Looking for the perfect breakfast centerpiece that’s both comforting and a crowd-pleaser? This Loaded Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole, featuring the creamy goodness of Pioneer Country Gravy Mix, is your answer. It’s incredibly simple to throw together, packed with savory flavors, and can even be prepped ahead of time, making it ideal for holiday brunches, special weekend mornings, or any occasion that calls for a hearty and satisfying breakfast. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this effortless and delicious casserole!
This recipe combines all your breakfast favorites into one pan. Imagine fluffy hash browns, savory sausage, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese, all brought together by a rich and flavorful country gravy made easy with Pioneer Country Gravy Mix. It’s a guaranteed hit that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Close up shot of Loaded Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole in a baking dish
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 30 oz bag of frozen shredded hash browns
- 1 lb cooked and drained breakfast sausage
- 12 oz cooked and chopped bacon
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 package Pioneer Country Gravy Mix
- 2 cups water
- 6 large eggs
- 2 green onions, chopped
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Casserole
Let’s get started on this easy breakfast casserole! First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
Begin by cooking your bacon. The easiest method is to lay bacon strips on a baking sheet and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until crispy. While the bacon is baking, cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Make sure to drain off any excess grease from the sausage.
Once the bacon is perfectly crispy, remove it from the baking sheet and let it cool slightly before chopping it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside a small amount of the bacon to use as a topping later.
Now, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In the prepared dish, evenly spread the frozen hash browns. Layer the cooked sausage and chopped bacon over the hash browns. Sprinkle one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the meat mixture. Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance all the delicious flavors.
In a separate bowl, prepare the Pioneer Country Gravy Mix according to the package directions, using 2 cups of water. This gravy mix is the secret to the creamy and flavorful center of our casserole.
Pouring country gravy over hash brown casserole ingredients in a baking dish
Pour the prepared Pioneer Country Gravy evenly over the ingredients in the baking dish. Gently mix everything together to ensure the gravy is distributed throughout the casserole.
In another bowl, whisk together the 6 eggs until they are well combined. Pour the whisked eggs evenly over the top of the casserole, making sure they cover the entire surface. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the egg layer.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F for about 45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the hash browns are cooked through and golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Serving Suggestions for Loaded Hash Brown Casserole
Once your Loaded Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is baked to golden perfection, remove it from the oven. Garnish with the reserved chopped bacon and freshly chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
Serving slice of Loaded Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole topped with bacon and green onions
Serve this hearty casserole hot and enjoy the smiles around the breakfast table! While it’s delicious on its own, consider offering condiments like ketchup or hot sauce for those who like a little extra zing. For a more balanced meal, fresh fruit salad or a side of yogurt would be a wonderful complement to this savory casserole.
Tips and Variations for Your Breakfast Casserole
- Smoking Option: For a unique smoky flavor, you can smoke this casserole on a smoker at 350 degrees F for about 45 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Cheese Choice: Using freshly shredded cheddar cheese from a block can provide a creamier melt and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Seasoning Flexibility: Feel free to customize the seasonings to your liking. Add a pinch of paprika, onion powder, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Sausage Swap: For a spicier kick, substitute regular breakfast sausage with hot breakfast sausage. You could also experiment with different types of sausage like Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Gravy Alternatives: While Pioneer Country Gravy Mix is highly recommended for its ease and classic flavor, you can use canned or homemade country gravy if preferred. Just ensure you have approximately 2 cups of prepared white gravy.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply bake as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
- Bacon Cooking Preference: While baking bacon is recommended for ease and less mess, you can cook bacon using your preferred method – skillet frying or even microwaving.
Enjoy Every Bite
This Loaded Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole with Pioneer Country Gravy Mix is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to create warm, comforting memories with loved ones. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a recipe you’ll turn to time and time again. Perfect for holidays, weekends, or any day you want to start with a truly satisfying and flavorful breakfast.
