Grandma’s Holiday Casserole

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Grandma’s Holiday Casserole

Description:

This hearty casserole is a holiday favorite that blends rich cheese, savory sausage, and creamy goodness. It’s the perfect comfort food to share at any family gathering. The dish is flavorful, indulgent, and sure to bring back memories of those special holiday moments with your loved ones.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground sausage (your choice of pork or turkey)

  • 4 large eggs

  • 1 cup milk

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your favorite cheeses)

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 1 cup of cooked rice (or you can use hash browns for a variation)

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

  • 1 tbsp butter (for greasing the pan)

Preparation:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.

  2. Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

  3. Sauté the onions in the same skillet until they become translucent and soft (about 2-3 minutes).

  4. Whisk together the eggs and milk in a large bowl. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

  5. Combine the cooked sausage, onions, and rice (or hash browns) in the bowl with the egg mixture. Stir to combine evenly.

  6. Add the cheese to the mixture and stir it in.

  7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

  8. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is set, golden, and bubbly on top.

  9. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve this casserole as a main dish for breakfast or brunch. Pair it with a fresh fruit salad or a side of greens for a balanced meal.

  • It can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge overnight. Just reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

Notes:

  • For a spicier version, you can use hot sausage or add red pepper flakes.

  • This casserole can also be customized with different vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.

  • If you’re using frozen hash browns, make sure to thaw them out before using.

Tips:

  • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, or you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

  • To make it lighter, use reduced-fat cheese and turkey sausage.

Servings:

This recipe makes 6-8 servings depending on portion sizes.

Nutritional Info (per serving):

  • Calories: ~350-400

  • Protein: 18g

  • Carbs: 18g (if using rice) or 15g (if using hash browns)

  • Fat: 25g

  • Fiber: 1g

Benefits:

  • Satisfying Meal: This casserole offers a good balance of protein, carbs, and fats, making it a filling choice for breakfast or dinner.

  • Versatile: You can tweak it with different ingredients to match your preferences.

Q/A:

  • Q: Can I prepare this casserole the night before? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Just bake it the next morning for a hot and delicious breakfast.

  • Q: Can I substitute the sausage? A: Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even a vegetarian option like crumbled tofu can work as great alternatives.

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