This Potatoes O’Brien Breakfast Casserole is a tasty way to start your day! It’s packed with colorful bell peppers, diced potatoes, eggs, and cheese, baked to golden perfection.
Let’s be real: who wouldn’t want breakfast to be this easy and delicious? I love making this when I have friends over; everyone can dig in and enjoy together!
This casserole is a breeze to prepare the night before. Just pop it in the oven in the morning, and you’ll have a warm and hearty breakfast ready in no time. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Diced Potatoes O’Brien: These are a mix of diced potatoes with red and green peppers and onions. If you can’t find them, you can use frozen hash browns and add your own diced peppers and onions.
Bacon or Ham: Feel free to omit the meat for a vegetarian version or substitute with cooked sausage or turkey bacon. Sometimes I like to mix in veggies like spinach for added goodness!
Cheddar Cheese: While cheddar is the classic choice, you can use any cheese you enjoy, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for some kick. You could even mix different types of cheese for extra flavor!
Milk: If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can swap out the whole milk for skim milk or a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Just make sure to choose an unsweetened version.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking a breakfast casserole can be tricky, but there are simple ways to get it just right! The key is to check for doneness and ensure even baking.
- Use a toothpick or knife in the center to check if the eggs are set. They should come out clean when fully cooked.
- Keep an eye on the top; it should be lightly golden. If it’s browning too fast, cover it with foil to prevent burning.
- Let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up a bit and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Following these steps should lead you to a delicious and satisfying breakfast casserole every time! Enjoy!
How to Make Potatoes O’Brien Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups frozen diced potatoes O’Brien (includes red and green bell peppers, onions, and potatoes)
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon or diced ham (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Flavor Boosts:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty breakfast casserole can be prepared in about 15 minutes, with an additional baking time of 30-40 minutes. So, in total, you’ll need around 55 minutes to get it from prep to the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a 9×9-inch baking dish and grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This will help your casserole come out beautifully!
2. Cooking the Potatoes:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your frozen diced potatoes O’Brien. Stir them occasionally until they are heated through and slightly browned, which should take about 8-10 minutes. If you like your potatoes a bit crisper, feel free to cook them for a few extra minutes. Once they’re ready, set them aside.
3. Mixing the Egg Mixture:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (if you’re using those) until they are well combined. This will be the delicious base for your casserole!
4. Assembling the Casserole:
Spread the cooked potatoes evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. If you’re adding bacon or ham, sprinkle it evenly over the potatoes. Then, pour the egg mixture over the potato and meat layer, ensuring it spreads out evenly.
5. Adding Cheese and Baking:
Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Now it’s time to bake—place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 30-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the eggs are set in the center and the top is lightly golden. A toothpick or knife inserted into the center should come out clean!
6. Serving Your Casserole:
Once it’s done baking, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before diving in. If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Then slice it up, serve warm, and enjoy your hearty Potatoes O’Brien Breakfast Casserole!
This delightful casserole is sure to be a hit at any breakfast table, combining tender potatoes, savory meats, and creamy cheese all in one dish. Enjoy!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes! Just peel and dice them into small cubes. Sauté them in the skillet until they are tender and golden brown before assembling the casserole. It may take a bit longer to prepare, but the flavor will be fantastic!
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the meat (bacon or ham) and you can also add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to sauté them to remove excess moisture before adding them to the casserole.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or bake in the oven until heated through. Adding a splash of milk can help revive the moisture in the casserole.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before and cover it in the fridge, then bake it in the morning. If you refrigerate it, it may take a little longer to bake, so add an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time if needed!
