Brunch Lasagna
Experience a delightful fusion of flavors with our Brunch Lasagna, a dish that transcends the boundaries of traditional breakfast and lunch. This culinary gem layers the heartfelt essence of breakfast with the indulgence of a classic Italian lasagna, incorporating crispy hash browns, savory sausage, and a melty cheese topping that pulls apart in gooey, cheesy perfection.
Imagine the warm, comforting aroma wafting through your kitchen as you prepare this nostalgic recipe, evoking memories of family gatherings and lazy weekend mornings. This easy-to-make dish is not only kid-friendly but also serves as a delightful centerpiece for brunch gatherings. Whether you’re looking to whip up a quick meal for your loved ones or simply want to treat yourself to something fabulous, Brunch Lasagna makes it worth the effort.
Are You Ready to Indulge?
What’s better than waking up to a hearty brunch that feels like a warm hug? How about a plateful of layers of crispy hash browns and melty cheese enticing you to simply dig in? Can you remember those lazy mornings spent around the table with family, sharing laughter over a delicious meal?
This Brunch Lasagna captures that nostalgic feeling and transforms it into a crave-worthy dish that brings joy with every bite. Are you ready to wipe the sleep from your eyes and create something that will make your taste buds dance?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Brunch Lasagna is the epitome of breakfast comfort food, and it’s guaranteed to earn a permanent spot in your recipe repertoire. Here’s why you’ll love making it:
Easy Prep: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, you can create this dish without a culinary degree.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a brunch with friends, this recipe is sure to impress.
Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies or meats to tailor this dish to your family’s tastes.
Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of eggs, cheese, and sausage makes this lasagna truly filling.
Now, let’s dive into the ingredients you will need to bring this delicious dish to life!
Ingredients
To create your fabulous Brunch Lasagna, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided, plus more for greasing
- 8 large eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 4 oz. Gruyere, shredded (about 1 cup), divided
- 4 oz. sharp cheddar (preferably orange), shredded (about 1 cup), divided
- 9 Tbsp. neutral oil, divided
- 20 oz. breakfast sausage, casings removed
- 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 (16-oz.) packages frozen shredded hash browns, divided
- Sliced chives and pure maple syrup and/or hot sauce, for serving
Each ingredient plays a critical role in creating the layers of flavor and texture, ensuring that every bite is packed with fulfilling goodness.
Timing
Prepare yourself for a culinary experience in both quick indulgence and slow savoring.
This Brunch Lasagna can be completed in roughly an hour, allowing you to treat yourself and your loved ones without spending the entire morning in the kitchen. However, should you yearn for a leisurely cooking procedure, consider taking your time to perfectly layer each component while relishing the kitchen aromas.
Whether you opt for a fast and indulgent route or a slow and luxurious pace, Brunch Lasagna is the perfect homage to brunching at its finest.
Step-by-Step
Let’s embark on the adventure of creating your craving-worthy Brunch Lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
Grease a 13" x 9" baking dish with butter, allowing it to become a vessel of melty goodness.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk, seasoning with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add half of the Gruyere and cheddar, whisking just to combine before setting aside.
In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of the neutral oil. Crumble in the breakfast sausage, letting it sizzle and brown into crispy bits, which should take about 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer the crumbled sausage to a bowl and reserve the fat in the skillet.
In the same skillet, over medium-low heat, add chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent about 5 minutes. Once ready, transfer the sautéed onions to the bowl with sausage and let them cool together.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, heat 4 tablespoons of neutral oil and 1 tablespoon of butter until the butter melts. Add one package of hash browns, using a spatula to pat them down into an even layer. Cook until the underside turns golden brown, roughly 6 minutes.
Flip the potatoes over; season with salt and pepper, and continue cooking until golden brown all over, about 6 minutes more.
Spread the golden hash browns onto the bottom of the prepared baking dish as a sturdy base layer.
In the same large skillet over medium heat, repeat the process with the remaining 4 tablespoons of oil, 1 tablespoon of butter, and the second package of hash browns, leaving it in the skillet when done.
Once the second batch is ready, spread the sausage and onion mixture over the hash browns in the baking dish.
Pour the reserved egg mixture on top of the sausage, feeling it all come together, enticingly layered.
Finally, top with the remaining hash browns and sprinkle the rest of the Gruyere and cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake the casserole in the oven until the cheese melts and turns golden, approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
When it’s out of the oven, sprinkle chopped chives over the top, and serve with pure maple syrup or hot sauce for a flavor twist!
Nothing compares to that golden-brown cheese melting just right, and the anticipation will have your mouth watering in sheer delight.
Nutritional Information
This Brunch Lasagna is hearty and satisfying. Depending on your serving size, a typical portion can range between 400-500 calories. While indulgent, it’s the kind of dish that invites celebration and gathering. A bit of indulgence every now and then is what makes life delicious!
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking to tweak the recipe for a lighter version, consider these swaps:
Low-Sugar Options: Use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk to cut down on calories.
Dairy-Free Swaps: Substitute dairy cheese with vegan cheese, ensuring the result remains creamy and flavorful.
Turkey or Chicken Sausage: Swap pork sausage for a leaner turkey or chicken sausage to reduce fat content without compromising taste.
Vegetable Spin: Add spinach or kale to the egg mixture for an extra boost of nutrition.
These healthy adjustments allow you to enjoy your Brunch Lasagna while keeping mindful of your dietary preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Brunch Lasagna shines as a highlight at weekend gatherings. Serve it warm alongside a side of fresh fruit or a simple salad for a well-rounded meal. It’s perfect for special occasions like holidays or family celebrations, allowing everyone to dig in and share.
Want to enhance the experience further? Pair it with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hollandaise sauce for a brunch fit for royalty!
Common Mistakes
When making Brunch Lasagna, there are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
Overbaking: Baking for too long can lead to a dry texture. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes.
Texture Issues: Ensure not to pack the hash browns too tightly, allowing them to crisp up beautifully.
Messes: Use a large baking dish and ample space, as things can get messy when layering the ingredients!
Avoid these common traps, and your Brunch Lasagna will be the star of the show.
Storing Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your Brunch Lasagna perfectly:
Freezing Portions: Cut leftover lasagna into servings and wrap them in plastic wrap, sealing in the deliciousness before placing them in an airtight freezer bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating Instructions: When you’re ready to enjoy another slice, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or microwave for a quicker option. Enjoy it warm and gooey again!
Tempted to Bake It ASAP?
What are you waiting for? The enticing layers of cheesy goodness and savory sausage are just a whisk away. With its blend of flavors and textures, Brunch Lasagna will surely become a cherished favorite in your household.
Don’t let another Saturday morning pass you by without indulging in this heartwarming dish. Brace yourself for the compliments that will flow as your family gathers around the table, eager to dive into the comforting layers of Brunch Lasagna!
FAQs
Can I prepare Brunch Lasagna in advance?
Yes, you can assemble it the night before and bake it just before serving.What other meats can I use?
Feel free to use any breakfast meat, such as bacon or ham if you prefer their flavors.How long does leftovers last in the fridge?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container.Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the sausage and add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.What can I serve alongside Brunch Lasagna?
Fresh fruit, a light salad, or a refreshing beverage like mimosas or a fancy coffee will complement the dish beautifully.
Dive into creativity with this versatile recipe and watch your loved ones write their own memories around the brunch table!