This hearty and flavorful Vegan Breakfast Casserole With Hash Browns is the perfect dish to impress your guests at your next brunch gathering. Packed with savory veggies, crispy hash browns, and a creamy tofu filling, this casserole is easy to prepare and bursting with plant-based goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Hash Brown Casserole
- Easy to make ahead: Prepare this casserole the night before and simply pop it in the oven in the morning for a stress-free brunch.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap out ingredients to suit your taste.
- Crowd-pleasing: This casserole is a guaranteed hit with vegans and non-vegans alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the hash brown crust:
- 2 cups frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the tofu filling:
- 1 (14-ounce) block extra-firm tofu, pressed and crumbled
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegan Breakfast Casserole Ingredients
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Guide
Making the Hash Brown Crust
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, flour, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Press the hash brown mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming an even crust.
Preparing the Tofu Filling
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the crumbled tofu, spinach, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
Cooking the Vegan Filling for the Breakfast Casserole
Assembling and Baking the Casserole
- Spread the tofu filling evenly over the hash brown crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
Vegan Breakfast Casserole Baking in the Oven
Tips for the Best Vegan Breakfast Casserole with Hash Browns
- Pressing the tofu: Be sure to press the tofu thoroughly to remove excess moisture. This will help create a firmer texture. You can use a tofu press or wrap it in paper towels and place a heavy object on top for 30 minutes.
- Don’t overbake!: Keep a close eye on the casserole while it’s baking. Overbaking can result in a dry filling.
- Get creative with toppings!: Once the casserole is baked, you can add your favorite toppings like vegan cheese shreds, sliced avocado, or fresh herbs.
“[Using fresh herbs not only adds a pop of color to your vegan hash brown casserole, but also layers in complex flavors. I recommend trying chives or parsley for a classic brunch flavor profile.” – Chef Emily Carter]
Serving and Storing Your Delicious Creation
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before slicing and serving. This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with a side of vegan sausage or fresh fruit.
To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven.
Vegan Breakfast Casserole FAQs
Can I use a different type of crust?
Absolutely! Feel free to use a different type of crust, such as a sheet of puff pastry or a layer of crescent rolls. Adjust baking time as needed.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
What are some other vegetables I can add?
Get creative! Chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or corn would all be delicious additions to this casserole.
Can I make this gluten-free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, simply use gluten-free all-purpose flour and ensure your nutritional yeast is certified gluten-free.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it according to the recipe instructions when ready to serve.
This vegan breakfast casserole with hash browns is a delightful and satisfying way to start your day. Its savory flavors, crispy crust, and endless customization options will make it a new family favorite.
