Image: Breakfast casserole in a dish baked
Are you searching for the perfect breakfast dish that will satisfy your cravings? Look no further! The Best Breakfast Casserole is a delightful combination of a thick and creamy egg base, shredded potatoes, chunks of ham, and flavorful cheese blends. This delicious casserole is not only easy to make but also perfect for the holiday season!
Amazing Breakfast Casserole
This breakfast casserole is like no other. It is a classic dish with incredible flavor that will leave you wanting more. The secret to its amazing taste lies in the hash browns packed inside, adding an extra layer of goodness. It's a simple recipe with simple ingredients, yet it delivers an explosion of flavors. Your family will surely fall in love with this hearty and satisfying breakfast casserole!
What You Need to Make a Breakfast Dish
This breakfast casserole is a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for any occasion, especially Christmas. It's a simple recipe that comes together quickly, requiring minimal preparation. Packed with all the ingredients you love, this casserole can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning. It's a convenient and delicious way to start your day. Serve it alongside traditional sticky buns for a complete holiday feast!
- Shredded potatoes: Frozen and no need to thaw.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
- Eggs: Whisked together for the perfect texture.
- Half and half: Adds creaminess and thickness.
- Season salt: Enhances the flavor.
- Cheddar cheese: Grated and full of cheesy goodness.
- Pepper jack cheese: Grated for a spicy kick.
- Ham: Chopped to your liking, whether it's thick or thin.
How to Make a Breakfast Casserole
One of the best things about this breakfast casserole recipe is its simplicity. It comes together effortlessly and can be in the oven within minutes. You can make it ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. The result is a tried and true breakfast casserole that is loved by everyone. Experience the best breakfast casserole this holiday season with your loved ones!
- Prepare the pan and add ingredients: Grease a 9x13 inch pan and layer the frozen shredded potatoes at the bottom. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Whisk the eggs: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs together until well combined.
- Add the remaining ingredients: Pour in the half and half, season salt, cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, and chopped ham.
- Pour into the pan and refrigerate: Pour the egg mixture over the frozen potatoes. Cover the pan with foil and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
- Bake the breakfast casserole: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake the casserole covered with foil for 90 minutes. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Image: Process photos of steps being taken to make breakfast casserole
What to Serve with a Delicious Breakfast Casserole
To make this breakfast casserole a complete meal, consider adding some extra sides. While the casserole itself is already packed with greatness, these additional sides will take it to the next level. Here are some ideas to complement this breakfast casserole recipe during the holiday season:
- Fruit: Christmas Fruit Salad or The Best Winter Fruit Salad.
- Bread: Buttermilk Biscuits.
- Potatoes: Skillet Potatoes with Peppers or Baked Parmesan Hash browns Recipe.
- Meat: Bacon, sausage, or ham from my Classic Honey Glazed Ham recipe.
- French Toast: Secret Ingredient French Toast Recipe or Creme Brûlée French Toast.
- Pancakes: The Best Buttermilk Pancakes or Best Ever German Oven Pancake.
- Muffins: Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins or Fruit Explosion Muffins.
Image: Breakfast casserole baked in a pan
Mix It Up!
This breakfast casserole recipe offers endless possibilities for customization. Experiment with different ingredients to create new flavors and satisfy everyone's preferences. This versatile recipe continues to improve with each variation, making it a joy to prepare time and time again. Try out these fun variations to make this breakfast casserole even more amazing!
- Vegetables: Bell peppers, spinach or kale, tomatoes, broccoli, mushrooms, or onions are fantastic add-ins.
- Meat: Bacon, different types of sausage, shredded chicken, ground beef, or leftover turkey.
- Cream: Replace half and half with whipping cream for a thicker, richer breakfast, or use regular milk if that's what you have on hand.
- Cheese: Swiss cheese, Colby jack, or mozzarella work perfectly and melt beautifully when baked.
- Spicy: Add a kick of heat with red pepper flakes, green chilies, or green onions.
- Potatoes: Instead of shredded potatoes, try using diced potatoes or flavorful frozen potatoes.
Tips for Making the Perfect Breakfast Casserole
Here are some tips to ensure your breakfast casserole turns out perfectly every time. These suggestions will make the preparation process smoother and make for an even more enjoyable breakfast experience with your family.
- Covering or not covering: It's up to you whether you want to cover your casserole. If you prefer a nice crisp edge, leave it uncovered. If you do cover it, remove the foil 10 to 15 minutes before cooking time is up for a crispy top.
- Keep your potatoes frozen: No need to thaw the potatoes; they will cook perfectly from frozen.
- How to know when breakfast is done: The outside edges should turn golden brown, and the egg mixture in the middle should be firm. Check by gently rocking the pan. You can also use a toothpick or knife to ensure it is cooked through. Alternatively, use a thermometer to check if the breakfast casserole has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Drain grease: If using other types of meat, be sure to drain it before adding it to the dish.
- Gluten-free option: Follow the recipe as is, but double-check the labels on other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
Image: A slice of breakfast casserole
Storing Breakfast Casserole
This breakfast casserole recipe is perfect for making ahead of time, whether it's the night before or just a few hours before baking. It's a time-saving solution for busy Christmas mornings or lazy weekends when you want to enjoy a delicious breakfast without much effort. Here are some storing options to make your holiday mornings even easier and better:
- Making ahead: Follow the instructions until you're ready to bake. Cover the dish with aluminum foil or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, simply take it out and follow the baking instructions. The casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezing a casserole: Yes, this casserole is perfect for freezing. Make and bake the breakfast casserole, then let it cool completely. Place it in an airtight container or ziplock bag and lay flat in the freezer for up to 1 month. To warm it up, place the frozen casserole on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes until warmed through.
- Warming up the casserole: To reheat the breakfast casserole, you can use either the microwave or the oven. Cover it to prevent drying out and warm it up until it's heated through.
Image: A slice of breakfast casserole on a plate
More Delicious Breakfast Recipes
If you're still craving more mouthwatering breakfast dishes, check out these recipes that will surely delight your taste buds:
- Incredible Blueberry Buttermilk Breakfast Cake.
- Breakfast Sausage Avocado Burritos.
- Best Banana Pancakes.
- Perfect Crepes.
- Monte Cristo Croissant Sandwich.
Image: Breakfast casserole baked in a casserole dish
Don't miss out on the opportunity to enjoy The Best Breakfast Casserole with your loved ones. Its delicious flavors and easy preparation make it the perfect choice for any occasion. Try it out and let it become a memorable part of your breakfast routine.
