The Key Ingredient for a Solid Breakfast Casserole

Different factors can make or break a breakfast casserole. Since we eat with our eyes first, a good casserole dish should be visually pleasing. It should also recall the flavors of breakfast and taste delicious. Not to mention, it should feature a diversity of textures and be hearty enough to satisfy hungry appetites. While it takes different additions to achieve the full result, there is one key ingredient that brings the most structural balance and backbone to a breakfast casserole, and that’s hash browns.

Hash browns are often found on breakfast plates alongside sausage, fried eggs, etc., so it should come as no surprise that the ingredient pairs so well in a savory breakfast-inspired casserole. -lunch. While sweet potatoes’ neutral profile allows them to be effortlessly incorporated into any recipe, from meat-heavy hot dishes to plant-based breakfast stews, the biggest benefit of adding apples of hash browns in a breakfast casserole is that they provide plenty of structure. integrity.

In addition to complementing recipes that are not very filling, hash browns can give casseroles a certain robustness. Essentially, because of their starchy nature, potatoes can effectively absorb all the moisture released by the ingredients when cooking a casserole. Obviously, the inclusion of hash browns ensures that breakfast casseroles will maintain their shape, which can help improve aesthetics. However, it can also make serving and, more importantly, the meal easier. Essentially, hash browns are essential when it comes to making a better breakfast casserole.

Read more: 25 Types of Potatoes and When to Use Them

The Dos and Don’ts of Using Hash Browns in Breakfast Casseroles

Any hash browns – shredded, cubed, or perfectly formed patties – can be added to a breakfast casserole. Likewise, homemade hash browns and store-bought bags are equally viable options, but we prefer the latter for convenience and ease. Remember that while frozen potatoes can be used straight from the freezer, they can also be thawed if you’re concerned about them getting soggy. On the other hand, fresh hash browns should always be sautéed first for best results.

Depending on the size of your casserole dish and your personal preferences, the amount of hash browns needed may vary. However, it is wise to include at least a cup of potatoes, if not more. Also, don’t forget to season the potatoes before adding them to a casserole dish. In addition to the usual salt and pepper, consider coating them with a pinch of onion powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, a pinch of oregano, or even blends like Old Bay seasoning or Tex-Mex.

As for how to mix hash browns in a casserole dish, layering them between ingredients is a great option for all types of hash browns. Alternatively, some recipes, like a cheesy sausage casserole, may instead benefit from mixing the ingredients and then pouring everything into a casserole dish. Alternatively, hash browns can even be used as a crispy topping. However you experiment, know that adding hash browns to a breakfast casserole is never a bad idea!

Read the original article on the tasting table.