Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole Recipe

introduction

The Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole is a fantastic way to start your day! This hearty dish is packed with flavors and offers a filling breakfast option for your family or guests. It combines breakfast sausage, eggs, cheese, and hash browns into one delicious baking dish.

why make this recipe

This breakfast casserole is perfect for busy mornings or when entertaining guests. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a stress-free option for brunch. Its hearty ingredients will keep everyone satisfied and energized for the day. Plus, it’s versatile; you can customize it with your favorite veggies or spices!

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 :

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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 breakfast casserole warm, directly from the oven. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, a side of yogurt, or a drizzle of hot sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick.

how to store Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole

If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Make sure it’s completely cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

tips to make Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole

• You can prepare the casserole the night before. Just mix all the ingredients together and refrigerate before baking.
• Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, like spinach or mushrooms, for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Experiment with different cheeses or use a blend for a unique taste.

variation

You can easily customize this casserole with different meats like ham or bacon. For a vegetarian option, substitute the sausage with mushrooms or additional vegetables.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning.

2. Is it okay to freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Just make sure to wrap it tightly before freezing, and it will last for 2-3 months.

3. Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh hash browns, but make sure to cook them according to package instructions before adding them to the casserole.

Breakfast Casserole

A hearty blend of breakfast sausage, eggs, cheese, and hash browns, this casserole is perfect for busy mornings or entertaining guests.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 1 pound breakfast sausage
• 6 pieces green onions, chopped Reserve some tops for garnish
• 1 piece red bell pepper, chopped
• 10 large eggs
• 1.25 cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce, optional For extra heat if desired
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 30 ounces frozen shredded hash browns Thawed

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the breakfast sausage with the red bell pepper and chopped green onions until the sausage is browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Set aside to cool.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with heavy cream, Dijon mustard, Tabasco (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir in half of the reserved green onion tops.
4. Fold in 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese and the thawed hash browns along with the cooled sausage mixture. Pour into the baking dish.

Baking

1. Cover with foil and bake for 50 minutes.
2. Remove foil, sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese, increase oven temperature to 400°F, and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until set and golden brown.

Serving

1. Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes. Garnish with reserved green onion tops and serve warm.

Notes

You can prepare the casserole the night before. For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with mushrooms or additional vegetables. Serve with fresh fruit or yogurt.