A slice of pioneer woman hashbrown breakfast casserole on a plate
A slice of pioneer woman hashbrown breakfast casserole on a plate

Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole Recipes: Your Ultimate Guide

The Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole, straight from Ree Drummond’s kitchen, is a family favorite for a reason. This recipe has been a go-to in my home for years, effortlessly feeding a crowd every single time. Its comforting flavors and easy preparation make it a winner, and it’s inspired by the queen of home cooking herself. If you’re searching for the perfect Breakfast Casserole Recipes Pioneer Woman style, you’ve come to the right place.

While this Pioneer Woman classic is a must-try, we’ve also explored other delightful breakfast casseroles that you might love. From the rich flavors of a goat cheese and prosciutto breakfast casserole to the convenience of a crockpot breakfast casserole, and even the fun twist of a tater tot breakfast casserole, there’s a recipe for every taste. But today, let’s dive deep into the beloved Pioneer Woman version.

The Magic of Pioneer Woman’s Breakfast Casserole

Dubbed the “Kids Are Home Casserole” by Ree Drummond, this dish is designed for those special times when family gathers under one roof. Its foolproof nature and make-ahead convenience ensure everyone is well-fed, no matter their wake-up time. Imagine the peace of mind knowing breakfast is sorted, especially with a house full of loved ones.

The beauty of this casserole lies in its preparation. You can assemble it the night before, making busy mornings a breeze. Wake up, pop it in the oven, and you’ll have a hot, comforting breakfast ready whenever anyone is hungry. The combination of savory sausage, hearty hash browns, and melted cheddar cheese embodies the essence of a satisfying home-cooked breakfast, all in one easy-to-serve dish.

A slice of pioneer woman hashbrown breakfast casserole on a plateA slice of pioneer woman hashbrown breakfast casserole on a plate

This casserole isn’t just for early risers. It’s equally delicious at room temperature or gently warmed, perfect for those who prefer a later start to their day, or even for Mom who finally gets a moment to sit down and eat. Its versatility and crowd-pleasing flavors make it a true family favorite.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Let’s gather the ingredients to create this Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole magic in your own kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Breakfast Sausage: For a classic flavor, Jimmy Dean regular breakfast sausage is recommended. If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to use the “Hot” variety.
  • Green Onions: Both the white and green parts of the green onions are used, adding a mild oniony flavor.
  • Bell Pepper: Choose your favorite color! Red or orange bell peppers offer a sweeter and milder taste that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
  • Large Eggs: Using large eggs is important for the right consistency. Bring them to room temperature before using for best results in baking.
  • Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the casserole, binding all the ingredients together.
  • Dijon Mustard: Regular Dijon mustard, not stoneground, is preferred for its smooth texture and tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste.
  • Tabasco Sauce: A touch of Tabasco sauce adds a subtle heat and a hint of vinegar, balancing the richness of the casserole. Feel free to use your favorite hot sauce instead.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors. Proper seasoning is key to a delicious casserole.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is highly recommended over mild cheddar for its more pronounced cheese flavor that truly shines through.
  • Hash Browns: Shredded frozen hash browns are ideal for this recipe. Thaw them before use. You can also experiment with different types, even those with peppers for an extra layer of flavor. Refrigerated hash browns also work well. Just ensure they are thawed and excess moisture is removed.

Tips for the Best Breakfast Casserole

To ensure your Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole turns out perfectly, here are a few key tips:

  • Sauté Your Veggies: Resist the temptation to skip this step! Sautéing the bell peppers and onions while cooking the sausage is crucial. This process mellows out any bitterness and brings out their natural sweetness, creating a more balanced flavor profile in your casserole. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.

Make-Ahead Magic: Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Yes, you can absolutely prepare this Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole ahead of time! Assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply bake it according to the recipe instructions. Remember to never place a cold casserole dish directly into a hot oven to avoid thermal shock. Let it sit at room temperature for a bit while the oven preheats.

Thawing Hash Browns: A Must-Do

It’s essential to thaw frozen hash browns before adding them to the casserole mixture. Using frozen hash browns directly can introduce excess moisture, which can alter the recipe’s consistency and result in a soggy casserole. Thawing ensures the right texture and prevents unwanted wateriness.

pioneer woman sausage breakfast casserole close uppioneer woman sausage breakfast casserole close up

Variations to Spice Things Up

Want to customize your Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole? Here are some delicious variations:

  • Bacon Lovers’ Delight: Swap out the breakfast sausage for cooked, chopped bacon, or go all out and use a combination of both sausage and bacon for a richer, smokier flavor.
  • Spice It Up!: For those who love a bit of heat, increase the amount of Tabasco sauce or your favorite hot sauce. Alternatively, add a minced jalapeño pepper along with the bell pepper while sautéing. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also add a warm kick.
  • Cheese Swap: While sharp cheddar is fantastic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Pepper jack cheese adds a spicy creaminess, while Monterey Jack offers a milder, buttery flavor. A blend of cheeses can also create a unique taste profile.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

  • Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover breakfast casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Egg-based casseroles like this are best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal quality and food safety.
  • Freezing for Later: Yes, you can freeze this breakfast casserole! For individual portions, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a resealable freezer bag. Frozen casserole will last for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions for Pioneer Woman Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

This hearty breakfast casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with various side dishes, especially for brunch. Consider serving it with:

  • Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad provides a perfect contrast to the richness of the casserole.
  • Maple Pecan Scones: For a touch of sweetness, maple pecan scones are a delightful addition.
  • Cinnamon Roll Casserole or Blueberry Coffee Cake: If you’re hosting a brunch with a sweet tooth focus, these casseroles complement the savory breakfast casserole beautifully.
  • Savory Salads: Balance the richness with a fresh salad like Portillo’s chopped salad, strawberry spinach salad, or a Mediterranean salad. Even coleslaw or carrot salad can offer a nice textural and flavor contrast.

More Delicious Breakfast and Brunch Ideas

Looking for more breakfast and brunch inspiration? Explore other recipes like cinnamon roll casserole, blueberry coffee cake, sour cream coffee cake, or Bisquick coffee cake for more sweet brunch options. For savory companions, consider exploring recipes for various fresh salads.

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Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole Recipe Card

Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole is loaded with sausage, hash browns, and cheese—all the comfort of a home-cooked breakfast in one easy-to-serve casserole.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Servings: 10-12 servings

Author: Kathleen

Ingredients

  • 1 pound breakfast sausage
  • 6 green onions chopped, white and green parts divided
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 10 large eggs
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1-2 teaspoons Tabasco, optional
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided (from a 12-ounce package)
  • 1 (30 ounce) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
  2. In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, cook the sausage, red bell pepper, and white and light green parts of the green onions. Break up the sausage into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until the sausage is no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Cool slightly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, hot sauce (if using), salt, pepper, and about half of the green parts of the scallions (reserve the rest for garnish).
  4. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, thawed hash browns, and the cooled sausage mixture into the egg mixture. Pour into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  5. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of cheese over the top. Increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and continue to bake until the center is set and lightly browned, about 10-15 minutes more.
  6. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with the remaining green parts of the scallions before serving.

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Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 525 kcal | Carbohydrates: 19 g | Protein: 24 g | Fat: 40 g | Saturated Fat: 19 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 286 mg | Sodium: 985 mg | Potassium: 529 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 2 g | Vitamin A: 1528 IU | Vitamin C: 24 mg | Calcium: 308 mg | Iron: 3 mg

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