Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, has a knack for creating recipes that are both comforting and crowd-pleasing, and her breakfast casserole is no exception. This Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole recipe is a tried-and-true favorite, perfect for a stress-free make-ahead brunch that will satisfy everyone at your table. If you’re searching for the ideal dish to simplify your weekend mornings or impress brunch guests, look no further. This recipe, inspired by Ree herself, is your answer to deliciousness and ease.
For more brunch inspiration, don’t miss out on other fantastic casserole recipes like Goat Cheese and Prosciutto Breakfast Casserole, Crockpot Breakfast Casserole, Bisquick Breakfast Casserole, or the fun and indulgent Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole.
Why Pioneer Woman’s Breakfast Casserole is Your Go-To Make-Ahead Brunch
This recipe stands out as the ultimate make-ahead brunch option for several reasons. Firstly, it’s designed for convenience. Ree Drummond herself calls this her “Kids Are Home Casserole,” highlighting its ability to feed a house full of people, even when they wake up at different times. The beauty of this dish lies in its make-ahead nature. Prepare it the night before, and you’ll have a hearty, flavorful breakfast ready to bake in the morning, freeing you from early morning kitchen stress.
The combination of savory sausage, fluffy hash browns, and rich cheddar cheese delivers classic breakfast flavors that everyone loves. It’s the epitome of comfort food, conveniently served in one dish. Whether served hot straight from the oven or enjoyed at room temperature, this casserole remains delicious. This flexibility is perfect for relaxed brunch gatherings where timing can be flexible. It’s a recipe that ensures everyone, including the host, gets to enjoy a fantastic meal without the hassle.
Slice of Pioneer Woman hashbrown breakfast casserole on a plate showcasing layers of hash browns, sausage, and cheese
Pioneer Woman Make-Ahead Brunch Casserole Ingredients
To bring this Pioneer Woman brunch staple to life, gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients:
- Breakfast Sausage: 1 pound of regular breakfast sausage, like Jimmy Dean. For those who prefer a kick, hot sausage works wonderfully too.
- Green Onions: 6 green onions, chopped, using both the white and green parts for layered flavor.
- Bell Pepper: 1 red bell pepper, chopped. Feel free to substitute with orange or yellow for a milder, sweeter taste.
- Large Eggs: 10 large eggs, brought to room temperature for better blending and baking.
- Heavy Cream: 1 1/4 cups of heavy cream, adding richness and creaminess to the casserole.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, smooth, not stoneground, for a subtle tangy depth.
- Tabasco Sauce: 1-2 teaspoons of Tabasco sauce, or your favorite hot sauce, to add a hint of spice and balance flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper, essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 3 (12-ounce package) cups of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided, for maximum cheesy goodness. Sharp cheddar is recommended for a bolder flavor.
- Frozen Shredded Hash Browns: 1 (30-ounce) package of frozen shredded hash browns, thawed. Ensure they are thawed to prevent excess moisture in your casserole.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pioneer Woman Brunch Casserole
Follow these simple steps to create your make-ahead Pioneer Woman brunch masterpiece:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Sauté Sausage and Veggies: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the breakfast sausage, red bell pepper, and the white and light green parts of the green onions. Break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. Sauté until the sausage is browned and the vegetables are slightly softened, about 6-8 minutes. Let the mixture cool slightly. Sautéing the vegetables enhances their natural sweetness and mellows their flavor, contributing to a more balanced casserole.
- Whisk Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, Tabasco sauce, salt, and black pepper. Incorporate about half of the green parts of the chopped green onions into the egg mixture, reserving the rest for garnish.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, the thawed hash browns, and the cooled sausage mixture into the egg mixture. Mix everything until well combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and continue to bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and lightly golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with the reserved green parts of the green onions for a fresh finish.
Tips for the Best Make-Ahead Brunch Casserole
- Don’t Skip Sautéing: While it might be tempting to just mix everything together, sautéing the sausage and vegetables is a crucial step. It brings out the best flavors and textures, preventing any bitterness from the vegetables.
- Thaw Hash Browns Properly: Ensure your hash browns are fully thawed. Excess moisture from frozen hash browns can make your casserole watery.
- Make Ahead Instructions: Assemble the casserole completely but do not bake. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from a cold fridge.
- Storing Leftovers: Store leftover breakfast casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in saran wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 2-3 months.
Close-up shot of Pioneer Woman sausage breakfast casserole showcasing the cheesy, golden-brown top and savory ingredients
Delicious Variations to Personalize Your Brunch Casserole
- Bacon Lovers’ Dream: Replace the sausage with cooked, chopped bacon, or use a combination of both for a richer, smokier flavor.
- Spice It Up: Increase the amount of Tabasco sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or include a minced jalapeño pepper with the bell pepper for extra heat.
- Cheese Swaps: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Pioneer Woman Brunch
Complete your Pioneer Woman inspired brunch with these delightful side dishes:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad provides a perfect counterpoint to the richness of the casserole.
- Sweet Treats: Consider serving alongside Maple Pecan Scones, Cinnamon Roll Casserole, Blueberry Coffee Cake, Sour Cream Coffee Cake, or Bisquick Coffee Cake for a touch of sweetness.
- Savory Salads: Add a refreshing salad such as Portillo’s Chopped Salad, Strawberry Spinach Salad, Strawberry Salad, Mediterranean Salad, 7 Layer Salad, 1905 Salad, KFC Coleslaw or Pineapple Coleslaw, or even a classic Carrot Salad.
This Pioneer Woman make-ahead brunch casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to bring comfort, flavor, and ease to your brunch table. Enjoy the deliciousness and the extra time you’ll have to spend with your loved ones!
