Smoked Breakfast Casserole

Everyone knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Once you make this Smoked Breakfast Casserole, it's going to be your favorite time of the day, too. The first bite will have you hooked and going back for seconds. This simple breakfast recipe is one that everyone will enjoy.

Loaded with cheese, meat, and veggies - you just can't go wrong. It's a great hearty breakfast that can easily be eaten for brunch, lunch, and supper. The best part about this easy sausage breakfast casserole is that it's enough to feed the whole family!

Everyone can cut their own piece, and add whatever toppings that they'd like. I love adding a bit more cheese on top, some sour cream, and a spoonful of my spicy salsa. Not only does it have tons of flavor as is, but you can make each piece your own and change it up every single time.

Be sure to check out my Traeger Smoked Sausage recipe for a simple option to cook sausage to use.

Ingredients

Chorizo sausage - This adds a salty flavor and really enhances the taste. 

Red potatoes - Chop them into bite-sized pieces. 

Onion - We used plain old white onions. Sweet red onions are delicious, but you can use yellow onions or even green onions as well. 

Sweet pepper - Dice up a couple of sweet bell peppers. We used yellow peppers but red peppers or orange peppers are fine too.

Eggs - This is where the protein comes into play! It's also the main binding agent of the casserole dish. I use large eggs or extra large eggs.

Shredded cheddar cheese  - This is my go-to cheese of choice, but you can opt for any type of shredded cheese that you like or have on hand. 

How to make Smoked Breakfast Casserole

Step One: Brown the chorizo over medium heat in a large cast iron skillet. Pour the browned chorizo into a strainer. Do this over a bowl to capture the excess oil.

Step Two: Then add yellow onion and pepper to the skillet and cook over medium heat until they are soft and cooked. This will take about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step Three: Next, add the chorizo back to the skillet with the onions and peppers, also add diced cooked potatoes. If you need more oil in the pan, you can use a tablespoon of the chorizo fat or a tablespoon of butter.

Step Four: Crack the eggs into a blender and blend.

Step Five: Sprinkle the cheese over the meat, potatoes, onions, and peppers, and then pour the eggs evenly over all the skillet contents.

Step Six: Place the skillet into a preheated smoker and smoke at 225°F for 60 to 70 minutes. The casserole is done when the eggs in the center of the pan don't jiggle when you shake the skillet.

Step Seven: When done, remove the skillet from the smoker and serve.

Variations

Add more vegetables - You can totally add other veggies to this dish. Add chopped broccoli, fresh spinach, hearty mushrooms, or even saute vegetables and add them as well.

Bacon - Have bacon? Add it right in for some more protein!

Sausage - Swap out the chorizo for another type of raw ground sausage. Italian sweet sausage, breakfast sausage, hot sausage, or even turkey sausage or chicken sausage can all work.

Salmon - Sounds a bit crazy but smoked salmon is great in this smoked breakfast casserole.

Potatoes - Swap out the red potatoes for shredded hash browns or even tater tots.

Venison - Use Smoked Venison Breakfast Sausage in place of the chorizo.

Common Questions

What are some easy ways to change the flavor of this sausage and egg skillet?

Changing up the cheese is probably the fastest way to change up the taste. Adding mozzarella cheese or even goat cheese would add a richness and delicious taste.

Can I give this an extra kick of spice?

You know it! Pepper jack cheese is awesome for that, and you can also add salsa or hot sauce to your piece.

Anything that you want to add to your own individual serving piece is a fun way to change up the spice level. You can also just sprinkle on some chili flakes or even some chili powder as well. Start with just a bit and increase as your taste buds allow.

How do I know this smoked casserole is done and ready to serve?

Make sure that the top is golden brown and there are no visible signs of raw egg, especially in the center. The edges will also start to pull away from the sides of the skillet a bit, which is a big indicator that it's done or close to being done cooking.

You can also give the skillet a gentle shake. If it has a slight wobble to it, it's very close to being done. (Just be sure to wear an oven mit so that you don't burn your hand!)

What do I serve with smoked breakfast casserole?

This is excellent on its own but you can serve it with toast, bagels, English muffins, or a sweet breakfast treat on the side like Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins.

We also like it with a big heaping stack of Pancakes from Scratch.

Make a brunch spread and also enjoy some mimosas or a Pineapple Screwdriver.

For another unique breakfast option, try these Slow Cooker Breakfast Burritos.