Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the Southwestern Breakfast Casserole! It’s a total game-changer for breakfast. Picture this: fluffy eggs, hearty potatoes, and savory sausage all mingling together with vibrant bell peppers and melted cheese. Yum! I first made this dish for a Sunday brunch with friends, and the whole house smelled amazing. Everyone was raving about the bold flavors, and I just couldn’t help but smile as I watched them dig in. It’s the perfect way to start the day, bursting with flavor and comfort. Trust me, you’re going to want to whip this up!
Ingredients for Southwestern Breakfast Casserole
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup cooked sausage, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheese (your choice)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
How to Prepare Southwestern Breakfast Casserole
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your casserole starts cooking evenly right from the moment you pop it in. Trust me, nothing worse than a casserole that’s cooked on the outside but still cold in the middle!
Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, grab those 6 large eggs and crack them in. Then, pour in 1 cup of milk, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt, and add 1 teaspoon of pepper. Now, whisk everything together until it’s nice and frothy. You want a well-combined mixture that’s ready to embrace all those delicious flavors!
Combine All Ingredients
Next up, it’s time to stir in the star players! Add in your 2 cups of diced potatoes, the crumbled sausage, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Don’t forget the 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers, 1/2 cup of diced onions, and 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro. Take a spatula and fold everything together gently until it’s all coated in that eggy goodness. It should look colorful and appetizing at this point!
Bake the Casserole
Now for the fun part! Pour that beautiful mixture into a greased baking dish—make sure it’s evenly spread out. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the eggs are set and the top is slightly golden. Oh, just wait until you smell it—your kitchen will feel like a cozy haven!
Cool and Serve
Once it’s baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before diving in. This helps everything settle nicely and makes it easier to cut into perfect squares. I love serving mine with a dollop of sour cream or some extra cilantro on top. It’s a hearty dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
Nutritional Information
So, let’s talk about the goodness packed into each slice of this Southwestern Breakfast Casserole! Each serving is approximately 300 calories, making it a hearty yet satisfying way to kick off your day. You’ll find about 18 grams of fat, with 7 grams of that being saturated fat. Each slice also delivers around 15 grams of protein, which is fantastic for keeping you fueled throughout the morning. Plus, it has 25 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of fiber to help balance things out. Just remember, these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of the deliciousness you’re diving into!
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this Southwestern Breakfast Casserole is that it’s perfect for meal prep. You can make it the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just follow all the steps up until pouring it into the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge. In the morning, simply take it out, let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature, and then bake it as directed. This way, you’ll have a hearty breakfast ready to go without any morning fuss!
What can I substitute for the sausage?
If you’re looking to switch things up or prefer a vegetarian option, there are plenty of delicious substitutes! You can use crumbled tempeh or tofu seasoned with your favorite spices for a protein-packed alternative. Alternatively, consider using black beans for a hearty and filling option or even some diced mushrooms for that savory flavor. Trust me, the casserole will still be bursting with flavor no matter which protein you choose!
Can I use different vegetables?
Yes, yes, yes! This casserole is super flexible when it comes to vegetables. Feel free to get creative! Spinach, zucchini, or even cherry tomatoes would all make fabulous additions. Just chop them up and toss them in with the other ingredients. Not only will you amp up the nutrition, but you’ll also add a splash of color and flavor to the dish. It’s a fantastic way to use up any veggies you have hanging around in your fridge!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy mornings!
- Hearty and satisfying, keeping you full until lunch.
- Loaded with vibrant flavors from the Southwestern ingredients.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies and cheese.
- Great for meal prep—make it ahead and enjoy it throughout the week!
- Kid-friendly and a hit at brunch gatherings!
Tips for Success
To nail your Southwestern Breakfast Casserole, here are a few handy tips! First, make sure to cut your potatoes into uniform pieces so they cook evenly. If you want an extra creamy texture, consider adding a splash of cream cheese or sour cream to the egg mixture. And don’t skimp on the seasoning—taste your mixture before baking and adjust if needed! Finally, let it cool for a few minutes after baking; this helps the casserole hold its shape when you cut into it. With these little tricks, you’ll have a perfect dish every time!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Southwestern Breakfast Casserole is super simple! Just let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for quick breakfasts throughout the week. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until heated through. If you want to make it last longer, you can freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat when you’re ready for a delicious meal!
Serving Suggestions
This Southwestern Breakfast Casserole pairs beautifully with fresh avocado slices or a crisp side salad for a refreshing contrast. You might also serve it alongside some warm tortillas or crispy hash browns to soak up all those delicious flavors. And don’t forget a side of salsa for that extra kick!
For more delicious breakfast ideas, check out our breakfast category!
For tips on meal prepping, visit this helpful guide.
Learn more about the nutritional benefits of eggs here.
Print
Southwestern Breakfast Casserole: 7 Flavors to Savor
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty Southwestern breakfast casserole loaded with flavor.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup cooked sausage, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the diced potatoes, sausage, cheese, bell peppers, onions, and cilantro.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the eggs are set.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use any type of cheese you prefer.
- You can add other vegetables like spinach or tomatoes.
- Make it ahead of time and refrigerate overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: Southwestern Breakfast Casserole