There’s nothing quite like a hearty breakfast casserole recipe to start your day off right. This dish is not only comforting but also packed with flavor, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or lazy weekend mornings. With the delightful combination of sweet potatoes, bacon, and sausage, each bite offers a satisfying crunch and richness that will leave everyone begging for more. Serve it warm, and watch as smiles spread around the table.
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Why You’ll Love This Breakfast Casserole
Perfect for Meal Prep and Entertaining
This breakfast casserole is a fantastic option for both meal prep and entertaining. Whip it up the night before, and you’ll have a delicious dish waiting for you in the morning. It’s also a crowd-pleaser, perfect for brunches or holiday gatherings.
Flavorful and Satisfying All-in-One Meal
With its blend of proteins and veggies, this casserole packs a nutritional punch while being deeply satisfying. The combination of crispy bacon, savory sausage, and tender sweet potatoes creates a sensational breakfast experience.
Breakfast Casserole Recipe Ingredients
Key Ingredients Overview
- 1 pound sweet potato, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 8 ounces bacon
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild, medium, or spicy)
- ½ large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, deseeded and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 large eggs
- ⅓ cup milk (dairy or dairy-free)
- Optional: shredded cheese and sliced green onion for garnish
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor
For those who want to enhance their breakfast casserole further, consider adding shredded cheese or fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Ingredient & Dietary Substitutions
Meat Substitutions
If you’re looking to mix things up, you can substitute the bacon or sausage with diced ham, ground chicken, or even ground beef. Each option offers a unique flavor profile, making it versatile for any palate.
Dairy-Free and Vegetarian Options
For a dairy-free version, simply use dairy-free milk and omit the cheese. If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the meats with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables for a delicious alternative.
How To Make This Breakfast Casserole
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch casserole pan. Toss the diced sweet potato with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
- Place the bacon on a separate baking sheet and bake both the sweet potato and bacon for 15 to 20 minutes, removing the bacon when crispy. Continue roasting the sweet potato for an additional 15 minutes.
- While the sweet potato cooks, brown the breakfast sausage in a pan over medium-high heat. Once cooked, transfer it to the casserole pan.
- Drain excess grease from the pan, then sauté the onion and bell pepper for 4 to 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute before transferring to the casserole pan.
- Combine the sweet potato, bacon, sausage, onion, and bell pepper in the casserole pan. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If desired, add cheese at this stage.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until frothy. Pour the egg mixture over the meat and vegetable mixture.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the center is set and the edges are golden. Slice into squares and garnish with green onion or herbs if desired.
Tips for Perfecting the Bake
For a perfectly baked casserole, make sure to whisk the eggs until frothy. This will create a light and airy texture. Also, check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center—if it comes out clean, you’re all set!
Make-Ahead & Storage Options
Preparing in Advance
If you’re short on time, prepare the meat and vegetable mixture in advance. Cover it and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let it come to room temperature, add the eggs, and bake.
Leftover Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. To reheat, simply microwave for 30 seconds to a minute. For freezing, slice the casserole and place parchment paper between layers in an airtight container, freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Ideas
Garnishes and Pairings
Garnish your breakfast casserole with sliced green onions or fresh herbs for a pop of color. Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or warm toast for a complete breakfast experience.
Creative Serving Suggestions
Consider pairing the casserole with a creamy avocado spread or a dollop of sour cream for added richness. A side of crispy hash browns can also complement the flavors beautifully.
FAQs
What are the ingredients for a breakfast casserole?
The ingredients include sweet potato, bacon, breakfast sausage, onion, green bell pepper, garlic, eggs, and milk, with optional cheese and garnishes.
What are the 5 components of a casserole?
The five components typically include a protein, vegetable, starch, binder (such as eggs or sauce), and seasoning.
What goes with breakfast casserole?
Breakfast casserole pairs well with fresh fruit, toast, or a side of crispy hash browns.
Can breakfast casserole be made the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the meat and vegetable mixture in advance, refrigerate overnight, then add the eggs and bake in the morning.
More Delicious Recipes to Try Next
- All Recipes
- Green Bean Casserole
- Easy Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole
- Crockpot Breakfast Casserole
- Easy French Toast Casserole
Conclusion
This breakfast casserole recipe is an absolute delight that brings warmth and comfort to your table. For more inspiration, don’t forget to check out our favorite recipes on Pinterest. Enjoy cooking and sharing this hearty meal with your loved ones!
Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipe for Cozy Mornings
Equipment
- oven
- baking sheet
- casserole pan
- mixing bowl
- pan
Ingredients
- 1 pound sweet potato, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 8 ounces bacon
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild, medium, or spicy)
- ½ large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 large eggs
- ⅓ cup milk (dairy or dairy-free)
- Optional: shredded cheese and sliced green onion for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and toss sweet potatoes with olive oil and spices on a baking sheet.
- Bake sweet potatoes and bacon for 15-20 minutes, removing bacon when crispy and continuing to roast sweet potatoes.
- Brown the breakfast sausage in a pan over medium-high heat and transfer to the casserole pan.
- Sauté onion and bell pepper in the same pan, adding garlic before transferring to the casserole pan.
- Combine sweet potatoes, bacon, sausage, onion, and bell pepper in the casserole pan and adjust seasoning.
- Whisk eggs and milk together, then pour over the meat and vegetable mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until set and golden, then slice and garnish if desired.