped green onions. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into bite-sized pieces, and sauté until the sausage loses its pinkness, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Set this colorful mix aside to let it cool just a smidge. -
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture
Grab a large mixing bowl and beat the eggs together with the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, optional Tabasco sauce for a kick, salt, and black pepper. Add in about half of the reserved green tops of the scallions, keeping the rest for a later garnish. This will be the luscious base of your casserole. -
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
Stir 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese into the egg mixture. Then fold in the thawed hash browns and the cooled sausage mixture. Pour this hearty concoction into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out into an even layer so it bakes uniformly. -
Step 5: Bake the Casserole with Cover
Cover the baking dish with foil, and slide it into your preheated oven. Let it bake, getting all bubbly and delicious, for about 50 minutes. This cover will trap in the heat and moisture, helping everything meld together beautifully. -
Step 6: Finish Baking with Cheese
Carefully remove the foil, then sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese over the top. Turn up the oven temperature to 400°F, and continue to bake until the center is set and the top is golden brown, which should take roughly another 10 to 15 minutes. -
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your masterpiece sit and rest for 10 minutes. This brief pause helps everything settle nicely. Before serving, sprinkle the remaining green onion tops over the casserole for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Slice, serve, and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole
Serve this casserole hot out of the oven. It’s great on its own, but you can also pair it with fresh fruit, toast, or a side of crispy bacon. Consider adding a dollop of salsa or hot sauce for extra flavor!
How to Store Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole
If you have leftovers (which is unlikely!), let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it by cutting it into portions and wrapping them in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw before reheating.
Tips to Make Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole
- For extra flavor, try adding some chopped spinach or mushrooms to the sausage mix.
- You can make this casserole the night before. Simply prepare everything and refrigerate it overnight. Just pop it in the oven in the morning.
- Use your favorite cheese blend or even add a bit of pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Variation
Feel free to customize this breakfast casserole by changing up the veggies or using a different type of meat, like diced ham or bacon. You could also use different kinds of cheese for a unique flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?
Yes! Fresh hash browns work well too, but you may need to adjust cooking times.
Can I make this casserole without sausage?
Absolutely! You can omit the sausage and add more vegetables or use a meat substitute.
How can I make this dish healthier?
You can use egg whites instead of whole eggs and reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories. Adding more veggies is another great way to boost nutrition.
Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage with the red bell pepper and the white and light green parts of the green onions for about 6 to 8 minutes until the sausage is cooked through.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, optional Tabasco, salt, and black pepper. Stir in half of the reserved green onion tops.
- Mix 1.5 cups of cheddar cheese into the egg mixture, then fold in the thawed hash browns and cooked sausage mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 50 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, and increase the oven temperature to 400°F. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with the remaining green onion tops.