This breakfast casserole is a tasty mix of golden potatoes, peppers, and eggs that will kick-start your morning. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd!
Who doesn’t love a hearty breakfast? I make this when I have friends over, and it always impresses. Plus, it’s like a warm hug on a plate. Enjoy with some toast to soak up all that deliciousness! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Golden Potatoes O’Brien: These pre-diced frozen potatoes make it easy! If you want a fresh option, use diced fresh potatoes with bell peppers. Just pre-cook them a bit.
Onion: I use yellow onions for sweetness, but feel free to swap with green onions or shallots if you like a milder flavor
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice flavor kick. You could substitute with Monterey Jack or a cheese blend if preferred.
Eggs: Always fresh is best! For a lighter version, you can replace some eggs with egg whites. Just be prepared for a slightly different texture!
Milk: Whole milk is great for creaminess, but you can use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option without losing too much creamy goodness.
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Potatoes for This Casserole?
Cooking the potatoes properly is crucial for this casserole. It allows them to get that nice crispy texture while infusing flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a skillet on medium heat and add your chopped onions. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft.
- Then, add in the frozen potatoes. Cook them for 8-10 minutes until they’re heated through and slightly brown.
- Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning, letting them get nice and crispy!
This step ensures your casserole has a perfect texture and flavor. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
Golden Potatoes O’Brien Breakfast Casserole Morning Magic
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups frozen golden potatoes O’Brien (diced potatoes with red and green bell peppers)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
For Greasing the Dish:
- Butter or non-stick spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 40 minutes for baking. So, in roughly an hour, you’ll have a delicious breakfast casserole ready to serve! It’s perfect for weekends or special occasions.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, take a 9×9 inch baking dish and lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray so nothing sticks later.
2. Sauté the Onions:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the chopped onions. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re softened and a bit translucent. This will add a nice flavor to your casserole.
3. Cook the Potatoes:
Next, toss in the frozen golden potatoes O’Brien. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and starting to crisp up. This step is key for bringing out their deliciousness!
4. Build the Base:
Once your potatoes and onions are ready, take them off the heat and spread them evenly in your prepared baking dish. This will form a flavorful base for your casserole.
5. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the potato and onion mixture. It’s about to get cheesy!
6. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs together with milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if you’re using it). Mix until everything is well combined and looks a little frothy.
7. Pour it All Together:
Now, pour the egg mixture evenly over the potatoes and cheese in the baking dish. Give it a little shake side to side to help the egg settle in. It should look colorful and yummy!
8. Top with More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese on top. Who doesn’t love extra cheese?
9. Bake It Up:
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s set in the middle and the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook!
10. Let It Rest:
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This helps it firm up a bit for easier serving.
11. Garnish and Serve:
Before you dig in, sprinkle the chopped green onions on top for a fresh kick. Then slice it up and serve warm.
12. Enjoy!
This Golden Potatoes O’Brien Breakfast Casserole is sure to brighten up your morning! It’s packed with flavor and is perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer using fresh potatoes, peel and dice them, then sauté them in the skillet with the onions until they’re slightly tender before adding them to the casserole. This ensures they cook through during baking!
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with almond milk or another plant-based milk, and use dairy-free cheese options in place of cheddar. These swaps will still deliver a tasty result!
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Yes, you can prepare it the night before! Just follow the instructions up to the baking step, cover it well, and refrigerate. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Enjoy it again for breakfast or a quick lunch!
