Description
Mountain man breakfast casserole combines hearty ingredients from rustic American kitchens. Campers and home chefs will appreciate this simple, satisfying one-pot meal packed with protein and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 large eggs
- 1 lb (450 g) breakfast sausage (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 bag (32 oz or 900 g) frozen hash browns
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (75 g) diced onion
- ½ cup (75 g) diced bell peppers (optional)
- ½ cup (50 g) shredded monterey jack cheese (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Protein Preparation: Brown breakfast sausage with diced onions and bell peppers in a skillet until golden and crumbly. Drain excess grease thoroughly to maintain a clean flavor profile.
- Slow Cooker Foundation: Coat the interior with cooking spray, then create an even layer of hash browns across the bottom, forming a robust potato base.
- Layering Technique: Distribute the seasoned sausage mixture evenly over hash browns. Generously scatter shredded cheese throughout, creating multiple flavor-packed strata. Repeat layering process to maximize taste complexity.
- Egg Infusion: Whisk eggs with milk, integrating salt, pepper, and garlic powder for enhanced depth. Pour the seasoned mixture uniformly over assembled layers, ensuring complete ingredient coverage.
- Cooking Transformation: Select slow cooker setting – low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. Cook until eggs solidify completely and edges develop a golden-brown perimeter.
- Finishing Touch: Allow casserole to rest briefly for flavor melding. Serve with optional garnishes like additional cheese, green onions, or fresh parsley to elevate presentation and taste.
Notes
- Manage Moisture Carefully: Drain sausage completely and pat hash browns dry to prevent a soggy breakfast casserole, ensuring crisp texture and concentrated flavors.
- Customize Protein Options: Swap breakfast sausage with turkey sausage, bacon bits, or vegetarian crumbles to accommodate different dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
- Enhance Cheese Selection: Experiment with cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked gouda to elevate flavor complexity and introduce exciting taste dimensions.
- Prevent Overcooking Eggs: Check dish periodically during final cooking stage, as slow cookers vary in temperature, to maintain creamy egg consistency and avoid rubbery texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 350 mg