As the sun peeked through the blinds, the aroma of a freshly baked gluten free breakfast casserole filled the air. It instantly took me back to cherished family gatherings, and memories of laughter, storytelling, and pure contentment flooded my senses.
These memories reminded me of the simple joys of sharing a nourishing meal. This gluten-free breakfast casserole is the ultimate way to start your day. It’s perfect for holiday brunches or a comforting make-ahead breakfast for busy weekdays.
Key Takeaways
- Gluten-free breakfast casserole is a hearty, customizable dish perfect for holidays, busy mornings, and weekend brunches.
- The recipe features a base of frozen hash browns, browned sausage, eggs, sharp cheddar cheese, and sour cream.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time for easy meal prep and reheating.
- It’s a gluten-free and dairy-free option that can also be made vegetarian or low-carb.
- The casserole balances protein, fats, and carbohydrates, making it a nutritious breakfast choice.
Table of Contents
A Hearty and Delicious Start to Your Day
Start your day with this gluten-free breakfast casserole. It’s packed with protein, carbs, and cheese, keeping you full until lunch. It’s also great for busy mornings, weekends, or holiday brunches.
The perfect make-ahead breakfast for holidays and busy mornings
This casserole is quick to make, with just 15 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking. It serves 8, perfect for groups. You can make it ahead and bake it when you’re ready.
Ingredients and Instructions
Gluten-Free Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- ½ pound chicken breakfast sausage
- 1 shallot chopped
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 6 slices Udi's Gluten-Free Whole Grain Bread cut into cubes
- 2 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, divided (2 cups for the mixture, 1/2 cup for topping)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken breakfast sausage until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Add the chopped shallot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, unsweetened almond milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Combine the ingredients: Fold the cooked sausage, bread cubes, and 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese into the egg mixture.
- Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley.
Nutrition Facts (approximate per serving, assuming 6 servings):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
- Sodium: 520mg
This nutritious, protein-rich breakfast casserole is perfect for a hearty start to your day or a delicious weekend brunch.
Gluten-Free Breakfast Casserole Variations
This gluten-free breakfast casserole recipe is super versatile. You can make it your own by adding different ingredients. Experiment to make it unique.
For a twist, sauté mushrooms or use maple-flavoured sausage. Replace shallots with green onions for colour and taste. Smoked cheddar cheese adds a smoky flavour.
Want more toppings? Add salsa, guacamole, or hot sauce on top. It may be customized in a variety of ways.
Customizing your breakfast casserole makes it delicious. So, don’t hesitate to try new ingredients. It’s a great way to start your day.
“The key to a great gluten-free breakfast casserole is being open to experimentation and finding the perfect blend of flavors that you and your family enjoy.”
Make it Ahead of Time
This gluten-free breakfast casserole is easy to prepare in advance. It’s perfect for holiday brunches or quick meals on busy mornings. These options save you time and effort.
Assemble the Night Before
Start by assembling the casserole the night before. Layer all the ingredients in your baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, just pop it in the oven. With little effort, you can enjoy a hot, homemade breakfast.
Bake and Refrigerate
Another option is to bake the casserole in advance. Allow it to cool before putting it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When you’re ready, reheat individual portions.
This casserole stays fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. Both methods let you prepare ahead of time so you can enjoy a delicious meal with your loved ones without spending too much time cooking.
Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Breakfast Casserole
Remember a few essential tips to make your gluten-free breakfast casserole perfect. First, drain any liquid from thawed hash browns before adding them. This step helps avoid a soggy bottom and keeps your casserole’s texture right.
Also, check that all ingredients, like sausage and hash browns, are gluten-free. This is crucial for avoiding cross-contamination and making sure your dish is gluten-free. It’s a vital part of gluten-free breakfast casserole troubleshooting.
Let your casserole rest for a few minutes after baking. This will allow the eggs to set and the flavours to mix, making your breakfast dish cohesive and tasty. With these tips, you can make a gluten-free breakfast that everyone will love.
“The preparation is the key to making the ideal gluten-free breakfast dish. Proper ingredient selection and technique will ensure a flawless dish every time.”
By following these tips, your gluten-free breakfast casserole will be a hit. It will be fluffy within and crispy on top. This nutritious breakfast is something the whole family will enjoy.
Conclusion
Gluten-Free Breakfast Casserole is a delicious breakfast option that can easily accommodate various dietary restrictions. To make it dairy-free or vegetarian, simply use dairy-free milk and cheese in the recipe. If you want to customize the flavors, feel free to add sautéed mushrooms or use maple sausage instead.
You can also substitute green onions for shallots or smoked cheddar cheese for a different taste. This casserole can be conveniently prepared ahead of time by assembling it the night before or baking it in advance and refrigerating it in an airtight container. To ensure the best results, make sure to drain the thawed hash browns thoroughly to avoid a soggy bottom and ensure that all ingredients, particularly the sausage and hash browns, are certified gluten-free.
FAQ
What are the main ingredients in this gluten-free breakfast casserole?
Ground pork sausage, frozen hash browns, eggs, and shredded cheddar cheese are the main ingredients. You’ll also need sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper. Make sure to pick certified gluten-free sausage and hash browns.
Can I make substitutions to accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, you can. Use dairy-free milk and cheese for a dairy-free or vegetarian version.
Can I customize the recipe to suit my tastes?
Absolutely! You can add sautéed mushrooms or use maple sausage. Try green onions for shallots or smoked cheddar cheese.
Can this casserole be made ahead of time?
Yes, it’s easy to get ahead. It may be put together the night before and baked the next day. Alternately, bake it completely, let it cool, and then store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
What tips should I follow to ensure the best results?
Drain the thawed hash browns well to avoid a soggy bottom. Ensure all ingredients, especially the sausage and hash browns, are gluten-free.