Ree Drummond’s Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole Recipe is a family-favorite for good reason. This hearty and delicious casserole, packed with breakfast sausage, hash browns, and cheddar cheese, is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for feeding a crowd or a cozy family brunch. If you’re looking for a foolproof breakfast casserole that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters, look no further than this Pioneer Woman original.
This recipe is not just about deliciousness; it’s about convenience and make-ahead ease. Imagine waking up to the aroma of a home-cooked breakfast without the morning rush. The Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole can be assembled the night before, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings or when you’re hosting guests. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids home for the holidays or simply want a stress-free weekend brunch, this casserole is your answer.
A close-up shot of a slice of Pioneer Woman hashbrown breakfast casserole on a white plate, showcasing the layers of sausage, hash browns, and melted cheese.
Why This Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole Recipe Works
What makes this breakfast casserole stand out? It’s the perfect combination of simple ingredients and smart techniques that result in a flavorful and satisfying dish every time.
- Make-Ahead Marvel: The ability to assemble this casserole ahead of time is a game-changer for busy schedules. Prepare it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: Sausage, cheddar cheese, and hash browns are classic breakfast staples that everyone loves. This casserole brings them together in a comforting and irresistible way.
- Foolproof Recipe: Ree Drummond’s recipes are known for their straightforwardness, and this breakfast casserole is no exception. It’s easy to follow, even for novice cooks, ensuring success every time.
- Versatile and Adaptable: While the original recipe is fantastic, it’s also easily customizable. You can adapt it to your family’s preferences with different meats, cheeses, or vegetables (more on variations later!).
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From holiday brunches to casual weekend breakfasts, this casserole fits right in. It’s equally delicious served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for buffet-style gatherings.
Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole Ingredients: Simple & Delicious
Here’s what you’ll need to create this Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole:
- Breakfast Sausage: The foundation of the casserole’s savory flavor. Ree Drummond typically uses Jimmy Dean regular breakfast sausage, but feel free to use hot sausage for an extra kick or explore different sausage varieties to your taste.
- Green Onions: Adding a mild oniony flavor, both the white and green parts are used for depth of flavor and a fresh element.
- Bell Pepper: Provides sweetness and color. Red or orange bell peppers are recommended for their milder and sweeter taste compared to green peppers.
- Large Eggs: The binding agent for the casserole, creating its signature texture. Using room temperature eggs is recommended for better blending.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the egg mixture, making the casserole decadent and moist.
- Dijon Mustard: A secret ingredient that adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor, balancing the richness of the cheese and sausage. Smooth Dijon mustard is preferred for a consistent texture.
- Tabasco Sauce: A dash of hot sauce for a hint of spice. Tabasco’s vinegar base also complements the overall flavor profile. You can substitute with your favorite hot sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in the casserole.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The star cheese in this recipe, providing a robust cheddar flavor. Sharp cheddar is recommended for its pronounced taste, but you can experiment with other cheddar varieties or cheese blends.
- Frozen Shredded Hash Browns: The carbohydrate component, adding texture and heartiness. Thawed hash browns are crucial for the right consistency and to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
Step-by-Step Guide to Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole Perfection
Follow these simple steps to make your own Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole:
- Prep the Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.
- Sauté Sausage and Veggies: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it into small pieces. Add the chopped bell pepper and the white and light green parts of the green onions. Sauté until the sausage is browned and the vegetables are slightly softened, about 6-8 minutes. Sautéing the vegetables is a key tip from Ree Drummond to enhance their sweetness and prevent bitterness. Allow the mixture to 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. Ensure the mixture is well combined for a smooth and even casserole.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, the thawed hash browns, and the cooled sausage mixture into the egg mixture. Mix everything until well incorporated.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven 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 serving. This allows it to set further and makes slicing easier. Garnish with the remaining green parts of the scallions before serving for a fresh finish.
A top-down view of Pioneer Woman sausage breakfast casserole in a baking dish, showcasing the golden-brown cheese topping and green onion garnish.
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole
- Don’t Skip Sautéing the Veggies: Sautéing the bell peppers and onions before adding them to the casserole is crucial. It brings out their natural sweetness and mellows their flavor, preventing any bitterness in the final dish.
- Thaw Hash Browns Completely: Ensure your frozen hash browns are fully thawed before adding them to the casserole. Excess moisture from frozen hash browns can lead to a soggy casserole.
- Room Temperature Eggs: While not strictly necessary, using room temperature eggs can help them blend more smoothly into the egg mixture, resulting in a more uniform texture.
- Make it Ahead: Assemble the casserole completely and store it, covered, in the refrigerator overnight. Bake it directly from the fridge in the morning, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. Remember not to place a cold casserole dish directly into a hot oven to avoid cracking.
Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole Variations to Try
One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some delicious variations to customize it to your liking:
- Bacon Lovers’ Delight: Substitute the breakfast sausage with cooked and crumbled bacon, or use a combination of both sausage and bacon for an extra meaty casserole.
- Spice It Up: Increase the amount of Tabasco sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture. For fresh heat, incorporate a minced jalapeño pepper when sautéing the bell peppers and onions.
- Cheese Swaps: Experiment with different cheese varieties. Pepper jack cheese adds a spicy kick, Monterey Jack offers a milder flavor, or use a blend of cheddar and Gruyere for a richer taste.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables to create a vegetarian breakfast casserole.
Storing and Freezing Your Breakfast Casserole
- Refrigerating: Store leftover breakfast casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
This hearty casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs perfectly 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: Add a touch of sweetness with homemade maple pecan scones.
- Cinnamon Roll Casserole: Indulge in more comforting flavors with a cinnamon roll casserole.
- Salads: A fresh salad like strawberry spinach salad or Mediterranean salad can balance the richness of the casserole.
Get Ready to Bake!
The Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and delicious flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your breakfast and brunch rotation. Gather your ingredients and get ready to create a breakfast casserole that your family will ask for again and again!
Have you tried this recipe? Leave a review below and let us know how it turned out!
