Vegan breakfast casserole is a fantastic way to start your day with a hearty and nutritious meal. This dish combines layers of hash browns, vegetables, vegan cheese, and a savory tofu “egg” mixture, all baked to perfection. It’s perfect for brunch, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will surely become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
- 1 package (20 oz) frozen hash browns, thawed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1 cup vegan sausage crumbles
- 1 cup shredded vegan cheese
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and crumbled
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black salt (kala namak) for an “eggy” flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Hash Browns: Spread the thawed hash browns evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes to remove excess moisture. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the chopped spinach and vegan sausage crumbles, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Prepare the Tofu “Egg” Mixture: In a blender, combine the crumbled tofu, nutritional yeast, almond milk, cornstarch, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, black salt, regular salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the sautéed vegetables and vegan sausage mixture evenly over the hash browns in the baking dish. Pour the tofu “egg” mixture over the top, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded vegan cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Conclusion
This vegan breakfast casserole is a delightful blend of savory flavors and hearty textures. It’s perfect for any occasion and pairs well with a variety of sides. Enjoy this comforting and nutritious dish with your loved ones!
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
2. Can I freeze vegan breakfast casserole?
Absolutely! After baking, let the casserole cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
3. What can I serve with vegan breakfast casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a variety of sides such as fresh fruit, avocado slices, toast, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
4. Can I use a different type of vegan cheese?
Certainly! Feel free to use your favorite type of vegan cheese. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack can add different flavors to the casserole.
5. How can I make this casserole spicier?
To add more heat, you can include diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce in the vegetable mixture. Using a spicy vegan sausage or adding extra chili powder can also increase the heat level.
6. Can I add other ingredients to this casserole?
Yes, this recipe is very versatile. Feel free to add ingredients like diced tomatoes, mushrooms, or different types of greens to suit your taste preferences.
Enjoy making and sharing this delicious vegan breakfast casserole with your friends and family! 🌱🍳🧀
Feel free to ask if you need more recipes or have any other questions!