This hearty Fireman’s Breakfast Casserole is perfect for a big morning! Packed with eggs, sausage, cheese, and crunchy hash browns, it’s a filling dish that makes everyone smile.
Honestly, this casserole is the best way to start the day. I love making it the night before so I can just pop it in the oven the next morning—easy peasy! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: You can use either mild or spicy sausage, depending on your taste. For a healthier option, turkey or chicken sausage works great, too! It still gives that hearty flavor without too much fat.
Bell Pepper & Onion: Red bell pepper adds nice sweetness and color! If you’re out of red peppers, any color works. You can even use green bell peppers or skip them altogether if you prefer.
Eggs: Using large eggs is standard, but you can substitute with egg whites for a lighter version. Just remember, it might change the texture a bit!
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is my favorite because it melts beautifully! If you’re in the mood for something different, try pepper jack for a kick, or mozzarella for a milder taste.
How Do I Make Perfect Hash Browns for My Casserole?
Hash browns are essential for giving the casserole a hearty base. If you’re using frozen hash browns, make sure they’re thoroughly thawed to avoid extra moisture. You can even pan-fry them for a few minutes to crisp them up before adding.
- Spread thawed hash browns evenly in your greased dish before adding other ingredients.
- For homemade hash browns, grate fresh potatoes, rinse, dry, and then sauté them slightly before layering.
Fireman’s Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 4 cups frozen hash browns (thawed)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty breakfast casserole takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake, plus a little time to cool down before serving. So, in total, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour and 5-10 minutes from prep to table. The perfect dish for a filling weekend breakfast or brunch gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the breakfast sausage. Cook it until it’s browned and crumbly, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s done, drain any excess grease to keep your casserole from being too oily.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Once they’re ready, remove the skillet from the heat.
4. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, crack open the eggs and add the milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk everything together until well combined and set it aside.
5. Layer the Hash Browns:
Now, it’s time to make the delicious layers! Spread the thawed hash browns evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
6. Add the Sausage and Vegetables:
Evenly distribute the sausage and vegetable mixture over the hash browns, making sure every bite has that yummy flavor.
7. Pour on the Egg Mixture:
Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and potatoes. Make sure to cover everything so it sets nicely while baking.
8. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of everything. This will melt beautifully and create a delicious cheesy crust!
9. Bake the Casserole:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden and bubbly. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook!
10. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This cooling time helps it set and makes serving easier!
11. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finally, if you want to add a pop of color, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives on top before serving. Then dig in and enjoy your delicious, protein-packed Fireman’s Breakfast Casserole!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the breakfast sausage with ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even ham for a different flavor. Just ensure it’s cooked through before adding it to the casserole.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and add extra vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also include plant-based sausage alternatives for added flavor!
Can I Prepare This Casserole in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge, covered. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or place it back in the oven until heated through.
