Description
Creating an easy breakfast casserole that’s both versatile and delicious is the perfect way to start any day, especially when it involves ingredients that many of us have in our kitchen. This recipe is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines the flakiness of crescent rolls with the savory flavors of breakfast sausage, the comfort of hash browns, and the richness of eggs, all topped with melted cheese. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make it, along with variations to suit different tastes.
Ingredients
- 2 packs of crescent rolls
- 1 lb cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage
- 1 bag of thawed hash browns (about 16 oz)
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar works well)
- Optional: cooked onions and peppers, crumbled bacon, or diced ham for added flavor
Instructions
Preparing the Base:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the casserole cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden crust.
- Crescent Roll Crust: Unroll the crescent roll dough and lay it flat on the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Press the dough into the dish and up the sides slightly to form a crust. For a more seamless base, pinch together any perforations in the dough.
Adding the Fillings:
- Layer the Sausage: Spread the cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage evenly over the crescent roll crust. If you’re including onions and peppers, mix them with the sausage before adding.
- Add Hash Browns: Layer the thawed hash browns over the sausage. Ensure they are spread evenly for consistent cooking and texture.
- Eggs: Beat the eggs in a bowl and gently pour them over the hash browns, covering the surface. The eggs will bind the ingredients together as they cook.
Baking:
- Initial Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. The eggs should be set, and the edges of the crescent rolls golden brown.
- Add Cheese: After the initial bake, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the casserole and return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Optional Variations:
- Veggies: For a more flavorful and colorful casserole, sauté onions and peppers until soft and mix them with the sausage before layering.
- Extra Meat: For a meatier version, add crumbled bacon or diced ham along with the sausage. This is a great way to use up leftovers and add extra protein.
- Spice It Up: Introduce some spice with a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños mixed into the eggs for those who prefer a bit of heat.
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the breakfast casserole warm, cut into squares. It pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a complete meal. This casserole is not only perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast but also makes for great leftovers that can be quickly reheated on busy mornings.
Conclusion:
This easy breakfast casserole is a testament to the joy of cooking with simple, hearty ingredients. With its customizable nature, you can adapt the recipe to fit your taste preferences and the ingredients you have on hand. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or add your own twist, the result is a comforting and filling dish that’s sure to please any crowd.