I. Introduction
Looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing breakfast that’s cheesy, hearty, and full of flavor? This Cheesy Breakfast Casserole is just what you need!
Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or meal prepping, this dish is packed with eggs, cheese, sausage, and crispy hash browns, making it a delicious and satisfying breakfast option.
Whether you’re serving a big family or want something you can make ahead and reheat, this breakfast casserole is the ultimate comfort food to start your day right!
II. Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Breakfast Casserole
✔️ Easy to Prepare – Mix everything in one dish and bake!
✔️ Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep it the night before and bake in the morning.
✔️ Customizable – Add your favorite meats, veggies, or cheese.
✔️ Perfect for a Crowd – Serves 8–10 people, making it ideal for gatherings.
III. Ingredients for Cheesy Breakfast Casserole
1. Base Ingredients
- 1 bag (20 oz) frozen hash browns, thawed
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (or bacon, ham)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
2. Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or half-and-half for richness)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
3. Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cup diced mushrooms
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (for a kick)
IV. Step-by-Step Recipe for Cheesy Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Meat & Vegetables
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions, bell peppers, and any other veggies for 3–4 minutes.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the hash browns evenly in the baking dish.
- Layer the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables over the hash browns.
- Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese over the top.
Step 3: Make the Egg Mixture
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheese.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is golden brown.
- Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
(Tip: If making ahead, refrigerate overnight and bake in the morning.)
V. Customization Ideas
🔥 Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
🍄 Vegetarian Version – Use mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers instead of meat.
🥓 Bacon Lover’s Casserole – Swap sausage for crispy bacon.
🧀 Extra Cheesy – Mix different cheeses like gouda, Monterey Jack, or feta.
VI. How to Store & Reheat
1. Refrigerating Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
2. Freezing for Later
- Cut into portions and wrap tightly in foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat frozen casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
VII. FAQs
1. Can I make this the night before?
✅ Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake as directed.
2. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
✅ Yes! Grate fresh potatoes, squeeze out excess moisture, and use them in place of frozen hash browns.
3. What’s the best cheese for this casserole?
🧀 Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella melt beautifully in this recipe.
VIII. Conclusion – A Must-Try Breakfast Dish!
This Cheesy Breakfast Casserole is the perfect combination of crispy hash browns, savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit!
Try it out and let me know how you like it! Would you love more easy breakfast recipes? Drop a comment below! 🍳🧀🥓
