Hearty & Crowd-Pleasing Gluten-Free Breakfast Casserole

Discover an incredibly easy and delicious gluten free breakfast casserole recipe that simplifies your morning routine. Perfect for busy parents or beginners, this dish is ideal for a comforting family breakfast or a special occasion brunch. With simple prep and crowd-pleasing flavors, you can create a satisfying meal with minimal effort. Get ready to enjoy a complete, hearty, and utterly delicious morning feast that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Breakfast Casserole

This gluten free breakfast casserole is a true crowd-pleaser for many fantastic reasons:

• Naturally Gluten-Free: You won’t need any special flours or tricky ingredients. This recipe uses naturally gluten-free components for a delicious outcome. To understand more about this dietary approach, the Mayo Clinic provides comprehensive information on the benefits of a gluten-free diet.
• Quick Preparation: Spend less time in the kitchen thanks to straightforward steps and common ingredients. It’s perfect for busy mornings or meal prepping.
• Feeds a Crowd: This casserole easily serves a large group, making it excellent for holiday brunches, potlucks, or family gatherings.
• Rich & Cheesy: Layers of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and plenty of sharp cheddar create an irresistible flavor profile. Every bite is satisfying and full of comfort.
• Customizable: Adapt this versatile recipe with your favorite additions, from extra veggies to different cheeses, making it uniquely yours.

Ingredients

Crafting a fantastic gluten free breakfast casserole starts with quality ingredients that bring incredible flavor and texture. Gather these items to create your next favorite morning meal:

• 1 lb ground pork breakfast sausage, Jimmy Dean recommended
• 1 large shallot or 1 small onion, chopped
• 6 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 8 oz sour cream
• 3/4 cup milk, any kind (dairy or non-dairy works well)
• 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 4 cups frozen shredded hash browns, thawed

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily customize this hearty breakfast casserole to fit your family’s preferences or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment!

• Meat Options: Swap pork sausage for turkey sausage, crumbled cooked bacon, or even diced ham. For a spicier kick, use hot breakfast sausage.
• Dairy-Free: Choose your favorite dairy-free milk and sour cream alternatives. You can also find excellent dairy-free shredded cheese options.
• Cheeses: Monterey Jack, Colby, Gruyere, or a Mexican blend all work wonderfully. Try a combination for more complex flavor.
• Veggies: Boost the nutrition and color by adding sautéed spinach, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Cook them with the sausage before adding to the mix.
• Herbs: Stir in fresh chopped chives, parsley, or green onions for a bright finish.

Equipment

Having the right tools makes preparing this easy gluten free breakfast casserole a breeze. You likely already own most of these kitchen essentials.

• 9×13 inch baking dish: Essential for a perfectly sized casserole.
• Large skillet: For browning your breakfast sausage and sautéing the shallot.
• Large mixing bowl: Where all the delicious ingredients come together.
• Whisk: To thoroughly combine the egg mixture until light and fluffy.
• Nonstick spray: Ensures your casserole lifts out easily without sticking.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to assemble and bake your delightful gluten free breakfast casserole. Each instruction guides you to a perfect, golden-brown result.

1. Prep Oven & Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set it aside. This prepares the dish for your amazing breakfast bake.
2. Cook Sausage & Shallot: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground breakfast sausage and the chopped shallot or onion to the pan. Cook until the sausage is fully browned and crumbled, and the shallot is tender, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan, then return the cooked sausage mixture to the pan. Set it aside to cool slightly. Cooling prevents the hot sausage from pre-cooking the eggs.
3. Whisk Egg Mixture: Grab a very large mixing bowl. Crack the six large eggs into the bowl, then add the salt and pepper. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until the eggs are well combined and slightly frothy. Next, add the sour cream and milk to the bowl. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly blended. This creates the creamy base for your gluten free breakfast casserole.
4. Combine Ingredients: To the egg mixture in the large bowl, add three-quarters of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Then, incorporate the slightly cooled, cooked breakfast sausage and shallot mixture. Finally, add the thawed hash browns. Stir all these ingredients gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the casserole tough.
5. Assemble & Bake: Pour the entire mixture from the bowl into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out into an even layer using a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining one-quarter of the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish tightly with a piece of nonstick-sprayed foil, ensuring the sprayed side faces down to prevent cheese from sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until the center is mostly set and a knife inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
6. Uncover & Finish: Carefully remove the foil from the baking dish. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven. Continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the top cheese layer is golden brown and bubbly. This step ensures a beautiful crust and fully cooked center.
7. Rest & Serve: Once baked, remove the gluten free breakfast casserole from the oven. Let it sit and rest for 15-20 minutes on a wire rack before you slice and serve it. Resting allows the casserole to set properly, making it easier to cut into neat, individual portions without falling apart.

Pro Tips for the Best Breakfast Casserole

Achieve the perfect gluten free breakfast casserole every time with these helpful tips designed for beginners.

• Thaw Hash Browns Completely: This is crucial! Fully thawing your frozen hash browns ensures even cooking throughout the casserole and prevents a soggy texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Eggs: Whisk the egg mixture just until combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to a rubbery texture in your final bake.
• Cool Sausage Slightly: Adding hot sausage directly to the egg mixture can prematurely cook the eggs. Allow the sausage to cool for a few minutes before combining.
• Cover While Baking: Baking the casserole covered for most of the time prevents the cheese from burning and helps the interior cook through evenly.
• Allow Resting Time: Just like a good roast, this savory breakfast casserole benefits from resting. This allows the ingredients to set, ensuring clean, firm slices when you cut it.
• Prevent Soggy Casserole: Ensure you drain all fat from the cooked sausage. Also, avoid adding extra liquid to the egg mixture. These steps are crucial for a perfectly firm and delicious bake.

Serving, Storage, and Variations

Make the most of your delicious gluten free breakfast casserole with these versatile ideas.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your casserole experience with a few simple additions.

• Fresh Salsa: A spoonful of vibrant fresh salsa or tangy pico de gallo adds a zesty contrast.
• Guacamole: Creamy guacamole provides a rich, satisfying counterpoint to the savory flavors.
• Fruit Salad: A side of colorful fruit salad offers a refreshing and healthy balance to the meal.
• Hot Sauce: For those who like a kick, offer a variety of hot sauces for individual customization.

Storage Instructions

Planning and proper storage help you enjoy your efforts longer.

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover portions of this easy breakfast casserole in an airtight container.
• Shelf Life: It keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave until heated through, or reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm.

Make Ahead & Freezing

This gluten free breakfast casserole is excellent for meal prep.

• Make Ahead: Cook the sausage and chop the shallot the day before. You can also whisk the egg mixture and store it separately. In the morning, combine all ingredients and bake.
• Freezing: Bake the casserole completely, then let it cool entirely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered, until warmed through.

Recipe Variations

Get creative and customize your casserole to your taste!

• Spicy Kick: Use spicy breakfast sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat entirely and add more sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or extra spinach. Consider a plant-based sausage alternative.
• Cheesy Remix: Experiment with different cheese blends like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a smoked gouda for unique flavor.
• Add Veggies: Fold in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or roasted asparagus for added nutrition and flavor.

Nutrition

Nutritional information for this delicious gluten free breakfast casserole is provided as an estimate only. It helps give you an idea of the macronutrient content per serving, based on the ingredients listed. This hearty dish offers a substantial and balanced start to your day. For a deeper understanding of food labeling and nutritional information, the FDA offers comprehensive guidelines on how to understand nutrition labels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Find quick answers to common questions about preparing this delicious gluten free breakfast casserole.

• Q: Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

  • A: Yes, you can prep components like cooking the sausage and whisking the egg mixture separately. Combine all ingredients and bake fresh in the morning for best texture.

• Q: Do I have to thaw the hash browns?

  • A: Yes, thawing is essential for a great texture. It ensures even cooking and prevents your casserole from becoming watery or soggy.

• Q: What if my mixture seems too dry or too wet?

  • A: If too dry, add a splash more milk. If too wet, ensure you’ve drained all fat from the sausage and the hash browns are fully thawed and not holding excess moisture.

• Q: How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

  • A: The center should be set and firm. A knife or toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, indicating the eggs are cooked through.

Conclusion

This easy gluten free breakfast casserole offers a stress-free start to your day, proving that delicious, dietary-friendly meals can be simple to make. It is perfect for any occasion, from a quick family breakfast to a celebratory brunch with friends. Its versatility and comforting flavors guarantee it will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and bake this fantastic breakfast bake. Don’t forget to share your experience and rate this recipe!

Hearty & Crowd-Pleasing Gluten-Free Breakfast Casserole

This hearty and satisfying gluten-free breakfast casserole is packed with savory sausage, eggs, cheese, and hash browns, making it perfect for a crowd or meal prep. It's an easy-to-make dish that's sure to be a family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground pork breakfast sausage Jimmy Dean recommended
• 1 shallot or onion large shallot or 1 small, chopped
• 6 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 8 oz sour cream
• 3/4 cup milk any kind
• 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
• 4 cups frozen shredded hash browns thawed

Equipment

• 9x13" baking dish
• large skillet
• large mixing bowl
• whisk
• foil
• knife

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9x13" baking dish with nonstick spray, then set it aside.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the breakfast sausage and shallot or onion and cook until done; drain if necessary, then return the sausage to the pan and set aside to cool slightly.

Assembly

1. In a very large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, and pepper, then add the sour cream and milk and whisk again to combine.
2. Stir in 3/4 of the shredded cheese, the cooked and slightly cooled breakfast sausage, and the thawed hash browns until well combined.

Baking

1. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spread it into an even layer, and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
2. Cover the dish with nonstick-sprayed foil and bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the center has set and a knife inserted comes out clean.
3. Remove the foil and bake for 5 more minutes, or until the cheese has turned golden brown.

Serving

1. Let the casserole sit for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For best results, ensure hash browns are fully thawed and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding to the mixture. The casserole can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning for an easy breakfast.