This tasty breakfast casserole is filled with fluffy potatoes, colorful peppers, and savory sausage. It’s like a cozy hug in a dish—perfect for starting your day right!
I love how easy it is to make! Just mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and let it do its thing. You’ll have a warm breakfast ready for all the sleepyheads at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: You can use fresh diced potatoes, but parboiling them gets rid of excess starch and speeds up cooking. If short on time, the frozen Potatoes O’Brien mix is a great shortcut, filled with bell peppers and onions.
Breakfast Sausage: I love using crumbled breakfast sausage for added flavor, but feel free to swap it with crumbled bacon or skip it altogether for a vegetarian version. Even sautéed mushrooms could be a good meatless option!
Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice for its sharp flavor, but mixing in Monterey Jack or mozzarella adds a nice stretchiness. If you’re lactose intolerant, try dairy-free cheese alternatives available in most stores.
Bell Peppers: While red and green peppers add color and taste, you could also use yellow or orange peppers. For a spicier twist, add some diced jalapeño instead!
How Do I Get the Perfect Cook on My Casserole?
Getting the cooking time just right is key to ensuring your casserole is perfectly cooked without being dry. Here’s how to do that:
- Preheat your oven fully before putting the casserole in. An even temperature helps the dish cook thoroughly.
- After pouring the mixture into the dish, give it a few gentle taps on the counter. This settles the ingredients, ensuring even cooking.
- Check the casserole at the 45-minute mark; it’s done when the edges are firm and the center is set. If it wobbles too much, give it more time.
- Let the casserole cool for just a few minutes before cutting. This allows it to set up a bit more, making serving easier!
Enjoy your yummy breakfast casserole! It’s a great way to feed a crowd with minimal effort.
Potatoes O’Brien Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients:
Base Ingredients:
- 4 cups diced potatoes (parboiled or frozen Potatoes O’Brien mix with bell peppers and onions)
- 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled (optional, can substitute with bacon or omit for vegetarian)
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 6 large eggs
Cheese and Milk:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup milk
Seasoning:
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Garnish:
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing casserole dish)
Time Needed:
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation, plus 45 to 55 minutes to bake. Altogether, you should plan for roughly 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes to get this delicious casserole ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Potatoes:
If you’re using fresh potatoes, take the diced ones and parboil them for about 5 minutes until they’re slightly tender but not mushy. Drain well to remove excess water. If you’re using frozen Potatoes O’Brien (which already has peppers and onions), just make sure they are thawed and ready to use.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet over medium heat, toss in the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until they’re softened. If using, you can add the cooked sausage to warm it through during the last minute of sautéing.
4. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using) until everything is mixed nicely.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Add the parboiled potatoes, sautéed veggies, and sausage (if added) into the egg mixture. Be gentle! Stir everything together so that the potatoes and veggies are well-coated with the egg mix.
6. Layer the Casserole:
Pour half of this mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese over the top. Then, pour the rest of the potato and egg mixture over that cheese layer. Finally, top it off with the remaining cheese.
7. Bake the Casserole:
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes. It’s done when it’s set in the middle and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. This makes slicing easier! Before serving, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Slice the casserole and serve it warm. It’s an excellent choice for a hearty breakfast or brunch that everyone will love!
This casserole beautifully combines the classic taste of Potatoes O’Brien with eggs and cheese for a comforting meal. Enjoy!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh potatoes! Just make sure to parboil them for about 5 minutes until they’re slightly tender before adding them to the recipe. This helps ensure they cook evenly in the casserole.
What If I Don’t Have Smoked Paprika?
No worries! If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can simply omit it. It adds a nice depth of flavor, but the casserole will still taste delicious without it. A pinch of regular paprika can also work in a pinch!
How Do I Store Leftover Casserole?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through. It makes for a quick and satisfying breakfast!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will go into the oven cold.
