Quick and Easy Breakfast Casserole recipe for Busy Mornings
Welcome to my kitchen, where the warmth of southern hospitality meets the comfort of savory breakfasts! I’m thrilled to share with you one of my favorite southern-style breakfast casserole recipes: the Southern Sunrise Breakfast Casserole. Wake up to the lush aroma of sizzling breakfast sausage and the tangy scent of cheesy eggs resting atop a bed of crispy hash browns, all make for a hearty breakfast feast that will satisfy your cravings and fuel you for the day ahead.
As someone who grew up in the south, I know that our breakfast recipes are not just a meal but a tradition. They serve as a symbol of love, gathering together families and friends to share a moment of joy and community. That’s why when it comes to making this sunrise breakfast casserole, I’ll emphasize using fresh ingredients and giving yourself enough time to prepare it with patience and care.
So, if you’re ready to embrace the spirit of southern cuisine, dust off your casserole dish and let’s get started on this delightful recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My friend, let me tell you why you’ll simply adore this Southern Sunrise Breakfast Casserole recipe!
First and foremost, it’s hearty and delicious, reminding us of those Southern-style breakfasts that we love to indulge in. This casserole is packed with savory sausages, crispy and golden tater tots and hash browns, mixed with rich melted cheese, light and fluffy eggs, all cooked in a casserole dish. One bite of this savory breakfast will leave you satisfied, happy and ready to tackle the day with its perfect balance of protein and carbs.
Plus, this recipe is completely customizable. You can add your favorite vegetables, swap out sausage for bacon or ham or even make it a meat-free option by switching in plant-based proteins. In essence, you can make it as healthy or indulgent as you want – the choice is yours!
Not only is it easy to make in advance but it’s also perfect to enjoy hours after it has been cooked, making it ideal for busy mornings or even brunches. Plus, making breakfast doesn’t get any easier than just pouring the mixture into a single dish and sticking it into the oven. Your guests will be left impressed by how easy this casserole is to assemble but that they still feel like they’re enjoying a classic southern breakfast.
But wait there’s more ! You have options with how you prepare this sunrise skillet. You can make this egg casserole overnight in the crockpot for an even easier low-fuss option or prep overnight in the fridge for an overnight breakfast that brings all sorts of magic to your table.
So come on down and try out this delicious recipe! One bite and I promise – this Sunrise Breakfast Casserole will quickly become a staple on your brunch menu!
Ingredient List
Let’s start by gathering everything we need to make this mouth-watering Southern Sunrise Breakfast Casserole. You’ll need 2 lbs of cooked and drained sausage, 4 beaten eggs, 1 ½ cups of milk, 1 tsp of mustard, 1 tsp of salt, 1 package of cornbread mix (8.5 ounces), 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup of melted butter, and one package (30-32 ounces) of frozen hash browns or tater tots.
For the sausages, you can use breakfast sausages or any other sausage you prefer. Cook the sausages in a skillet until they are no longer pink, then drain the excess fat. You can use bacon instead of sausage or add both to your casserole for an even more flavorful dish.
As for the hash browns or tater tots, feel free to use fresh potatoes, but using frozen ones will save you time and make preparation easier. Make sure that they are thawed before adding them to the recipe.
To make this recipe more exciting, you can also add different ingredients like green peppers, onions, tomatoes or mushrooms. The possibilities are endless! In the next section, I’ll show you how to turn these ingredients into a luscious breakfast casserole that will keep you coming back for more.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, let’s start making our delicious Southern Sunrise Breakfast Casserole!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and then grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook Sausage
Next, grab a skillet and cook the 2 lbs of sausage over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces. When it’s fully cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease.
Step 3: Mix Cornbread Batter
Prepare the cornbread according to package directions, but replace one-third of the required milk with water to keep the batter thin. Afterward, pour in 1/4 cup of melted butter while continuing to mix.
Step 4: Layer The Casserole Dish
Pour the cornbread batter evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Then, add an even layer of half of the cooked sausage on top of the batter. Create another layer using 2 cups of frozen hash browns, then sprinkle some salt and pepper over them. Top those layers with an even layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
Repeat this entire layering process again- cornbread batter, remaining sausage, hash browns seasoned with salt and pepper, and cheese. Don’t forget about pouring over the top 3 beaten large eggs and one cup of milk mixed with 1 teaspoon of mustard and salt once you complete your layers.
Step 5: Bake And Serve
Place your assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until it becomes golden brown on top and set in the center. Once finished baking, remove from oven, garnish it with chopped parsley, and let it cool slightly before serving.
Now that you have promised yourself a warm, satisfying breakfast on your plate, I hope you will enjoy your Southern Sunrise Breakfast Casserole. The good news is you can make this dish up to a day ahead too!
Substitutions and Variations
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There’s no denying that the Southern Sunrise Breakfast Casserole Recipe is already a crowd-pleaser, but why not mix things up and experiment with other ingredients to put your own spin on it? Here are some possible substitutions and variations you can consider:
1. Swap the breakfast sausage for bacon or ham. While the recipe calls for breakfast sausage for that classic southern flavor, cooked bacon or diced ham will work just as well!
2. Use different types of cheese. Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for breakfast casseroles, but feel free to play around with different cheese varieties like mozzarella or Swiss.
3. Try different toppings. Want to add some extra crunch? Top your casserole with crushed potato chips or tortilla chips before baking.
4. Change up the hash browns. Frozen hash browns are the classic ingredient for this recipe, but thinly sliced potatoes can also be used instead for an extra homemade touch.
5. Add in veggies. To make this dish more wholesome, try incorporating some vegetables into the mix. Diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms would be great additions to this breakfast casserole.
Remember, substitutions and variations are all about personal preference and experimentation! Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen and make this Southern-style dish truly your own.
Serving and Pairing
Now that your Southern Sunrise Breakfast Casserole is ready to be served, I have some recommendations on how to make the most out of this delicious meal. This hearty and filling breakfast casserole is perfect for a weekend brunch with friends and family or even for an easy busy weekday morning when you need a quick grab-and-go breakfast.
When it comes to servings, one square piece of this casserole can easily fill you up, but trust me, you will want more! A larger than 9 x 13 inch casserole dish can give you more servings which makes it great for feeding large crowds.
The Southern-style flavors in this breakfast casserole make it a perfect match for any breakfast-themed table spread. You can pair it with some fresh fruit salad, maple syrup-drenched pancakes or creamy grits. You can also serve the casserole with some honey-glazed ham, crispy bacon or an assortment of breakfast sausages for an elevated yet familiar breakfast experience.
For beverages, since this is a morning meal, pair it with coffee, hot chocolate or freshly brewed tea, depending on your taste preferences. If you want something cool and refreshing to balance the warm and hearty casserole, a glass of orange juice or cranberry juice can do wonders.
Overall, the Southern Sunrise Breakfast Casserole Recipe is a complete meal in its own right but it can be combined with other breakfast favorites to create a mouth-watering brunch or breakfast feast that your friends and family will appreciate. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a busy chef, I always prefer recipes that can be made ahead of time, especially when hosting breakfast or brunch parties. Fortunately, this Southern Sunrise Breakfast Casserole ticks all the boxes when it comes to make-ahead meals. After following the recipe how-to section and preparing your casserole, cover it with foil, stick it in the fridge, and let it work its magic overnight.
When you’re ready to whip up a morning feast, simply take out your breakfast casserole from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking. This also helps to ensure that the temperature is even throughout the dish, making everything cook uniformly.
The Southern Sunrise Breakfast Casserole is versatile when it comes to storing and reheating. Once you’ve baked the dish and enjoyed breakfast or brunch with your loved ones, refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container or store them by wrapping tightly with cling wrap. You can safely store your leftover sunrise breakfast casserole for up to 4 days without compromising on its quality.
When you’re looking forward to enjoying another round of Southern-style goodness, simply reheat individual servings in the microwave or use a toaster oven to reheat the entire pan. I recommend reheating only what you plan on eating as the texture of the casserole may change if it’s reheated repeatedly.
One thing to note is that freezing your sunrise breakfast casserole isn’t recommended. The texture and consistency of some ingredients may get affected by freezing and become less appealing over time.
Overall, this Southern Sunrise Breakfast Casserole isn’t just delicious but also convenient for those looking for make-ahead breakfast recipes that save time while still impressing guests with their warm and inviting taste.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you know everything there is to know about making a Southern Sunrise Breakfast Casserole, let’s talk about some tips and tricks to ensure perfect results every time.
First things first, make sure to thoroughly cook and drain your sausage before adding it to the casserole. Nobody wants greasy and undercooked meat in their breakfast dish! I personally prefer using Jimmy Dean sausage for this recipe, but feel free to use any brand you like.
When mixing the eggs, milk, mustard, and salt together, use a large bowl and beat the eggs well until they’re completely smooth. This will ensure all the ingredients are properly blended together and every bite of your Sunrise Breakfast Casserole is deliciously flavorful.
If you want to prep the casserole ahead of time, simply cover it with plastic wrap or tin foil and place it in the fridge overnight. The flavors will meld together even more and the hash browns will have more time to soak up all the delicious egg mixture.
Make sure to add enough cheese on top of the casserole before baking it, as this will give it that irresistible golden-brown crust. A shredded cheddar or colby-jack blend works well here.
Speaking of baking, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the casserole for about an hour or until it’s set in the middle. You can also use a toothpick or knife to check if it’s done – if it comes out clean, your Sunrise Breakfast Casserole is ready!
Lastly, don’t be afraid to mix and match ingredients based on your preferences. For example, try using tater tots instead of hash browns, or swap out breakfast sausage for bacon if you’re feeling adventurous. The possibilities are endless!
Follow these tips for perfect results every time you make this delicious Southern Sunrise Breakfast Casserole. Your guests and family members will thank you!
FAQ
As a southern-style cuisine chef, I have learned that every recipe has its own peculiarities, and breakfast casseroles are no exception. So, I put together this FAQ section to help you tackle any doubts about this Southern Sunrise Breakfast Casserole. You may find questions related to storage, replacing recipe ingredients, serving size, or sub-recipes to make part of the breakfast ensemble. Keep reading to learn more!
How long can you keep a breakfast casserole in fridge before baking?
If you’re planning on having a laid-back morning, an overnight breakfast casserole is perfect for you. Put together the casserole in a dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This way, the uncooked breakfast casserole will stay fresh for as long as three days.
Do you have to refrigerate breakfast casserole before cooking?
To let the flavors marry and make the dish extra scrumptious, be sure to cover and store the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Remember that this mixture is perishable and should be cooked within a day after preparing it.
How do you keep breakfast casserole from falling down?
When it comes to serving egg casserole, it’s important to allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing it. This will ensure that the casserole sets properly and does not fall apart. While it may be tempting to check on the casserole mid-way through cooking, it’s best to resist opening the oven door until at least 25 minutes have passed. This will help maintain the heat and ensure even cooking.
What to serve with breakfast casserole?
As a chef who specializes in southern-style cuisine, I have gathered some amazing recipes that will tantalize your taste buds! These recipes include easy cinnamon rolls, slow cooker cinnamon rolls, pumpkin cinnamon rolls or pumpkin crumb cake, banana muffins or blueberry muffins, baked oatmeal, sour cream coffee cake, banana bread or zucchini bread. Each of these recipes is unique and delicious in their own way, perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or a weekday breakfast-on-the-run. Let me share these fantastic recipes that will make your mornings even better!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Southern Sunrise Breakfast Casserole is perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch that will have your family and friends coming back for more. With its convenient make-ahead option and endless variations, it’s no wonder why this breakfast casserole recipe has become a staple in Southern cuisine.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients or cooking methods, such as using a slow cooker or adding in some Cinnamon Rolls Pumpkin Cake Banana. The possibilities are endless!
Remember to keep the basics in mind, including using high-quality ingredients like 2 lbs of sausage cooked and drained, 4 eggs beaten, and 2 cups of butter. Additionally, always pour the egg mixture evenly over the hash brown sausage breakfast casserole to ensure perfect results every time.
Thank you for joining me on this culinary journey into the heart of Southern cuisine. I hope that you find this recipe to be just as delicious and satisfying as I do. Whether you’re celebrating Easter or simply looking for a breakfast that is both delicious and easy to make, this Southern Sunrise Breakfast Casserole is sure to impress. So go ahead and experiment with new variations to create your own twist on this classic dish – your taste buds will thank you!
Southern Sunrise Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs sausage, cooked and drained
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 1 (6 ounce) package cornbread mix
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 8 ounces cheese, grated
- 1 cup cooked grits
- 1 1/2 cups milk, heated
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- grease a 9x13 casserole pan.
- layer the sausage, then top it with 1/2 of the cheese.
- mix the eggs and the remainder of the ingredients. Mi well so there are no lumps.
- pour over the sausage, cover pan and refridgerate overnight.
- remove and let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- bake at 350 for 45-60 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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