Scrumptious Egg-Free Breakfast Casserole: A Vegan Delight

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound of vegetarian breakfast sausage
  • 2 cups of frozen hash browns
  • 2 cups of shredded dairy-free cheese
  • 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup of spinach, roughly chopped
  • 2 cups of unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 cup of chickpea flour
  • 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1 tablespoon of baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
  5. Add the vegetarian breakfast sausage to the skillet and cook according to package instructions.
  6. In the greased baking dish, spread out the frozen hash browns evenly at the bottom.
  7. Spread the cooked vegetable and sausage mixture over the hash browns.
  8. Next, spread the shredded dairy-free cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped spinach over the sausage mixture.
  9. In a large bowl, combine the unsweetened almond milk, chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, baking powder, turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
  10. Pour the mixture evenly over the ingredients in the baking dish.
  11. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the casserole.
  12. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tools for making

  • Skillet - A large skillet for cooking the vegetables and sausage
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish - A baking dish of this size will be used to bake the casserole
  • Large Bowl - A bowl large enough to whisk the casserole mixture
  • Whisk - A whisk will be needed to combine the ingredients for the casserole mixture
  • Oven - An oven to preheat and bake the casserole
  • Grease or Cooking Spray - To grease the baking dish and prevent sticking

Recipe variations

  • Replace the vegetarian breakfast sausage with crumbled tofu or tempeh for a meat-free option.
  • Use sweet potatoes or regular potatoes instead of frozen hash browns for a different crust.
  • Try different dairy-free cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
  • Experiment with different vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or kale.
  • Swap almond milk for another non-dairy milk like coconut milk or oat milk.
  • Use a different flour like all-purpose flour, gluten-free flour blend, or whole wheat flour instead of chickpea flour.
  • Add spices like cumin, chili powder, or Italian seasoning for additional flavor.
  • Include other add-ins like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
  • Add fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro for a burst of freshness.
  • Make it spicy by adding hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or diced jalapenos.

Recipe overview

This Egg-Free Breakfast Casserole is a delightful and healthy breakfast option that doesn't compromise on flavor. Made with a hearty combination of ingredients like vegetarian breakfast sausage, colorful bell peppers, and nutrient-rich spinach, it's an excellent choice for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to try something new. The casserole is bound together with a chickpea flour and almond milk mixture, which perfectly mimics the texture and taste of an egg-based casserole, but without the eggs. This dish is an excellent meal prep option as it can be made ahead and reheated throughout the week. Lightly spiced and chock-full of vegetables, this casserole is a satisfying and wholesome way to start the day.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of non-dairy milk?
  2. Yes, you can use any non-dairy milk of your choice as a substitute for unsweetened almond milk.
  3. Can I use regular flour instead of chickpea flour?
  4. No, chickpea flour is essential for this recipe as it provides structure and texture. Using regular flour may yield different results.
  5. Can I use a different type of dairy-free cheese?
  6. Yes, feel free to use any dairy-free cheese that melts well and suits your taste preferences.
  7. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
  8. Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and bake as directed.
  9. Can I freeze this casserole?
  10. Yes, this casserole can be frozen. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then tightly wrap it in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  11. Can I add other vegetables or ingredients to this casserole?
  12. Absolutely! Feel free to customize the casserole by adding your favorite vegetables or ingredients, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or vegan bacon.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining ingredients and whisking the batter.
  • Whisk - Used for mixing and whisking the batter until smooth.
  • Skillet - A large skillet for cooking the vegetables and breakfast sausage.
  • Baking Dish (9x13 inch) - A rectangular baking dish for baking the casserole in the oven.
  • Oven Mitts - Protective gloves or mitts for handling hot dishes and pans.
  • Spatula - A utensil used for spreading and evenly distributing ingredients in the baking dish.
  • Cutting Board - A surface for cutting and chopping vegetables.
  • Knife - Used for dicing onions, bell peppers, and halving cherry tomatoes.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons - Essential for accurately measuring ingredients.

Origin stories

The breakfast casserole is a modern take on various traditional dishes from around the world, combined into a convenient one-dish meal. Its history is as varied as its ingredients, with roots in both European and American cuisine. The idea of a savory baked dish for breakfast echoes elements of the French quiche, minus the crust, and the Spanish frittata. As for the egg-free feature of this particular recipe, it caters to the needs of those with dietary restrictions, allergies, or preferences. It incorporates chickpea flour and nutritional yeast as replacements, which are often used in vegan cuisine to replicate the taste and texture of eggs. The ingenious use of these ingredients in a traditional dish is a testament to the versatility and global influence of modern-day cooking.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.