Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or oil and set aside.
- If using fresh asparagus, trim woody ends. If using frozen vegetables, thaw and drain well to avoid extra moisture.
Cook Aromatics and Protein
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion (or scallions) and cook 3–4 minutes until translucent.
- Add turkey sausage or bacon if using; cook until browned. Remove excess fat, leaving a little for flavor.
- Stir in asparagus pieces (or peas), cooking 2–3 minutes until bright but still slightly firm. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Tip: If you prefer roasted vegetables, toss asparagus and onions with oil, roast at 400°F (205°C) for 10–12 minutes until slightly charred, then add to the mix for deeper flavor.
Prepare the Custard
- In a large bowl whisk together eggs, milk, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- For an ultra-smooth custard, blend the mixture for 10–15 seconds in a blender.
Layer the Casserole
- Spread the hash browns or roasted diced potatoes evenly in the greased baking dish. Sprinkle half the shredded cheese over the potatoes.
- Spread the sautéed vegetables and cooked meat evenly across the cheese layer. Spoon small dollops of ricotta or cottage cheese over the top if using.
- Pour the egg custard slowly over everything, making sure it settles into gaps. Press gently with a spatula to remove large air pockets.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs evenly on top.
Bake
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes until the top is golden, the center is set, and an instant-read thermometer reads around 160°F (71°C).
- For extra browning, switch to broil for 1–2 minutes—watch carefully to avoid burning.
Rest and Garnish
- Let casserole rest 10–15 minutes before cutting — this helps it set and yields cleaner slices.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Serve warm.
Notes
A blender makes a silky egg custard if you prefer ultra-smooth texture. An instant-read thermometer helps ensure the center reaches 160°F (71°C) for safety and perfect set. If you like crisp edges, a metal baking dish browns better than glass.
