Saddle Up: The Ultimate Cowboy Breakfast Casserole
This casserole is a hearty, all-in-one meal featuring a double dose of meat, a fluffy egg custard, and a foundational layer of savory potatoes. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for weekends and holidays.
Ingredients: The Essential Layers of Flavor
This formulation combines rich proteins, a hearty starch, and a creamy binder for a cohesive, satisfying casserole.
I. The Protein & Cheese Core:
- **8 oz** breakfast sausage, casings removed
- **8 strips** bacon, chopped
- **10 large** eggs
- **2 cups** shredded cheddar cheese (Sharp cheddar recommended)
II. The Starch & Dairy Base:
- **2 cups** frozen diced hash browns (or shredded potatoes), thawed slightly
- **1/2 cup** heavy cream (or whole milk)
- **2 tablespoons** all-purpose flour (optional, for custard stabilization)
- **1/2 cup** chopped onion
- **1/2 cup** chopped bell pepper (red or green)
III. Seasoning:
- **1 teaspoon** salt
- **1/2 teaspoon** black pepper
- **1/2 teaspoon** garlic powder
- **1/4 teaspoon** smoked paprika
