Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked. Break it into crumbles using a spatula. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the pan and drain any excess grease on paper towels.
- Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. You can either cook the bacon in the same skillet or bake it in the oven for a less greasy option.
- Dice the Vegetables: Dice the bell peppers and onions, ensuring they’re evenly chopped for consistent flavor throughout the casserole.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
- Grease the Baking Dish: Use butter or a non-stick spray to grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Hash Browns: Spread the frozen hash browns evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a solid base for the casserole.
- Add Sausage and Bacon: Scatter the cooked sausage crumbles and bacon pieces over the hash browns, distributing them evenly for balanced flavors.
- Sprinkle the Vegetables: Evenly distribute the diced bell peppers and onions over the meat layer. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the vegetable layer, ensuring it covers the entire dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
- Whisk the Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and heavy cream until fully combined.
- Season the Eggs: Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to the egg mixture. Continue whisking until the spices are evenly incorporated.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the Egg Mixture: Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish, ensuring it seeps into all areas for even cooking.
- Cover with Foil: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning during the initial baking phase.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Bake: Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove Foil: After 35 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a knife into the center of the casserole to check if the eggs are fully cooked. If the knife comes out clean, the casserole is ready.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before garnishing with chopped green onions for a fresh touch.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the casserole into squares and serve warm. Enjoy the hearty layers of flavors with your favorite breakfast accompaniments.
Tips for Success
- Hash Browns: For a crispier bottom layer, lightly thaw and pat dry the hash browns before layering them in the dish.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh in the morning for a convenient breakfast.
- Cheese Choice: Experiment with different cheese varieties like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Swiss for unique flavor combinations.
- Spice Level: Adjust the seasoning and spice level to your taste by adding more paprika, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce.
Recipe Variations and Swaps
The Yeehaw Breakfast Casserole is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences. Here are some creative variations and swaps to consider:
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the sausage and bacon with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini for a veggie-packed casserole.
- Mexican Flair: Add diced jalapeños, black beans, and salsa for a Tex-Mex twist. Top with avocado and cilantro before serving.
- Southwestern Style: Include corn, black beans, and green chilies for a southwestern-inspired dish.
- Breakfast Burrito Casserole: Layer with flour tortillas and add scrambled eggs for a burrito-style casserole.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute hash browns with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version of the dish.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:
- Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.