Eggs Ole Southwestern Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Picture this: the aroma of sizzling sausage and roasted peppers fills my kitchen as I whip up my ultimate breakfast casserole, a cheesy, spicy masterpiece that transforms a groggy morning into a vibrant fiesta.

My Eggs Ole Breakfast Casserole is a dish that packs a southwest punch and is perfect for serving a crowd at breakfast. This casserole takes the flavors of the southwest—breakfast sausage, bell peppers, and green chiles—and combines them in delicious, protein-packed strata of eggs and milk.

Stirring in several cups of shredded cheddar cheese and enough chili powder and cumin to bring a second wave of flavor makes this casserole lite (as in no cast-iron skillet required) and serve-able with crispy hash browns on the bottom for a roast-potato-like crunch that you can’t get in your run-of-the-mill breakfast casserole.

Eggs Ole Southwestern Breakfast Casserole Recipe Ingredients

• Breakfast Sausage: Rich in protein, adds savory flavor.
• Green and Red Bell Peppers: High in vitamins, provide sweetness.
• Eggs: Packed with protein, create creamy texture.
• Chili Powder: Adds heat and depth, boosts metabolism.
• Cumin: Earthy spice, enhances warmth.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds creaminess, high in calcium.
• Hash Browns: Carbohydrates for energy, crispy texture.
• Salsa: Tangy and vibrant, rich in antioxidants.
• Cilantro: Fresh flavor, aids in digestion.

Eggs Ole Southwestern Breakfast Casserole Recipe Ingredient Quantities

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• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound breakfast sausage
• 1 diced onion
• 1 diced green bell pepper
• 1 diced red bell pepper
• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles, drained
• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 3 cups frozen hash browns
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup salsa
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

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How to Make this Eggs Ole Southwestern Breakfast Casserole Recipe

1. Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.

2. In a sizable frying pan over medium heat, brown and cook the breakfast sausage until it is done, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Remove the sausage from the pan and drain off the excess fat.

3. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the same skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until these veggies reach the “softened” stage.

4. Combine the drained green chiles with the contents of the skillet. Stir well and remove from heat.

5. In a big mixing bowl, together whisk the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, chili powder, and ground cumin.

6. Evenly spread the frozen hash browns in the bottom of the lined baking dish.

7. After cooking the sausage, scatter it across the hash browns. Then, layer on the cooked veggies, followed by one cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

8. Evenly pour the egg mixture over the contents of the baking dish, making sure everything is well distributed.

9. Add the balance of cheddar cheese on top, and place in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean and the top of the casserole is a glorious, molten brown.

10. Allow the casserole to cool for several minutes before cutting into squares to serve. A dollop of salsa and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro make a nice garnish.

Eggs Ole Southwestern Breakfast Casserole Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9×13-inch baking dish
3. Medium frying pan
4. Spatula
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Large mixing bowl
8. Whisk
9. Measuring spoons
10. Measuring cups

FAQ

• Q: Can I make the casserole ahead of time?Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just put it in the oven the next morning and bake.
• Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?A: Without a doubt. You can use Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or any Mexican cheese blend in place of cheddar.
• Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?A: Skip the sausage, and to ramp up flavor, add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
• Q: Is there a substitute for canned green chiles?A: For a spicier kick, use fresh diced jalapeños. Or, if you prefer, use roasted poblano peppers.
• Q: Can I freeze leftovers?A: Indeed, let the casserole cool all the way down before slicing it into individual portions. Then, stash those portions into containers that seal in airtight freshness and tuck the whole thing into your freezer, where, in the deep freeze, it should keep for 3 months or so.
• Q: What is the best way to reheat the casserole?A: Cover and reheat the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through or unmicrowaved individual portions.
• Q: Can I add more spices to the recipe?A: Certainly! You can increase the amount of chili powder or cumin to better fit your personal taste, or even add a dash of hot sauce.

Eggs Ole Southwestern Breakfast Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 pound turkey sausage (not breakfast sausage)
1 diced poblano pepper (not green bell pepper)
1 cup almond milk (instead of cow’s milk)
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (instead of using cheddar cheese)
1/4 cup packed fresh cilantro (instead of parsley)

Pro Tips

1. Pre-cook Hash Browns For extra crispiness, consider sautéing the frozen hash browns in a bit of olive oil until golden brown before placing them in the baking dish. This will add an additional layer of texture to the dish.

2. Enhanced Flavor Sausage Try using a flavored breakfast sausage, such as maple or spicy, to add a unique depth to the dish. Cooking the sausage with a dash of garlic powder or smoked paprika can also enhance the flavor profile.

3. Egg Mixture Upgrade For a richer texture, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for an extra kick.

4. Vegetable Variations Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables based on your preference, such as mushrooms, diced tomatoes, or spinach. They can add both flavor and nutrients.

5. Cheese Choices Experiment with different types or combinations of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Gouda, to customize the flavor. You can also mix some cheese directly into the egg mixture for a cheesy base.