Pheasant Hunters Sausage Egg Cheese Casserole Recipe
Ever stumbled upon a culinary creation that feels like a cozy blanket on a crisp fall morning? Let me introduce you to my latest kitchen craze—a savory pheasant sausage breakfast casserole that promises to transform your brunch game forever.
This Pheasant Hunters Sausage Egg and Cheese Casserole is how I like to launch into the day. A dish assembled with the ingredients that make up mountain man breakfasts—pheasant, sausage, eggs, milk, and cheese—that’s protein-packed and adequate for brunching.
It takes 30 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to bake, and you’re looking at an hour in the kitchen before you serve breakfast with the second mug of coffee in hand. The flavors of crumbled sausage (use what you have, including leftover breakfast links), sharp cheddar, and garlic powder make this casserole interesting.
Pheasant Hunters Sausage Egg Cheese Casserole Recipe Ingredients
- Pheasant sausage: High in protein; adds rich, gamey flavor.
- Eggs: Packed with protein; provide creamy texture and richness.
- Cheddar cheese: Rich in calcium; delivers a sharp, savory note.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess; balances flavor with mild sweetness.
- Green onions: Offer fresh, peppery flavor; add a pop of color.
- Day-old bread: Absorbs liquid; foundation for layered texture.
Pheasant Hunters Sausage Egg Cheese Casserole Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 1 pound pheasant sausage, crumbled
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
How to Make this Pheasant Hunters Sausage Egg Cheese Casserole Recipe
1. Set your baking oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and prepare a baking dish measuring 9×13 inches.
2. In a big skillet on medium heat, brown and cook through the crumbled pheasant sausage. Drain any excess fat.
3. In a big mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika together until they are well amalgamated.
4. Combine the egg mixture with the day-old bread, which you have cut into cubes, in a mixing bowl. Stir gently to ensure that the bread is coated and is starting to absorb the mixture.
5. Mix the cooked pheasant sausage evenly with the bread and egg mixture. }
6. Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is evenly dispersed throughout the mixture.
7. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, and then spread it evenly.
8. Evenly distribute the chopped green onions over the top of the casserole.
9. Enclose the baking dish in aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Allow it to inhabit the warmth of the oven for half an hour.
10. Take off the foil and keep baking for 15 to 20 more minutes, until the casserole is set and the top is a nice golden brown. Let it cool a little before cutting into squares and serving.
Pheasant Hunters Sausage Egg Cheese Casserole Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. 9×13 inch baking dish
3. Skillet
4. Mixing bowls (at least two, one large)
5. Whisk
6. Measuring cups and spoons
7. Cutting board
8. Knife
9. Wooden spoon or spatula
10. Aluminum foil
FAQ
- Can I use another type of sausage instead of pheasant sausage?Certainly, pheasant sausage can be replaced with any sausage you prefer. For instance, you could use:
– Pork sausage
– Turkey sausage
– Chicken sausage - How do I make this recipe gluten-free?To make the casserole gluten-free, utilize gluten-free bread. All other ingredients must also be verified to be gluten-free.
- Is it okay to prepare this casserole the night before?You can prepare it the night before, yes. Simply cover it and chill it overnight. Then, in the morning, bake it for a breakfast that’s as convenient as it is delicious.
- Can I freeze leftovers?Certainly, leftovers can be frozen. Let the casserole cool thoroughly and then cut it into serving sizes. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?Substituting cheddar cheese in this recipe is easy to do. The only requirement: any other cheese you choose must melt well. I suggest using additional Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese in equal amounts.
- Do I need to cook the pheasant sausage before adding it to the casserole?Indeed, the most effective way to prepare pheasant sausage for a casserole is to first cook and crumble it. This guarantees that the sausage is fully cooked and allows it to mix in seamlessly with the other casserole ingredients.
- Can I add vegetables to this casserole?You are welcome to include vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach, to increase the flavor and nutrition of your meal.
Pheasant Hunters Sausage Egg Cheese Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Sausage made from pheasants. Can be swapped for sausage made from chickens or turkeys. When making the swap, choose a flavor of sausage that can hold its own in a dish.
Whole milk: Half-and-half can be used for a richer texture; almond milk is a non-dairy option.
Shredded cheddar cheese: For a more subtle flavor, substitute shredded Monterey Jack or Colby cheese.
Green onions can be substituted with chives or shallots, yielding a slightly different but still complementary flavor.
Cubed bread that has been left out for a day: Can be replaced with cubed sourdough or cubed whole wheat bread, for a more flavorful result.
Pro Tips
1. Bread Choice: Use a hearty, crusty bread like sourdough or ciabatta for the best texture. The bread should be dry or slightly stale to absorb the liquid mixture properly.
2. Cheese Variety: Consider using a combination of cheddar and another type of melty cheese, such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack, to add depth of flavor to the casserole.
3. Flavor Boost: Sauté some diced bell peppers and mushrooms along with the sausage for additional flavor and texture.
4. Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the casserole the night before and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the bread to soak up more of the egg mixture, enhancing the flavor and texture.
5. Texture Tip: If you prefer a crispy top, sprinkle some extra cheese and breadcrumbs on top of the casserole before baking uncovered. This will add a delightful crunch to each bite.
Pheasant Hunters Sausage Egg Cheese Casserole Recipe
My favorite Pheasant Hunters Sausage Egg Cheese Casserole Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. 9×13 inch baking dish
3. Skillet
4. Mixing bowls (at least two, one large)
5. Whisk
6. Measuring cups and spoons
7. Cutting board
8. Knife
9. Wooden spoon or spatula
10. Aluminum foil
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pheasant sausage, crumbled
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions:
1. Set your baking oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and prepare a baking dish measuring 9×13 inches.
2. In a big skillet on medium heat, brown and cook through the crumbled pheasant sausage. Drain any excess fat.
3. In a big mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika together until they are well amalgamated.
4. Combine the egg mixture with the day-old bread, which you have cut into cubes, in a mixing bowl. Stir gently to ensure that the bread is coated and is starting to absorb the mixture.
5. Mix the cooked pheasant sausage evenly with the bread and egg mixture. }
6. Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is evenly dispersed throughout the mixture.
7. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, and then spread it evenly.
8. Evenly distribute the chopped green onions over the top of the casserole.
9. Enclose the baking dish in aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Allow it to inhabit the warmth of the oven for half an hour.
10. Take off the foil and keep baking for 15 to 20 more minutes, until the casserole is set and the top is a nice golden brown. Let it cool a little before cutting into squares and serving.