Best Easy Smokey Mountain Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious and hearty breakfast recipe that can be prepared in advance? Look no further than the Smokey Mountain Breakfast Casserole! Packed with smoky flavors, this easy-to-make recipe is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any lazy weekend morning or holiday brunch. Read on to discover how to make this mouthwatering dish and satisfy your breakfast cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 8 large eggs
– 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
– 4 cups of frozen shredded hash browns
– 1 cup of milk
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
3. Spread the frozen hash browns evenly in the greased baking dish.
4. Sprinkle half of the crumbled bacon over the hash browns.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the bacon and hash browns.
6. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is golden brown.
8. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
9. Sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon and chopped fresh parsley (if desired) over the top for garnish.
10. Slice into squares and serve hot.
Now that you’ve mastered the Smokey Mountain Breakfast Casserole recipe, let’s answer some common questions to help you make it even better!
Q1. Can I prepare this breakfast casserole the night before?
A1. Yes, you can prep this casserole the night before. Follow the instructions up to step 5, cover the dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply bake it as directed.
Q2. Can I substitute the bacon for sausage or ham?
A2. Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the bacon for cooked and crumbled sausage or diced ham. You can even mix and match different meats for a unique flavor combination.
Q3. Can I make this casserole vegetarian-friendly?
A3. Yes, you can omit the bacon and add vegetables like sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to make it vegetarian. Ensure the vegetables are cooked and well-drained before adding them to the casserole.
Q4. Can I freeze this breakfast casserole?
A4. Yes, you can freeze this casserole for later use. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and place in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Q5. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
A5. Yes, you can substitute frozen hash browns with freshly grated potatoes. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the grated potatoes before using them in the casserole.
Q6. Can I use a different type of cheese?
A6. Absolutely! While cheddar cheese works beautifully in this recipe, you can experiment with other types of cheese like Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Gouda for a different taste.
Q7. Can I add other ingredients to this breakfast casserole?
A7. Absolutely! This recipe serves as a great base, and you can add other ingredients to suit your taste. Some popular additions include diced tomatoes, green chilies, jalapeños, or even a dash of hot sauce for some extra kick.
Now that you have all the information and tips to make the Best Easy Smokey Mountain Breakfast Casserole, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and whip up this delicious morning treat. Enjoy!