Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day. It sets the tone for your energy levels, mood, and even your productivity. Many people find it hard to eat a healthy breakfast in the morning due to busy schedules. That’s where this amazing meal prep breakfast bowl comes into play. This recipe gives you a delicious and nutritious breakfast that you can prepare ahead of time. With layers of sausage, eggs, and hash browns, these breakfast bowls are satisfying and easy to make. Plus, they are freezer-friendly, so you can enjoy a quick breakfast any day of the week.
Why Make This Recipe
Making meal prep breakfast bowls is a smart move for several reasons. First, they save you time during busy mornings. When you prepare these bowls in advance, you can just grab one and heat it up before heading out the door. It cuts down on those frantic mornings where you might skip breakfast altogether.
Second, this recipe is very versatile. You can customize the ingredients based on your preferences. Want to add some vegetables? Go for it! Prefer a different type of cheese? You can change that too. These breakfast bowls can fit anyone’s taste, making them perfect for families or busy individuals.
Finally, meal prep breakfast bowls are budget-friendly. Using ingredients like ground sausage, eggs, and frozen hash browns keeps costs low. Plus, preparing meals in bulk can help you save money in the long run. You can enjoy a healthy breakfast without breaking the bank.
How to Make Meal Prep Breakfast Bowls
Making your own meal prep breakfast bowls is quite simple and requires just a few steps. You can follow this detailed guide to create your own flavorful and filling breakfast bowls that will make your mornings easier.
Ingredients
To make these delicious meal prep breakfast bowls, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground breakfast sausage
- 8 eggs
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 3 cups frozen shredded hash browns
- 3 oz crumbled feta OR shredded cheddar cheese (your choice)
Directions
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it reaches the right temperature by the time you are ready to bake the bowls.
Prepare Containers: Grease 6 small, oven-friendly containers with cooking spray or oil. These containers will hold your breakfast bowls while they bake.
Cook the Sausage: In a skillet set over medium heat, add the ground breakfast sausage. Cook until it is browned and crumbled. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess oil from the sausage to keep it healthy.
Mix the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, cottage cheese, salt, and black pepper. Whisk this mixture well until all ingredients are evenly blended.
Assemble the Bowls: In each greased bowl, add a layer of frozen shredded hash browns at the bottom. Then, layer the crumbled sausage on top. After that, pour the egg and cottage cheese mixture over the entire bowl, soaking the layers beneath.
Add Cheese: Lastly, sprinkle about ½ ounce of crumbled feta cheese or shredded cheddar cheese on top of each bowl. This will melt nicely during baking and add flavor.
Bake: Place the bowls in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25 minutes. They are ready when the egg is set and the tops are slightly golden brown.
Enjoy or Store: Once baked, you can enjoy the bowls right away. Alternatively, cool them completely and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you are ready to eat, you can reheat them. For best results, place them in the oven at 275°F (135°C) for about 20 minutes, or microwave them for about 2 minutes.
How to Serve Meal Prep Breakfast Bowls
Serving these meal prep breakfast bowls is easy and delightful. You can enjoy them straight from their containers. Add some fresh fruit on the side to brighten the meal. You might also want to include a drizzle of hot sauce or salsa, depending on your taste for spice.
If you want a complete breakfast, consider pairing the bowls with a hot beverage like coffee or tea. This adds warmth and completes your morning routine.
If you are serving guests or family, place the bowls on a tray and let everyone help themselves. This makes the meal feel communal and enjoyable for everyone involved.
How to Store Meal Prep Breakfast Bowls
Storing your meal prep breakfast bowls is just as simple as making them. Once they have cooled down to room temperature, you can cover them with lids or plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator. They can last up to 5 days in the fridge, making them a great option for meal prep.
If you’ve made extra bowls or want to store them for a longer time, you can also freeze them. To freeze, make sure the containers you use are freezer-safe. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned before.
Tips to Make Meal Prep Breakfast Bowls
Customize the Ingredients: Feel free to switch up the cheese, meat, or mix in vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or diced tomatoes. This gives you even more variety in your breakfast options.
Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like parsley or chives can enhance the flavor of the bowls. Sprinkle them on top just after baking for a fresh taste.
Adjust Cooking Time: If your bowls are larger or smaller than recommended, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Keep an eye on them in the oven.
Try Different Cheeses: If feta or cheddar are not to your liking, feel free to try mozzarella, goat cheese, or pepper jack for a unique twist.
Variation
Vegetarian Option: If you want a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. You can also use a meat substitute available in stores.
Spicy Version: For those who enjoy a little heat, add diced jalapeños or spicy sausage. You can also use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
FAQs
Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen ones?
Yes, you can use fresh hash browns. Just make sure to cook them slightly before adding them to the bowls, as the frozen ones cook down while baking.
How can I make these bowls dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, replace cottage cheese with a dairy-free alternative, like soy or almond yogurt. Also, choose a dairy-free cheese option for topping.
Can I make this dish ahead of time for the week?
Absolutely! These meal prep breakfast bowls are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare them on the weekend and have ready-to-eat breakfasts all week long.
With these easy instructions and tips, you can create delicious meal prep breakfast bowls that will fit perfectly into your busy schedule. Enjoying a hearty breakfast has never been this easy!
Meal Prep Breakfast Bowls
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease 6 small, oven-friendly containers with cooking spray or oil.
- In a skillet set over medium heat, add the ground breakfast sausage. Cook until browned and crumbled, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, cottage cheese, salt, and black pepper. Whisk well until evenly blended.
- In each greased bowl, add a layer of frozen shredded hash browns at the bottom.
- Layer the crumbled sausage on top of the hash browns.
- Pour the egg and cottage cheese mixture over the sausage, soaking the layers beneath.
- Sprinkle about ½ ounce of feta cheese or shredded cheddar cheese on top of each bowl.
- Place the bowls in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, until the egg is set and the tops are slightly golden brown.
- Enjoy the bowls right away or cool completely and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For best reheating results, place the bowls in the oven at 275°F (135°C) for about 20 minutes or microwave for about 2 minutes.