Ree Drummond’s Pioneer Woman Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is a family favorite for good reason. This hearty and flavorful casserole is packed with savory sausage, crispy hash browns, and plenty of cheddar cheese, making it the perfect dish for a weekend brunch or a cozy family breakfast. If you’re looking for a breakfast recipe that’s both satisfying and easy to make, this is it. Having made this recipe countless times, I can attest to its foolproof nature and crowd-pleasing appeal. It’s become a staple in our home, and I’m excited to share why it should become one in yours too.
For those who love breakfast casseroles as much as we do, you might also enjoy exploring other variations like a sophisticated goat cheese and prosciutto breakfast casserole, a convenient crockpot breakfast casserole, a quick Bisquick breakfast casserole, or a fun and indulgent tater tot breakfast casserole. But for classic comfort and guaranteed smiles, the Pioneer Woman’s hashbrown breakfast casserole is hard to beat.
Why This Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole Recipe Works
What makes this Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole so special? It’s more than just a collection of breakfast staples baked together. This recipe is designed for real life, especially those mornings when you need to feed a crowd or want something comforting and delicious without a lot of fuss.
Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman herself, understands the need for reliable, family-friendly recipes. This casserole is a testament to that. It’s the kind of dish you can prepare ahead of time, making it ideal for busy mornings or when you’re hosting guests. Imagine waking up to the aroma of sausage, cheese, and perfectly baked eggs – that’s the magic of this make-ahead breakfast casserole.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and make-ahead convenience. You can assemble it the night before, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it fresh in the morning. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together overnight, resulting in an even more delicious breakfast. Whether you are feeding a house full of kids or just want a comforting breakfast for yourself, this Pioneer Woman hashbrown breakfast casserole is a guaranteed win.
Slice of pioneer woman hashbrown breakfast casserole showcasing layers of hash browns, sausage, and cheese
Pioneer Woman Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Ingredients
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients that combine to create a breakfast casserole that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Breakfast Sausage: Regular Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage is recommended, but feel free to use hot sausage for an extra kick.
- Green Onions: Both the white and green parts are used to add a mild oniony flavor.
- Bell Pepper: Red or orange bell peppers are suggested for their sweetness, but any color will work.
- Large Eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps them incorporate smoothly into the mixture.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the casserole.
- Dijon Mustard: Smooth Dijon mustard provides a subtle tang that balances the richness.
- Tabasco Sauce: A dash of Tabasco or your favorite hot sauce adds a hint of spice and depth of flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is preferred for its bold flavor, but you can use mild cheddar if you prefer.
- Frozen Shredded Hash Browns: Thawed hash browns are crucial for the right texture.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Making this Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect bake every time:
- Preheat Oven and Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Sauté Sausage and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add the chopped bell pepper and the white and light green parts of the green onions to the skillet. Sauté until the sausage is browned and the vegetables are softened, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Whisk Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, Tabasco sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir in about half of the green parts of the green onions (reserve the rest for garnish).
- Combine Ingredients: Add 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, the thawed hash browns, and the cooled sausage mixture to the egg mixture. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Bake Casserole: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and continue to bake, uncovered, until the center of the casserole is set and the cheese is melted and lightly browned, about 10-15 minutes more.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with the remaining green onion tops.
Tips for the Best Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
To ensure your Pioneer Woman hashbrown breakfast casserole is a success, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Sauté Your Veggies: Don’t skip sautéing the vegetables with the sausage. Sautéing brings out their natural sweetness and mellows any bitterness, creating a more balanced flavor profile for your casserole.
- Thaw Hash Browns Completely: Ensure your frozen hash browns are fully thawed before adding them to the casserole mixture. Excess moisture from frozen hash browns can make the casserole watery.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps them blend more smoothly with the other ingredients, resulting in a creamier texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can make the eggs tough. Bake until the center is just set and the cheese is golden brown. The carryover heat will finish cooking the casserole as it rests.
Close-up of pioneer woman sausage breakfast casserole showcasing the cheesy topping and savory ingredients
Make Ahead and Overnight Instructions
One of the greatest advantages of this Pioneer Woman hashbrown breakfast casserole is its make-ahead convenience.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe instructions up to the point of baking, then cover the unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
Overnight Baking: If you’ve made the casserole ahead and refrigerated it, you can bake it directly from the fridge. However, you’ll need to add some extra baking time. Let the casserole sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before baking, then bake as directed, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the covered baking time to ensure it’s heated through. Always check the center is set before removing from the oven. Remember not to place a cold casserole dish directly into a hot oven as it could crack.
Variations to Try
Want to customize your Pioneer Woman hashbrown breakfast casserole? Here are a few delicious variations:
- Bacon Breakfast Casserole: Substitute cooked, crumbled bacon for the sausage, or use a combination of bacon and sausage for a richer flavor.
- Spicy Breakfast Casserole: Increase the amount of Tabasco sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or include a minced jalapeno pepper with the bell pepper for extra heat.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses! Pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses can add a unique twist to the flavor profile.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
Storing: Leftover Pioneer Woman hashbrown breakfast casserole can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable freezer bag. Frozen casserole slices will last for 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake in a preheated oven or microwave until heated through.
What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
This hearty breakfast casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes for a complete brunch spread. Consider serving it with:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Maple Pecan Scones: Sweet and nutty scones are a delightful addition to a brunch menu.
- Cinnamon Roll Casserole: For a truly indulgent brunch, add a sweet cinnamon roll casserole.
- Coffee Cake: Blueberry or sour cream coffee cake are classic brunch companions.
- Salads: A light salad like a strawberry spinach salad, Mediterranean salad, or even a classic coleslaw can balance the meal.
More Delicious Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
Looking for more breakfast and brunch inspiration? Explore these other tasty recipes:
[Link to Maple Pecan Scones]
[Link to Cinnamon Roll Casserole]
[Link to Blueberry Coffee Cake]
[Link to Sour Cream Coffee Cake]
[Link to Bisquick Coffee Cake]
[Link to Portillo’s Chopped Salad]
[Link to Strawberry Spinach Salad]
[Link to Strawberry Salad]
[Link to Mediterranean Salad]
[Link to 7 Layer Salad]
[Link to 1905 Salad]
[Link to KFC Coleslaw]
[Link to Pineapple Coleslaw]
[Link to Carrot Salad]
Enjoy creating this comforting and crowd-pleasing Pioneer Woman hashbrown breakfast casserole! It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a beloved part of your breakfast repertoire.
