Rise and Shine: AB's Ultimate Breakfast Casserole Extravaganza (2024)

Today, we’re diving into the heart of breakfast bliss with a dish that’s a game-changer for morning feasts – the Breakfast Casserole. Imagine a symphony of savory sausage, crispy tater tots, and a medley of bell peppers and onions, all harmonizing in one glorious bite. Get ready to transform your mornings with AB’s Ultimate Breakfast Casserole Extravaganza – the culinary symphony your taste buds have been waiting for!

Mornings deserve more than the mundane, and that’s where this breakfast casserole steals the show. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures. Picture this: the sizzle of hot breakfast sausage, the golden crunch of tater tots, and the colorful dance of bell peppers and onions – all embraced by a velvety layer of eggs and melted cheese. Whether you’re hosting a brunch bonanza or craving a hearty breakfast to kickstart your day, this casserole is your ticket to morning euphoria.

Ingredients:

• 2 lb hot breakfast sausage
• 1 (30-32oz) bag frozen tater tots
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 shallot, diced
• 1 jalapeno, seeds and membranes removed, diced (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
• 8 eggs
• 2 cups milk

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray.
2. Cook Sausage:
   • In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage until it’s no longer pink. Drain the excess fat.
3. Prepare Casserole Mix:
   • In a large bowl, combine the tater tots, cooked sausage, diced green bell pepper, diced red bell pepper, diced onion, diced shallot, diced jalapeno (if using), shredded cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Mix well and transfer the mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch pan.
4. Whisk Egg Mixture:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk until well combined.
5. Pour Over Casserole:
   • Pour the egg mixture evenly over the tater tot and sausage mixture in the pan.
6. Cover and Refrigerate (Optional):
   • At this point, if you’re planning to bake it later, cover the casserole and refrigerate. This is a great make-ahead option.
7. Bake Until Set:
   • When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake the casserole uncovered for 60 – 70 minutes or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve. Each bite is a symphony of flavors that’ll make your morning memorable.

Expert Tips and Tricks:

• Customize the Sausage: Experiment with different sausage flavors like maple or spicy to elevate the taste.
• Cheese Choices: Mix and match cheeses based on your preference. Pepper jack or feta can add a delightful kick.
• Veggie Delight: Add more veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra freshness.
• Layering Technique: Place a thin layer of tater tots at the bottom for an extra crispy base.
• Perfectly Set Eggs: For a creamier texture, slightly undercook the eggs as they will continue to set after you take the casserole out of the oven.

Variations:

1. Mexican Fiesta: Add diced green chilies, black beans, and Mexican cheese blend.
2. Mediterranean Magic: Incorporate diced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese.
3. Ham and Cheese Haven: Swap sausage for diced ham and experiment with your favorite cheese.
4. Vegan Twist: Use plant-based sausage, tofu scramble, and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
5. Buffalo Kick: Drizzle with buffalo sauce and add blue cheese crumbles.
6. Italian Amore: Include Italian sausage, diced tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
7. Southwest Sensation: Add corn, black beans, and a touch of cumin for a southwestern flair.
8. Bacon Bonanza: Because everything’s better with bacon – crumble it on top or mix it in.
9. Greek Goddess Casserole: Feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and diced artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean twist.
10. Spinach and Mushroom Marvel: Sautéed spinach and mushrooms for a veggie-packed delight.

What to Serve It With:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing side to balance the richness.
2. Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado adds a luxurious touch.
3. Salsa and Sour Cream: Classic condiments for a flavorful kick.
4. Breakfast Potatoes: Crispy hash browns or roasted potatoes complement the casserole.
5. Grilled Asparagus: A light and elegant addition.
6. Cinnamon Roll Bites: Sweet treats for a delightful contrast.
7. Yogurt Parfaits: Layers of yogurt, granola, and berries for a wholesome touch.
8. Maple-Glazed Bacon: Sweet and savory bacon perfection.
9. Buttermilk Biscuits: Classic biscuits for a comforting pairing.
10. Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice: A citrusy burst to awaken your taste buds.

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Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients

Servings

• 2 pounds hot breakfast sausage
• 1 (30-32oz) bag frozen tater tots
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 shallot, diced
• 1 jalapeno, seeds and membranes removed, diced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¹⁄₂ cup mozzarella cheese
• 8 eggs
• 2 cups milk

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray.

2. In a large skillet, cook sausage until no longer pink. Drain some of the fat.

3. In a large bowl, toss together tater tots, cooked sausage, diced green bell pepper, diced red bell pepper, diced onion, diced shallot, diced jalapeno (optional for heat), and cheeses. Pour into a lightly greased 9×13-inch pan.

4. Whisk together eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk. Pour over the tater tot mixture.

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5. Cover and refrigerate at this point if baking later.

6. Bake uncovered for 60 – 70 minutes, or until eggs are set.

Equipment

AB’s Signature Series Apron

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Lodge L10SKL Cast Iron Pan, 12″, Black

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Smokin’ and Grillin’ with AB Signature Japanese Damascus Steel Kiritsuke 8″ Chef Knife

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