Cheesy Breakfast Casserole Recipe for the Whole Family

Mornings call for comfort, and this cheesy breakfast casserole hits every single delicious note.

Hearty ingredients dance together in a single skillet, creating a meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Layers of crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese promise a breakfast experience beyond ordinary expectations.

Crafted with simple ingredients, this recipe brings warmth to your kitchen table.

Weekends or busy mornings become special with this one-pan wonder.

Each bite delivers a perfect blend of savory flavors that wake up sleepy taste buds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes In Breakfast Casserole

• Hash Browns: Crispy foundation that adds hearty texture and satisfying potato goodness, choose frozen shredded potatoes for convenience and consistent results.
• Breakfast Sausage: Provides rich, savory protein and bold flavor, select fresh ground sausage with good fat content for maximum taste.

• Eggs: Creates creamy structure and binds ingredients together, use fresh large eggs at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create soft, tender texture, whole milk works best for richness.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use kosher or sea salt for cleaner taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth, freshly ground provides more vibrant flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers aromatic background note, choose high-quality powder for consistent seasoning.
• Onion Powder: Contributes subtle savory undertone, look for pure powder without additives.

• Cheddar Cheese: Brings sharp, tangy flavor and melty goodness, sharp varieties offer more intense taste.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Provides creamy, mild complement to cheddar, select freshly shredded for best melting.
• Green Onions: Optional bright garnish that adds fresh, mild onion crunch, choose crisp, bright green tops.

Gear You’ll Need For Breakfast Casserole

• Large Skillet: Perfect for browning sausage evenly and draining excess grease.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Essential for layering and baking the entire casserole.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Ideal for whisking eggs and combining seasonings smoothly.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending eggs and creating a uniform mixture.
• Spatula: Helps spread hash browns and transfer ingredients between dishes.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for freshly grating cheese (if not using pre-shredded).
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping green onions as a garnish.

Steps To Make Breakfast Casserole Fast

• Morning Magic Preparation

Get your kitchen ready for a delightful breakfast adventure. Warm up the oven and grab a cozy baking dish for this mouthwatering morning treat.

• Sausage Sizzle

Dance some breakfast sausage around a hot skillet until it turns a beautiful golden brown. Let those delicious drippings melt away.

• Layered Breakfast Landscape

Create a delicious masterpiece by spreading hash browns across the bottom of your baking dish. Sprinkle the crispy sausage over the potato blanket. Whip up a dreamy egg mixture with your favorite seasonings and pour it gently across the entire surface. Crown your creation with a blanket of melty cheese that will make everyone’s mouth water.

• Golden Brown Transformation

Slide your breakfast wonderland into the oven and let the magic happen. Watch as it transforms into a bubbling, golden delight that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas.

• Breakfast Celebration

Pull out your gorgeous casserole and let it rest for a moment. Shower with fresh green onions if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately and watch breakfast lovers swoon with joy.

Easy Tips To Upgrade Breakfast Casserole

• Crispy Potato Base: For extra crunch, briefly pan-fry hash browns before layering in the baking dish. This technique adds a delightful golden texture and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole the night before, cover with foil, and refrigerate. In the morning, pop it directly into the preheated oven. This strategy saves precious morning preparation time and allows flavors to meld overnight.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace breakfast sausage with turkey sausage, crispy bacon, or vegetarian sausage crumbles. These alternatives accommodate different dietary preferences while maintaining the dish's hearty essence.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free hash browns and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels carefully to create a safe, delicious meal for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetable Boost: Incorporate diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms between hash brown and sausage layers. These additions increase nutritional value and introduce vibrant colors and fresh flavors to the classic breakfast casserole.

Ways To Serve Breakfast Casserole Anytime

• Cozy Brunch Companion: Pair this hearty breakfast casserole with fresh mimosas or freshly squeezed orange juice for a delightful morning spread.
• Veggie Boost: Top individual servings with diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, or a quick side salad to add extra nutrition and color to the dish.
• Crowd-Pleaser Style: Serve on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs, allowing guests to scoop their own portions during family-style weekend gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning for an effortless breakfast that feels like a homemade treat.

How To Store Breakfast Casserole Safely

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavor and food safety.
• Quick Freezing Method: Wrap individual portions or entire casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freezer-friendly for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm individual slices in microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat entire casserole in 350F oven for 15-20 minutes. Add fresh green onions after reheating to restore bright flavor and texture.
• Prep-Ahead Brilliance: Assemble casserole night before, cover, and refrigerate. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking to bring to room temperature. Bake directly from refrigerated state, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time.

Hearty Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mexican breakfast casserole combines layers of hearty ingredients for a morning feast. Melted cheese, spicy chorizo, and crisp tortillas create a satisfying dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 large eggs
• 1 lb (450 g) breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1 bag (32 oz or 900 g) frozen hash browns, thawed
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (50 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup (30 g) chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, ensuring complete surface coverage to prevent adhesion.
2. Sausage Preparation: In a heavy skillet, brown breakfast sausage over medium heat, crumbling into small pieces until fully cooked and golden, then drain excess fat using a slotted spoon.
3. Base Construction: Spread thawed hash browns across the baking dish, pressing firmly to create a uniform potato foundation, then layer the cooked sausage crumbles evenly over the potatoes.
4. Egg Mixture: Combine eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl, whisking thoroughly until a smooth, well-integrated liquid forms.
5. Assembly and Cheese Topping: Pour the seasoned egg mixture over the sausage and potato layers, ensuring complete coverage, then generously scatter shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses across the surface.
6. Baking Process: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C), baking uncovered for 35-40 minutes until eggs are completely set and cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden-brown crust.
7. Finishing Touch: Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes to allow ingredients to settle, then optionally garnish with finely chopped green onions before serving warm.

Notes

• Prevent Sticking Carefully: Use parchment paper alongside cooking spray for foolproof non-stick results and easier cleanup.
• Drain Sausage Thoroughly: Pat sausage crumbles with paper towels to remove maximum grease, ensuring a crisp texture and preventing sogginess.
• Avoid Egg Overcooking: Check casserole at 30 minutes to prevent dry, rubbery eggs; look for slight jiggle in center indicating perfect doneness.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute turkey sausage for lower-fat version, use gluten-free hash browns, or replace dairy cheese with plant-based alternatives for dietary modifications.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg