The Go-To Savory Breakfast Casserole with a Golden Hash Brown Crust
A Crowd-Pleasing 1-Hour Weekend Brunch with a Medium Spicy and Sweet Glow
What makes this the go-to breakfast casserole? The secret to a mistake-proof morning meal is the "Par-Baking" technique and the "High-Fat-Dairy-Ratio" method combined with Blazing Citrus Medium. Unlike rubbery or oily bakes, our method involves baking the hash brown base alone for 15 minutes to ensure a crispy foundation. By whisking our vinegar-free Blazing Citrus into the egg, milk, and heavy cream mixture, you add a Medium Spicy and Sweet profile (6/10 Heat) that uses organic grapefruit juice to brighten the rich eggs without the chemical sting of standard vinegars.
Heat Level: Blazing Citrus | Medium (6/10) - Medium Spicy & Sweet
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 380
Protein: 22g
Carbs: 14g
Fat: 26g
*Nutrition facts may be estimated based on standard ingredient databases.
Ingredients:
1 lb (450 g) ground breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
30 oz (850 g) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
8 large eggs
1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
1.5 cups (150 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup (120 ml) red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup (60 ml) green onions, sliced
1/2 tsp (2 g) dry mustard powder
2 tbsp (30 ml) Blazing Citrus Medium Sauce
Ingredient Spotlight: Dry Mustard Powder
Using a pinch of dry mustard powder is vital for this recipe because it acts as an emulsifier for the eggs and dairy. While it doesn't make the dish taste like mustard, it provides a subtle "depth" that enhances the sharpness of the cheddar and the savory notes of the sausage. It also helps achieve that professional-grade yellow hue that makes the casserole look as good as it tastes.
Heat It Up with Eleven Eleven Sauce: To elevate your morning meal with an organic citrus infused hot sauce, incorporate the Blazing Citrus Medium variety. The bright, zesty notes of the sauce cut through the richness of the eggs and sausage, providing a refreshing lift that standard vinegar-heavy sauces cannot achieve. Whisk the medium sauce directly into the egg and cream mixture to ensure a balanced, citrus-infused warmth throughout every slice.
The Balanced Sweet Heat Experience
Heat Level: 6/10
Vinegar Content: 0%
Flavor Profile: Medium Spicy, Sweet
Base: Organic Citrus
Calories: 10
Total Fat: 0g
Sodium: 30mg
Total Carbohydrates: 2g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 0g
Directions: Blazing Citrus Medium should be applied liberally to lighter fare where a balance of sweetness and heat is desired. Shake well to ensure the citrus blend is consistent. It is particularly effective as a glaze for seafood or a topping for street tacos. For the best flavor experience, apply the sauce toward the end of the cooking process or as a finishing touch to prevent the natural sugars from scorching. Refrigeration after opening will help preserve the delicate sweet-heat balance.
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or a large white pot. Pro-Tip: For a truly crispy crust, press the thawed hash browns into the bottom and sides of the dish and bake them alone for 15 minutes before adding any other ingredients.
While the potatoes par-bake, brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Drain the grease thoroughly. Pro-Tip: Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into very small crumbles; smaller pieces ensure you get a bit of savory meat in every single forkful.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, mustard powder, and Blazing Citrus Medium until frothy.
Layer the cooked sausage, diced peppers, and green onions over the par-baked hash browns. Top with 1 cup of the shredded cheese.
Pour the egg mixture over the layers. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Bake for 30–35 minutes until the center is set and the top is a beautiful golden brown. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the custard to firm up.
Tips & Variations
Achieving the Perfect Fluff: To ensure your eggs stay light and airy, avoid over-whisking them once they are combined with the dairy. You want to incorporate air initially, but over-mixing can lead to a dense, rubbery texture. A gentle hand during the final assembly results in a "soufflé-like" quality that feels incredibly luxurious on the palate.
Vegetable Customization: This casserole is an excellent "fridge-clearing" dish. You can easily swap the bell peppers for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even diced kale. If using leafy greens, sauté them first to remove their water content; this prevents the egg base from becoming diluted and ensures the flavor of the Verde sauce remains concentrated.
Regional Swap (Mexican-style): Transform this into a "Chorizo Breakfast Bake" by replacing the breakfast sausage with spicy Mexican chorizo. Substitute the cheddar with Monterey Jack and add a small can of diced green chiles to the egg mixture. Serve with sliced avocado and use the Blazing Citrus sauce as a finishing drizzle to highlight the bold, smoky spices.
Make it Ahead: This is the ultimate "overnight" casserole. You can assemble the entire dish (after par-baking the potatoes), cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge for up to 12 hours. When you're ready for breakfast, simply pop it in the oven. You may need to add 5–10 minutes to the baking time since the dish will be starting from a cold temperature.
Other Users Suggest
Replacing: Whole milk and cream.
New Measurement: 1.5 cups (350 ml) unsweetened oat milk.
Why: Provides a slightly nutty undertone and a lighter mouthfeel while keeping the casserole dairy-free (if using vegan cheese).
Replacing: Breakfast sausage.
New Measurement: 1 lb (450 g) thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped.
Why: Bacon stays crispier within the egg mixture and provides a more traditional "smoky" breakfast profile that many users prefer.
Storage, Reheat & Freeze
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil.
Freeze: This casserole freezes exceptionally well; slice into individual portions and freeze for up to 2 months for an easy "on-the-go" breakfast.
People Also Ask
How do I prevent my breakfast casserole from becoming oily? The secret is "Separation and Drainage." Excess oil usually comes from the breakfast sausage. To ensure a clean finish, always brown your sausage in a separate skillet and drain it thoroughly on paper towels before adding it to the dish. Additionally, using a sharp, aged cheddar allows you to use less cheese while getting more flavor, further reducing the oil released during baking.
Why add dry mustard powder to an egg dish? Dry mustard powder is vital because it acts as a natural emulsifier for the eggs and dairy. While it doesn't add a distinct mustard flavor, it provides a subtle "depth" that highlights the sharpness of the cheddar and the savory notes of the sausage. It also helps achieve a professional-grade golden hue.
Why use a citrus-infused hot sauce for breakfast? Traditional vinegar-heavy sauces can be too harsh for morning meals. Blazing Citrus is 100% vinegar-free, using organic grapefruit juice. This provides a "Medium Spicy and Sweet" lift that cuts through the richness of the eggs and heavy cream, acting as a bright flavor enhancer that makes the savory breakfast sausage and earthy peppers pop.
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