Breakfast Bliss Casserole
This Breakfast Bliss Casserole is a heartwarming dish perfect for gatherings and special occasions. Featuring layers of crispy hash browns, savory sausage, and fluffy bread all soaked in a creamy egg mixture, it’s crowned with a gooey cheese topping for a perfect finish. Whether you're hosting brunch for family or friends, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser that warms both the heart and stomach.
8
Servings
400
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
3 tablespoons (Melted)
Yellow Onion
1 small (Chopped)
Frozen Shredded Hash Browns
4 cups (Thawed)
Bulk Sausage (mild, hot, or sage)
1 lb (Cooked and crumbled)
Whole Milk
2 1/4 cups (None)
Large Eggs
8 (Beaten)
Salt
1 teaspoon (None)
Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Freshly Grated Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Dijon Mustard
2 tablespoons (None)
French or Italian Bread
8 cups (Cubed and crusts removed)
Grated Cheddar Cheese
2 cups (None)
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
2 cups (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Lightly grease a deep 13x9-inch casserole dish with vegetable oil cooking spray.
3
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4
Incorporate the thawed hash browns into the skillet, breaking them apart. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes until they are lightly golden and soft.
5
In a separate skillet, brown the sausage, breaking it up into small pieces until it's cooked through. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
6
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, beaten eggs, salt, black pepper, freshly grated nutmeg, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
7
To build the casserole, spread the onion and hash brown mix evenly across the bottom of the greased casserole dish.
8
Layer the cubed bread evenly on top of the hash browns.
9
Using a slotted spoon, distribute the cooked sausage evenly on top of the bread layer.
10
Pour the milk and egg mixture evenly over the entire casserole.
11
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the mixture, followed by the grated Cheddar cheese.
12
*Cook's Note: Reserve a few tablespoons of cheddar to sprinkle on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for an extra cheesy topping.
13
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until puffed, golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
25g
Carbs
19g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Breakfast Bliss Casserole?
The Breakfast Bliss Casserole is a heartwarming dish featuring layers of crispy hash browns, savory sausage, and fluffy bread soaked in a creamy egg mixture and topped with cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
What size baking dish should I use?
You should use a deep 13x9-inch casserole dish lightly greased with vegetable oil cooking spray.
Do I need to thaw the hash browns?
Yes, the 4 cups of shredded hash browns should be thawed before they are sautéed in the butter.
What kind of sausage is best for this casserole?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of bulk sausage, and you can choose mild, hot, or sage varieties based on your preference.
Can I use any type of bread?
The recipe recommends 8 cups of French or Italian bread, cubed with the crusts removed.
What kind of milk is required for the egg mixture?
The recipe uses 2 1/4 cups of whole milk.
How many eggs are needed?
You will need 8 large eggs, beaten.
Why is Dijon mustard used in a breakfast casserole?
Dijon mustard is whisked into the egg mixture to add a subtle tang and depth of flavor that complements the sausage and cheese.
What spices are used to season the dish?
The seasoning includes 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg.
What types of cheese are used for the topping?
The recipe uses 2 cups of grated Cheddar cheese and 2 cups of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
How do I layer the ingredients in the dish?
Layer the onion and hash brown mix first, followed by the cubed bread, then the cooked sausage, and finally pour the egg mixture over everything before adding the cheese.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes.
How can I tell if the casserole is done?
It is done when it is puffed and golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Is there a trick for an extra cheesy topping?
Yes, reserve a few tablespoons of cheddar to sprinkle on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Can I use a different type of onion?
The recipe calls for one small yellow onion, but white or sweet onions can be used as alternatives.
What are the calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The casserole contains 25g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 19g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains 25g of carbohydrates.
Do I need to cook the sausage before putting it in the casserole?
Yes, you must brown the sausage in a skillet and drain the excess grease before layering it into the dish.
Is the bread crust left on or removed?
The recipe specifies that the crusts should be removed from the bread before cubing.
Can this be considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is designed for straightforward assembly and baking.
What is the first step in preparing the ingredients?
The first step is melting butter in a skillet and sautéing the chopped onion until soft and translucent.
How long do I sauté the hash browns?
Sauté the thawed hash browns with the onions for about 5 minutes until they are soft and lightly golden.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized under Breakfast and is suitable for brunch and family gatherings.
Is the Parmesan cheese pre-packaged or fresh?
The recipe specifically recommends using freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best results.
Can I use salt-free butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter, though you may want to adjust the added salt to taste.
Is this casserole suitable for crowds?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for special occasions and gatherings.