Ultimate Hearty Breakfast Bake Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of savory pork sausage, shaped into bulk
• 2 packets of precooked hash brown patties (12 ounces each), defrosted
• 8 ounces of diced ham, cooked to perfection
• A generous amount of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, about 2 cups
• 2 teaspoons of aromatic dry mustard
• 1 ½ teaspoons of flavorful onion powder
• A dozen large eggs for richness
• Creamy evaporated milk (1 ½ cups) for a luscious texture
• Half a cup of half-and-half for added creaminess
• A pinch of kosher salt for seasoning
• A dash of ground black pepper for a hint of spice
• Some sharp Cheddar cheese shreds (around ½ cup), or more if desired

Step 1

Begin by heating a generously sized skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the sausage in the skillet until it turns a delightful brown and crumbly texture, typically taking around 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, set it aside and allow it to cool for approximately 5 minutes before transferring it to a spacious bowl.

Step 2

Next, combine the cooked sausage with hash browns, diced ham, Monterey Jack cheese, a hint of dry mustard, and a sprinkle of onion powder. Gently mix the ingredients together until well incorporated. Pour this flavorful mixture into a generously greased 9x13-inch baking pan.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, evaporated milk, half-and-half, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined. Evenly pour this creamy mixture over the hash brown medley. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld for at least 8 hours or overnight.

Step 4

Thirty minutes before you plan to bake the casserole, remove it from the refrigerator to bring it to room temperature. Sprinkle a generous amount of Cheddar cheese over the top before covering it again.

Step 5

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until the cheese is beautifully bubbly, typically for an extra 15 to 20 minutes. Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and the layers to firm up.