Breakfast Casserole Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate morning crowd-pleaser, look no further than this Breakfast Casserole. It’s the kind of dish that checks every box: hearty, savory, incredibly simple to throw together, and always a hit whether it’s a cozy weekend gathering or a bustling holiday brunch. With layers of cheesy goodness, crisp hash browns, flavorful sausage, and a rainbow of bell peppers, there’s no better way to start the day or feed a hungry group than with a warm pan of Breakfast Casserole straight from the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential—the magic lies in how each one comes together to create a perfectly balanced bite. Here’s what you’ll need and why each deserves a spot in your pan:
- 8 large eggs: These serve as the rich, creamy backbone of the casserole, holding everything together.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds lusciousness and ensures your casserole stays light and tender, not dry.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharp, melty flavor and that signature gooey cheese pull.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Delivers extra stretchiness and a mild taste that balances the cheddar.
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (cooked and crumbled): The savory, spiced meat that packs each forkful with satisfying protein.
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red and green): For pops of color, sweetness, and a boost of freshness in every layer.
- ½ cup chopped onion: Adds aromatic depth and a touch of sweetness once baked.
- 2 cups frozen hash browns (thawed): They soak up flavors and give structure so each slice is hearty without being heavy.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Rounds out the seasoning with a gentle hit of garlicky flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the other ingredients—don’t skip it!
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a bit of warmth to every bite.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Makes for easy cleanup and ensures those golden edges slip right out of the pan.
How to Make Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray; this step is key for easy serving and that perfectly golden, unstuck bottom crust.
Step 2: Whisk the Eggs and Seasonings
In a large bowl, crack in the eggs and pour in the whole milk, then whisk together with the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This base will make your Breakfast Casserole irresistibly fluffy and seasoned all the way through.
Step 3: Stir in Cheeses, Sausage, and Veggies
To your egg mixture, add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella, the savory cooked sausage, bell peppers, onion, and thawed hash browns. Stir it all up until everything is well distributed—think of this part as layering flavor into every single bite.
Step 4: Assemble and Pour
Carefully pour the hearty mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spoon or spatula to spread everything out evenly so each piece of the Breakfast Casserole is packed with goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is irresistibly golden brown. The aroma will signal it’s nearly ready—let it rest for 5 minutes out of the oven so slicing and serving is neat and easy.
How to Serve Breakfast Casserole
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, chives, or extra cheese on top for a bright finish and that irresistible touch of homemade charm. A little dollop of sour cream or a side of salsa doesn’t hurt either!
Side Dishes
This Breakfast Casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, fresh fruit for sweetness, or a platter of flaky croissants for an extra-decadent morning spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch buffet, cut the casserole into bite-sized squares and thread onto toothpicks for grab-and-go bites. Or, layer slices into toasted English muffins for a Breakfast Casserole sandwich—trust me, it’s a game-changer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply cover the cooled casserole with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a fabulous meal-prep staple for busy mornings.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked Breakfast Casserole for longer storage! Slice and wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just remember to label the date.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave individual squares until steaming hot, or place slices in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. If reheating from frozen, let the casserole thaw overnight in the fridge before warming.
FAQs
Can I prepare Breakfast Casserole the night before?
Absolutely! You can fully assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply pop it in the oven. This makes breakfast (or brunch) effortless when you need it most.
What other proteins work besides sausage?
Try swapping the sausage for cooked bacon, ham, or even chorizo for a spicy kick. For a vegetarian variation, just leave out the meat and toss in extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms.
Do I have to use whole milk?
Whole milk provides the richest texture, but you can use 2% if that’s what you have. Avoid non-dairy milk substitutes unless they’re unsweetened and unflavored—the taste and texture may change a bit.
How do I know when my casserole is done?
The top should be gorgeous and golden, and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean. If you like, gently shake the pan; the center should not jiggle.
Can I make Breakfast Casserole gluten-free?
This dish is naturally gluten-free—as long as your sausage and hash browns are certified gluten-free. It’s proof that you don’t need any flour or breadcrumbs for a deliciously satisfying breakfast bake!
Final Thoughts
This Breakfast Casserole is more than a recipe—it’s a guaranteed way to make mornings brighter and gatherings a little more memorable. Don’t hesitate to put your own twist on it, and most importantly, enjoy every cheesy, hearty bite. Give it a try and see why it’s a breakfast tradition in so many homes!
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Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This flavorful Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and satisfying morning meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Packed with eggs, cheese, sausage, and veggies, it’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture:
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red and green)
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in cheeses, cooked sausage, bell peppers, onion, and hash browns.
- Bake: Pour mixture into the baking dish and bake for 35–40 minutes until set and golden brown.
- Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole the night before and bake it in the morning.
- For variations, try using bacon instead of sausage or make it vegetarian with spinach or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 215mg
