Description
This Dutch Oven Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and flavorful way to start your day, perfect for camping trips, family gatherings, or a special weekend brunch. It’s packed with savory sausage, fluffy eggs, cheese, and your favorite vegetables, all baked to golden perfection in a Dutch oven for that unique, rustic taste. This casserole is customizable and easily adapted to your family’s preferences.
Ingredients
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1 pound breakfast sausage (or chorizo for a spicy kick), crumbled
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1 medium onion, chopped
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1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
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1 clove garlic, minced
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8 large eggs
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1 cup milk (or half-and-half for richer flavor)
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
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1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for added stringiness)
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Optional vegetables: 1 cup of your favorite chopped veggies such as mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, or zucchini.
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Optional: 1/2 cup of cubed bread or cubed hashbrown potatoes for extra substance.
Instructions
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Prepare the Charcoal (if using): If cooking over charcoal, prepare 15-20 briquettes on the lid and 7-10 under the dutch oven or enough to get your Dutch Oven temperature to 350°F.
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Cook the Sausage & Vegetables: In a 12-inch Dutch oven, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the optional vegetables and sauté until slightly tender, about 3 minutes.
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Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or half-and-half), salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until well combined.
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Assemble the Casserole: If using bread, evenly place it in the bottom of the Dutch Oven, then evenly distribute the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture over the bottom of the Dutch oven. If using hashbrown potatoes place them at the bottom. Sprinkle half of the cheeses over the meat and vegetables. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
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Bake: Place the lid on the Dutch oven. Bake until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown, about 30-40 minutes. Rotate the lid and base halfway through baking for even cooking.
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Check for Doneness: The casserole is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
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Cool Slightly: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
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Serve: Cut into squares and serve warm. Optional toppings include hot sauce, sour cream, or avocado.
Notes
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Meat Variations: Feel free to substitute the breakfast sausage with bacon, ham, or any other breakfast meat you prefer. You can also use a combination of meats.
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Cheese Options: Use your favorite type of cheese. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby cheese would all be good substitutes.
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Vegetable Customization: Add or omit any vegetables according to your preferences.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for some extra heat.
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Dairy Substitutes: If you are dairy-free, use a non-dairy milk alternative like almond milk or soy milk. The texture and flavor may be slightly different.
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Oven Baking: You can also bake this in a regular oven preheated to 350°F. The baking time will be similar, about 30-40 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking, Dutch Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 400 (Estimated)
- Sugar: 4g (Estimated)
- Sodium: 600mg (Estimated)
- Fat: 28g (Estimated)
- Saturated Fat: 12g (Estimated)
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g (Estimated)
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g (Estimated)
- Fiber: 2g (Estimated)
- Protein: 20g (Estimated)
- Cholesterol: 250mg (Estimated)
Keywords: Dutch Oven, Breakfast Casserole, Camping Food, Brunch Recipe, Outdoor Cooking, Egg Bake, Easy Recipe, Sausage Recipe