The Ultimate Brunch Casserole

Name: The Ultimate Brunch Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1 pound frozen hashbrowns; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound fresh chorizo; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 12 eggs; 3 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided; 1 ½ cups sour cream, divided; 1 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon ground pepper; 1 cup chopped green onions; 1 avocado, sliced; ½ cup pickled jalapeños (optional)

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Theres nothing quite like a warm breakfast casserole to start a relaxed weekend morning. Breakfast casseroles are my go-to for brunches and gatherings because they can easily feed a crowd and can be prepped the night before. This recipe features a rich combination of spicy chorizo, sour cream, cheddar cheese, eggs, and frozen hash browns for a decadent dish that's sure to satisfy both kids and adults. Whisking sour cream into the eggs adds a velvety texture and a creamy richness. While I love serving it with fresh avocado, green onions, and a drizzle of hot sauce, its just as delicious straight out of the oven. For a different twist, try swapping the chorizo with hot or sweet Italian sausage, or use vegan chorizo for a vegetarian version. Pair it with some fresh fruit and a simple salad, and youve got yourself an easy, delicious brunch or lunch. Plus, any leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave for a quick weekday breakfast. If you want to get ahead, assemble the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning just be sure to add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time.

Ingredients

1 pound frozen hashbrowns
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound fresh chorizo
1 yellow onion, chopped
12 eggs
3 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided
1 1/2 cups sour cream, divided
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1 cup chopped green onions
1 avocado, sliced
1/2 cup pickled jalapeos (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400F (200C). Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Spread the frozen hashbrowns evenly over the bottom of the baking dish.

Step 3: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chorizo and chopped onion. Use a wooden spoon to break the chorizo into smaller pieces. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the chorizo is browned and the onion is softened. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese, 1 cup of sour cream, whole milk, kosher salt, and ground pepper until smooth.

Step 5: Stir in the chorizo and onion mixture from Step 3.

Step 6: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the hashbrowns in the baking dish.

Step 7: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining 1/2 cup of sour cream over the egg mixture. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 8: Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and lightly golden on top.

Step 9: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the top with chopped green onions, avocado slices, and pickled jalapeos, if desired.

Step 10: Cut into squares and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	899
Total Fat	71g
Saturated Fat	26g
Cholesterol	399mg
Sodium	1594mg
Total Carbohydrate	29g
Dietary Fiber	5g
Total Sugars	5g
Protein	38g
Vitamin C	11mg
Calcium	454mg
Iron	3mg
Potassium	956mg

The Ultimate Brunch Casserole

History and Origin:

The brunch casserole is a beloved dish in American cuisine, particularly during weekends or festive occasions. It has roots in classic American comfort food, where convenience and hearty ingredients come together. Although the casserole's precise origin is unclear, it is believed to have evolved as a way to combine leftover ingredients into a filling and easy-to-serve dish. The Ultimate Brunch Casserole, which incorporates chorizo, hash browns, eggs, cheddar cheese, and sour cream, is a modern twist on this traditional concept. Over time, casseroles became a popular choice for communal meals, especially in households where a large number of people needed to be fed in one sitting. This dish exemplifies the idea of taking simple, accessible ingredients and transforming them into a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal.

Regional Variations and Features:

The Ultimate Brunch Casserole has been embraced across the United States, with regional variations reflecting local tastes and ingredients. In the Southwest, chorizo is commonly used to add a spicy, flavorful kick, while in the Northeast, you might find a version featuring sausage or bacon. In the Midwest, the dish often includes a mix of vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, reflecting the region's preference for hearty, vegetable-packed casseroles. The beauty of this casserole lies in its versatility, allowing cooks to adapt the recipe based on regional ingredients or dietary preferences. For example, in places like California, you might see this casserole paired with fresh avocado, adding a creamy, healthy contrast to the rich, cheesy dish.

Differences from Similar Dishes:

While the Ultimate Brunch Casserole shares similarities with other breakfast dishes such as quiches, strata, and frittatas, it stands out due to its use of hash browns as the base. Unlike a quiche, which uses a pastry crust, this casserole has a crispy, golden layer of hash browns, giving it a more substantial texture. The addition of chorizo and sour cream also sets this dish apart from more typical egg casseroles. The creamy sour cream enhances the richness of the eggs, making it a heartier, more indulgent option compared to lighter egg dishes like frittatas. Additionally, the use of frozen hash browns offers both convenience and a satisfying, crispy texture thats hard to beat.

Where It's Usually Served:

The Ultimate Brunch Casserole is typically served at brunch gatherings, especially for holidays like Easter or Christmas, when families and friends gather to enjoy a leisurely meal. Its hearty nature makes it perfect for a crowd, ensuring that no one goes hungry. Its also a popular choice for potluck meals and brunch buffets. Many people enjoy making this casserole ahead of time, allowing it to bake while they prepare other dishes or socialize with guests. Whether served on a lazy weekend morning or at a festive celebration, this casserole brings a touch of comfort and indulgence to any meal.

Fun Facts:

One of the most convenient aspects of this casserole is its ability to be assembled the night before, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings. Simply bake it in the morning and serve it fresh!
The dish can be easily customized to suit dietary preferences. You can swap the chorizo for Italian sausage or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian or vegan version.
Adding toppings like sliced avocado, chopped green onions, and pickled jalapeos elevates the flavor and adds a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich casserole.
This casserole is a great way to use up leftover ingredients like cheese, vegetables, or meats, making it both resourceful and delicious.

Whether you're making it for a holiday feast, a weekend brunch, or a quick dinner, The Ultimate Brunch Casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Its rich flavors, comforting textures, and versatility make it a dish that everyone can enjoy. The next time you're looking for a crowd-pleasing, no-fuss meal, this casserole will not disappoint!

AI Audio version of the recipe is available!

You can listen to this recipe in AI audio format. Simply click the play button below to listen to the content in a format that suits you best. It’s a great way to absorb information on the go!

FAQ about The Ultimate Brunch Casserole

Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. To reheat frozen casserole, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before. Assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate overnight and bake in the morning. Add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you're starting from cold.

Absolutely! You can substitute the chorizo with other types of sausage, like hot or sweet Italian sausage, or even turkey sausage for a leaner option. If you're looking for a vegetarian version, try using vegan chorizo or sautéed vegetables instead.

The casserole will take about 35-45 minutes to bake at 400°F (200°C). It's done when the center is set and the edges are slightly golden. Make sure to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife—if it comes out clean, the casserole is ready.

Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator, and bake as directed. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it's starting from cold.

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad, a simple green salad, or some crispy bacon. You can also serve it with sliced avocado and chopped green onions for extra flavor. If you enjoy spice, drizzle some hot sauce or top with pickled jalapeños.

Yes, you can substitute the milk with a dairy-free option, like almond milk or oat milk, and replace the sour cream with a dairy-free sour cream or Greek yogurt. These substitutions will still yield a creamy texture and delicious flavor.

The casserole is done when it is golden on top and the center is set. You can test by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the casserole is ready. If it’s still runny, bake for a few more minutes and check again.