With Jimmy Dean fully cooked Hearty Sausage Crumbles, you can whip up an Easy Egg Casserole in the morning – or even the night before – and pop it in the oven for a no-hassle breakfast that’s so comforting and delicious, they’ll be coming back for seconds.

Yield: 12 servings (1 square each)

• 8 eggs
• 3 cups milk
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 8 cups French bread cubes (3/4-inch pieces)
• 1 package Jimmy Dean Hearty Original Sausage Crumbles
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

1. Preheat oven to 350°F
2. Beat eggs, milk and pepper in large bowl with a wire whisk until well blended. Add bread cubes; stir gently until evenly coated. Stir in sausage crumbles and 1 1/2 cups cheese.
3. Pour into lightly greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish; sprinkle with remaining cheese.
4. Bake 45 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting into 12 squares to serve.

Spinach-Egg Casserole: Add 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeeze dry, to egg mixture before pouring into prepared baking dish.

Make-Ahead Egg Casserole: Assemble casserole as directed; cover. Refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, uncover and bake 50 to 55 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.

Source: Jimmy Dean

Breakfast recipes for a healthy New Year

(Family Features) A commitment to health and wellness means taking care of yourself and your family, exercising and eating right. The New Year is the perfect time to refocus your goals and make better health a priority.

A nutrient-rich breakfast can set you up for success each and every day. Dairy foods like milk, cheese and yogurt are good sources of high-quality protein, which is an essential part of a healthy diet. Protein serves as the building block for cells throughout the body and may aid in managing weight by helping you feel full.

By adding protein to your day, health and wellness goals can become easier to achieve. Daily protein needs should be met by spreading intake throughout the day in every meal and snack you eat. Not only does protein help satisfy hunger, which may aid in weight management, but it also helps preserve muscle.

No matter your breakfast style, dairy foods can enhance your dish. These recipes show how, from sweet to savory and cold to hot, your breakfast can be unique while providing high-quality nutrition in each bite. Learn more about the role of dairy in a healthy diet at MilkMeansMore.org.

White Pizza Frittata

Recipe created by Rachel Cooks on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 12 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and water pressed out
• 12 large eggs
• 1/4 cup skim milk
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
• 3/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup minced fresh basil
• 1/2 cup shredded, part-skim mozzarella cheese

1. Heat oven to 325° F.
2. In oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 2 minutes, or until fragrant. Once garlic is fragrant, add spinach; break up to incorporate and heat.
3. In medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, pepper, oregano, ricotta, Parmesan and basil.
4. Add egg mixture to skillet, reduce heat to low and cook 1 minute, stirring gently. Move to oven and bake 25-30 minutes, or until eggs are almost completely set.
5. Carefully remove from oven and add mozzarella. Return to oven and bake until mozzarella is melted, about 5 minutes.
6. May be served hot, at room temperature or cold.

Blueberry Buckwheat Pancakes

Recipe created by The Chef Next Door on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

• 3/4 cup buckwheat flour
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 3/4 cups lactose-free, 2 percent milk
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups fresh blueberries, plus additional for topping (optional)
• syrup (optional)

1. In large bowl, whisk together flours, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In small bowl, beat eggs then add milk, oil and vanilla; mix well. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix to combine.
2. Heat griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Using 1/4 measuring cup, pour batter onto griddle. Gently place several blueberries all over surface of pancakes.
3. Flip pancakes when bubbles start to form around edges and bottoms are golden brown. Cook on other side until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Remove to plate and cover to keep warm.
4. Top pancakes with additional blueberries and syrup before serving, if desired.

Huevos Rancheros Oats

Recipe created by Comfortably Domestic on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2

Oats

• 1 cup 2 percent milk
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats

Huevos Rancheros

• 1/2 cup sweet onion, peeled and chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons light olive oil
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 2 eggs
• kosher salt
• black pepper
• 1/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated

1. In medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring milk, water and salt to boil. Stir in oats. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer oats, stirring occasionally, 4 minutes. Remove oats from heat and place lid on saucepan. Set aside.
2. In nonstick skillet over medium heat, saute onion in olive oil until soft, about 4 minutes. Stir canned tomatoes with green chilies and chipotle chili powder into onions to combine. Continue to heat salsa to boil, about 1 minute. Make two wells in middle of tomato salsa. Crack eggs into wells. Season eggs with salt and pepper, to taste. Cover skillet and poach eggs in salsa to desired doneness; about 3-4 minutes.
3. Divide oats evenly between two bowls. Spoon eggs and salsa over oats. Serve immediately with cheddar cheese.

Ricotta and Fig Oatmeal

Recipe created by Foxes Love Lemons on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 3 minutes
Servings: 1

• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons ricotta cheese
• 2 dried figs, halved
• 1 tablespoon sliced almonds
• 1 tablespoon honey

1. In microwave-safe bowl, stir together milk, oats and salt. Microwave on high 2 1/2 minutes, or until oats are tender and most liquid is absorbed.
2. Remove bowl from microwave; stir in ricotta. To serve, top with figs and almonds, and drizzle with honey.

Source: United Dairy Industry of Michigan

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Sweet Southern Slow-Cooker Ham
Ham, Apple and Cheddar Crepes

(Family Features) This year, make your Easter ham effortless by ditching the oven and using your slow cooker instead. While most people think about slow cooking for staples like chili and stew, it’s also perfect for center-of-the-plate feasts — like an Easter ham.

Using the slow cooker, you can minimize both prep time and cleanup time, leaving plenty of room in the day for church, hunting eggs and enjoying time with your loved ones.

Ham is a tradition for many families this time of year, and because it pairs well with a multitude of ingredients, you can create a unique dish every time.

For a fresh spin on the classic ham, try this Sweet Southern Slow-Cooker Ham recipe from the National Pork Board. Apple cider and bourbon (or vanilla extract, if you prefer) combine to create a rich flavor complemented by the sweetness of brown sugar.

Round out your Easter menu by pairing your ham with classic sides such as oven-roasted carrots, asparagus wrapped in bacon and mashed sweet potatoes.

You can also use leftover ham for flavor-packed recipes like Ham, Apple and Cheddar Crepes, which are ideal for a family-style brunch.

To get inspired by more ham and Easter meal ideas, visit PorkBeinspired.com or Facebook.com/PorkBeinspired.

Easter Ham Pin-spiration Sweepstakes

Enter the National Pork Board’s Easter Ham Pin-spiration Sweepstakes at PorkBeinspired.com/EasterHam for the chance to win an Easter gift basket with everything you need for this year’s celebration.

Sweet Southern Slow-Cooker Ham

Ingredients

• 1 bone-in fully cooked ham, about 5 1/2 pounds
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/3 cup Kentucky bourbon
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 4 fresh thyme sprigs

Preparation

1. Place ham in large slow cooker. Whisk cider with brown sugar, bourbon, honey and mustard. Slowly pour over ham. Scatter thyme sprigs into slow cooker.
2. Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours, or until very tender. Remove ham to rest on cutting board. Pass remaining cooking liquid through fine mesh sieve into saucepan. Simmer for 10 minutes or until slightly reduced. Carve ham into serving pieces. Brush ham pieces with cooking liquid before arranging on platter. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Preparation Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

4 to 8 hours

Serves

12 servings

Notes, Tips & Suggestions

For a non-alcoholic alternative, replace the bourbon with 1/4 cup water and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.

Ham, Apple and Cheddar Crepes

Ingredients

• 3 cups ham, shredded and warmed
• 1 3/4 cups 2% milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 Granny Smith apple, halved, cored and thinly sliced

Cheese Sauce

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup 2% milk
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped

Preparation

1. Pour milk, butter, eggs and salt in blender. Mix until well combined. Add flour. Mix for 15 to 20 seconds or until smooth. Let stand for 10 minutes.
2. Heat an 8-inch crepe pan or nonstick skillet over medium heat. Coat well with nonstick cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cup batter into pan, swirl to fully cover bottom of pan. Cook for 1 minute or until crepe begins to curl around edges. Carefully flip and cook for an additional 30 seconds or until set. Transfer to plate. Repeat with additional cooking spray and remaining batter. Layer cooked crepes between pieces of wax paper to prevent sticking.
3. Lay a crepe on clean work surface. Arrange few slices of apple on quarter of crepe; top with shredded ham. Fold crepe in half to cover filling and fold in half again to create triangular shape. Repeat with remaining crepes, apple and ham. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet and hold in warm oven until ready to serve, or up to 30 minutes.
4. For cheese sauce, melt butter in saucepan set over medium heat. Stir in flour until well coated. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes or until pale and smooth. Whisk in milk, a splash at a time, until smooth; stir in mustard, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes or until thick enough to coat back of spoon. Remove from heat. Whisk in cheese, a small handful at a time, until melted and smooth.
5. Place filled crepes on each plate. Spoon cheese sauce over each crepe and sprinkle with chives.

Preparation Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Serves

6 servings

Notes, Tips & Suggestions

All the elements of the recipe can be prepared a day in advance and gently warmed before assembling.

SOURCE: National Pork Board

Sticky Cinnamon Bacon Roll-Ups
Bacon 'n Egg Stuffed Biscuits

(Family Features) Experts agree that breakfast is the most important mealtime of the day, but having the same predictable dishes over and over can make this essential meal a very boring one. Instead, spice up the start of your day with a breakfast that's full of flavor. Delight your taste buds with an instant boost by adding bacon, America's favorite breakfast meat, to your morning meal.

Packing the perfect savory punch, bacon complements all breakfast staples, from pancakes and eggs to biscuits. But even these tried-and-true breakfast classics can grow lackluster over time.

Treat yourself to a better morning and a delicious breakfast by taking traditional cinnamon roll-ups and breakfast sandwiches to the next level with Farmland bacon - available in multiple varieties, including thick cut, classic cut and low sodium. Farmland bacon is slow-smoked over real hardwoods for maximum flavor intensity, which means these recipes are guaranteed to be anything but boring and are soon to become your new go-to classics.

For more ideas to boost your breakfast, bacon lovers can join an online community featuring recipes, videos, prizes, trivia, merchandise and more. Look for the Farmland Bacon Club online at FarmlandBaconClub.com, on Twitter (@FarmlandFoods) or on Facebook (Facebook.com/FarmlandFoods).

Sticky Cinnamon Bacon Roll-Ups

Ingredients

• 12 slices Farmland Applewood Smoked or Honey and Maple Bacon
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 4 8-inch flour tortillas
• 2 tablespoons applesauce

Preparation

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Spray baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Cook bacon according to package directions; drain. Combine cinnamon and sugar; mix well.
3. Brush melted butter on both sides of tortilla; coat with cinnamon sugar on both sides.
4. Place 3 slices bacon and 2 teaspoons applesauce on one edge of tortilla. Roll up and place seam-side down in prepared pan. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
5. Bake at 375°F for 12 to 16 minutes, until sugar mixture is bubbly. Cut tortilla roll-ups in half before serving. Serve warm.

Preparation Time

30 minutes

Serves

8 servings

Bacon 'n Egg Stuffed Biscuits

Ingredients

• 1 can (16.3-oz.) refrigerated flaky layer biscuit dough
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 3 ounces softened cream cheese, cut into 8 small pieces
• 8 slices Farmland Honey and Maple Flavored Bacon
• 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Preparation

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray eight muffin cups in 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Cut bacon into 1/2-inch pieces. Cook in large skillet over medium-heat until crisp; drain.
3. Meanwhile, peel four biscuits in half along layers. Place each piece in greased muffin cup, pressing onto bottom and up sides.
4. Carefully drain all but 1 tablespoon of grease from skillet. Add eggs, cook and stir over medium heat until eggs are set. Add cream cheese and gently stir until melted. Remove from heat; stir in bacon and cheese.
5. Spoon heaping 2 tablespoons of egg mixture onto each biscuit in muffin pan. Peel remaining four biscuits in half along layers. Place each piece over top of egg mixture, pushing edges down into muffin cups.
6. Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool five minutes before serving.

Preparation Time

45 minutes

Serves

8 servings

Source

Farmland Foods

Ingredients

• 3 cups refrigerated shredded hash browns
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 12 links Johnsonville Original Breakfast Sausage
• 6 eggs
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded 4-cheese Mexican blend cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
• Chopped fresh chives or green onions, for garnish

Preparation

1. Place 12 paper liners in a muffin pan; spray liners with cooking spray.
2. In bowl, combine hash browns, butter, salt and pepper. Press hash brown mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the muffin cups. Bake at 400°F for 12 minutes or until lightly browned.
3. Meanwhile, cook sausage according to package directions; cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Divide sausage between muffin cups.
4. Combine eggs, cheese and bell pepper. Pour over sausage. Sprinkle with chives. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until set.

Preparation Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Serves

Yield 12 servings

Source

Johnsonville

Ingredients

• 1 package Regular Flavor Jimmy Dean Pork Sausage
• 1 (8.5-ounce) can refrigerated crescent rolls
• 1 cup frozen hash brown potato cubes, thawed
• 1/8 cup each diced green, red and yellow bell pepper (optional)
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions (optional)
• 4 ounces (1 cup) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/8 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. In large skillet, cook sausage over medium- high heat, stirring frequently until thoroughly cooked and no longer pink.
2. Separate crescent rolls into 8 triangles. Place in ungreased 12-inch rimmed pizza pan with points toward center. Press rolls together, seal perforations and form circle 1 inch larger in diameter than bottom of pan. Turn edges under to make slight rim.
3. Sprinkle cooked sausage evenly over crust. Top with potatoes; add peppers and/or green onions if desired. Sprinkle with Cheddar cheese.
4. Combine eggs, milk, salt and pepper in small bowl; stir well. Pour egg mixture evenly over pizza. Sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until eggs are set and crusts are golden brown.

Serves

Makes 1 pizza

Source

Jimmy Dean Foods
United Egg Producers

(Family Features) You’ve probably heard the saying, “breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” Or perhaps you’ve said it yourself. The reality is – while a lot of people say that eating breakfast is important, not very many are actually doing it.

In fact, 93 percent of Americans agree that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but less than half (44 percent) are eating it every day, according to the 2009 International Food Information Council Foundation’s Food & Health Survey.

If the morning rush in your house means grabbing a toaster pastry, a fast food meal, or – even worse – skipping breakfast, take heart. It’s easier than you think to refuel the body, energize the mind and have some family time around the breakfast table. Here are a few tips to get your family back on track:

• Make a Plan. Get everyone involved in planning breakfasts for the week. The more they participate, the more likely they are to eat it. Keep the plan posted where everyone can see it.
• Keep a breakfast-friendly kitchen. Make sure you always have a ready supply of milk, yogurt, whole grain breads and cereals, fruits, and plenty of proteins such as eggs and sausage. Store them where everyone can find them easily in the morning.
• Get prepped. Set out dishes and non-perishables on the table the night before. Some heartier breakfasts, such as the Weekend Brunch Casserole, can be prepped the night before, then heated up in just 15 minutes in the morning.

To get more ideas for a better breakfast, visit www.bobevans.com.

Watch video to see how to make this delicious recipe!

Weekend Brunch Casserole

• 1 8-ounce can refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
• 1 pound Bob Evans Original Recipe Sausage Roll
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1. Preheat oven to 425 °F. Crumble and cook sausage in medium skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain.
2. Line bottom of greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish with crescent roll dough, firmly pressing perforations to seal. Sprinkle with sausage and cheese.
3. Combine remaining ingredients in medium bowl until blended; pour over sausage.
4. Bake 15 minutes or until set. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting into squares; serve hot. Refrigerate leftovers.

Preparation Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Serves

8 servings

Source

Bob Evans

Ingredients

• 2 packages (8 ounces each) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 1 Honey Maid Graham Pie Crust (6 ounces)

Preparation

1. Mix cream cheese, sugar and vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add eggs and mix until blended.
2. Pour into crust.
3. Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool. Refrigerate 3 hours or overnight.
4. Top with fresh strawberry slices if desired and serve.

Source: Kraft® Foods