Wake Up Casserole Recipe

Sausage: Adds a savory and flavorful protein to the casserole.

Eggs: Provides structure and richness to the dish.

Milk: Helps to create a creamy texture and binds the ingredients together.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of spice and depth to the dish.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, adding a gooey and cheesy element.

Frozen hash browns: Provides a crispy and hearty base for the casserole.

When combining the eggs with the milk, make sure to whisk them thoroughly to achieve a uniform mixture. This ensures that the casserole will have a consistent texture throughout. Additionally, when incorporating the hash browns, gently fold them into the mixture to avoid breaking them up too much, which helps maintain a nice, chunky texture in the final dish.

• cooked and crumbled sausage - Substitute with cooked and crumbled turkey sausage: Lower in fat and calories, turkey sausage provides a leaner protein option while maintaining a similar flavor profile.

• cooked and crumbled sausage - Substitute with cooked and crumbled vegetarian sausage: For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage to replicate the texture and savory taste of traditional sausage.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with egg substitute: Ideal for those with egg allergies or following a vegan diet, egg substitutes can mimic the binding and texture properties of real eggs.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with silken tofu: Silken tofu can be blended to a smooth consistency and used as an egg replacement, providing a similar texture and protein content.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that can be used to reduce calories and accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk offers a creamy texture similar to cow's milk and is suitable for those avoiding dairy.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor while reducing the need for additional salt.

• salt - Substitute with herb seasoning blend: A blend of herbs like thyme, rosemary, and basil can enhance flavor without the need for extra salt.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different taste profile, often used in lighter-colored dishes.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: For those who enjoy a bit more heat, cayenne pepper can be used to add a spicy kick.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella offers a milder flavor and a gooey texture when melted, suitable for those who prefer less sharpness.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is a great option for vegans or those avoiding dairy.

• thawed frozen hash browns - Substitute with freshly grated potatoes: Freshly grated potatoes can be used for a more natural and less processed option.

• thawed frozen hash browns - Substitute with sweet potato hash browns: Sweet potatoes offer a different flavor and additional nutrients like beta-carotene.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the hash browns soggy.
• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
• If you prefer to store individual portions, cut the casserole into squares and place them in airtight containers. This makes it easy to grab a quick breakfast or snack.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the casserole. Wrap the entire baking dish in a double layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can cut the casserole into individual servings and wrap each piece separately before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label the containers with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been stored. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. If reheating individual portions, you can also use the microwave for a quicker option.
• To maintain the texture and flavor, avoid reheating the casserole multiple times. Only reheat the amount you plan to eat immediately.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover Wake Up Casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the top get a bit crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover it with a microwave-safe cover or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Check the temperature and stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. If needed, continue heating in 30-second intervals until hot.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the casserole in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
  5. For a crispy bottom, remove the lid for the last 2 minutes of cooking.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the casserole in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
  4. For an extra crispy top, increase the temperature to 375°F (190°C) for the last 2 minutes.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Large bowl: Essential for combining the sausage, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.

• Whisk: Helps in beating the eggs and ensuring they are well mixed with the other ingredients.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the milk and other ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt and black pepper precisely.

• Spatula: Useful for stirring in the cheese and hash browns into the mixture.

• Baking dish: The vessel in which the casserole mixture is poured and baked.

• Cooking spray: Used to grease the baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.

• Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

• Cooling rack: Allows the casserole to cool evenly before serving.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Cook and crumble the sausage the night before to save time in the morning.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheddar cheese to cut down on prep time.

Mix in a large bowl: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl for easy mixing and less cleanup.

Grease the baking dish: Grease the baking dish ahead of time to streamline the process.

Thaw hash browns overnight: Thaw the frozen hash browns in the refrigerator overnight to ensure they are ready to use.