Kickin’ Breakfast Casserole

A quick, easy and filling classic with just a bit of kick! Has everything you want in breakfast or brunch!

Ingredients:

• Bag of shredded hash browns, thawed if frozen
• 5 eggs (I used 1.5 cups of egg beaters)
• 1 pound hot spicy breakfast sausage
• 1 shallot
• 1/2 cup half and half
• 5 slices of bacon, crumbled
• 12 ounces of your favorite shredded cheese – I used sharp cheddar
• 1 Teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Black pepper and salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon Cajun spice
• I small can, drained diced jalapeño

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Grease or spray 2 quart casserole dish
3. Lay hash browns as bottom layer in the dish
4. Pepper and salt lightly the potatoes
5. Finely slice and dice the shallot
6. Brown sausage and shallots together on medium heat; drain off the oil
7. Whisk together in a bowl: eggs, half and half, onion powder, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper and jalapeños
8. Pour egg mixture over the hash brown layer – spread across making sure jalapeño pieces spread evenly
9. Layer 1/2 of the shredded cheese over the eggs
10. Layer the sausage mixture over the cheese layer
11. Layer remaining cheese – reserving a small amount to the side (like 1/8 cup)
12. Sprinkle bacon crumble and remaining cheese on top
13. . Cover with foil
14. Bake for 1 hour
15. Remove from oven and take off the foil (careful!!)
16. Bake for another 10 – 15 minutes until a knife inserted comes out cleanly

Enjoy!

Sprinkling chives, scallions or cilantro on top after Baking would be a nice finish and add color!