Description: A hearty and comforting casserole that combines the best of breakfast flavors – flaky biscuits, savory sausage gravy, crispy hashbrowns, and cheesy goodness – all baked into one satisfying dish. Perfect for weekend brunches or a cozy family breakfast.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuits
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package (20 oz) frozen hashbrowns, thawed
- 4 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 can (10.5 oz) sausage gravy
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the casserole will cook evenly and the biscuits will rise properly. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make it easier to serve. Make sure you grease the entire surface, including the corners and sides of the dish.
Step 2: Cook Sausage: Place the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked, making sure there’s no pink remaining. Drain off any excess fat from the skillet. Excess fat can make the casserole greasy, so this step is important for a better texture. Set the cooked sausage aside.
Step 3: Whisk Eggs: In a mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the milk, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and slightly frothy. The salt and pepper will season the eggs, and the milk will add richness and moisture. Make sure to break the yolks completely and mix everything thoroughly.
Step 4: Assemble Casserole: Arrange the thawed hashbrowns in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure to spread them evenly to create a uniform base for the casserole. Next, sprinkle the cooked sausage over the hashbrowns. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sausage. Finally, pour the egg mixture over the top, making sure it evenly coats all the ingredients.
Step 5: Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is lightly golden brown. To check if the eggs are set, insert a knife or toothpick into the center of the casserole; it should come out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the casserole with aluminum foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.
Step 6: Warm Gravy & Serve: While the casserole is baking, heat the sausage gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, pour the warm sausage gravy evenly over the top and serve immediately.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Biscuits & Gravy Hashbrown Casserole is a delightful twist on classic breakfast comfort food. The combination of textures and flavors is irresistible – the crispy hashbrowns, the savory sausage, the gooey cheese, the fluffy biscuits, and the creamy gravy all come together to create a symphony of deliciousness. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time, and it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for feeding a hungry family or a gathering of friends. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover sausage or biscuits.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
This casserole is delicious on its own, but it can also be paired with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries or melon, for a more balanced meal. A simple green salad can also add a refreshing element to the dish. For a heartier breakfast, serve it alongside some scrambled eggs or bacon.
Tips:
- For a spicier kick, use hot breakfast sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture.
- If you don’t have sausage gravy on hand, you can make your own from scratch using sausage drippings, flour, and milk.
- Feel free to customize the cheese to your liking. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack would all be delicious in this casserole.
- To save time, you can assemble the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it.
- If you want to add some vegetables to the casserole, consider incorporating diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms into the sausage mixture.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
35 minutes
Total Time:
45 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving Protein: Approximately 20-25g per serving Sodium: Approximately 800-1000mg per serving
Conclusion:
The Biscuits & Gravy Hashbrown Casserole is a surefire way to start your day off right. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a special brunch or a casual family breakfast, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible, and it’s a dish that will leave everyone feeling satisfied and happy. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use regular potatoes instead of hashbrowns? A1: While hashbrowns provide a great texture, you can certainly use diced regular potatoes. Just make sure they are cooked until tender before adding them to the casserole. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Q2: Can I make this casserole vegetarian? A2: Yes, you can easily make this casserole vegetarian by substituting the breakfast sausage with a plant-based sausage alternative or by adding extra vegetables like mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. You can also find vegetarian gravy options available.
Q3: How do I store leftovers? A3: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Q4: Can I freeze this casserole? A4: While you can freeze the casserole, the texture of the biscuits and hashbrowns may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. For best results, freeze the casserole before baking. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Q5: Can I add a different type of cheese? A5: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite flavor combination. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack would all be delicious additions. You can also use a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
