If you're looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish to start your day, The Best Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate go-to! Packed with fluffy eggs, savory sausage, gooey cheese, and hearty hash browns, it’s a one-pan wonder that's easy to make and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re hosting brunch or need a make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit!
Why You'll Love This Hearty Dish
- Easy to Make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this ready in no time.
- Make-Ahead Friendly. Perfect for prepping the night before and baking in the morning.
- Crowd-Pleasing. Whether it's a family gathering or holiday brunch, everyone will love it.
- Customizable. Swap out ingredients to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
With its cheesy goodness and hearty ingredients, this breakfast casserole is bound to become a staple in your home.
What Does The Best Breakfast Casserole Taste Like?
Breakfast casseroles are loved for their versatility and delicious combination of flavors. The mix of eggs, sausage, cheese, and crispy hash browns creates a filling and satisfying dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftovers and make the most of what’s already in your fridge.
Ingredients You'll Need
Each ingredient in The Best Breakfast Casserole serves a specific purpose, ensuring a delicious and satisfying dish:
- Eggs- The foundation of the casserole, eggs provide structure, protein, and a fluffy, custard-like texture that binds all the ingredients together.
- Hash Browns- These crispy, shredded potatoes add a hearty, satisfying texture, making the casserole more filling while offering a subtle, starchy flavor.
- Breakfast Sausage- Packed with savory spices, breakfast sausage adds richness and a robust flavor. Opting for turkey sausage provides a leaner alternative without compromising taste.
- Cheddar Cheese- A key component for creamy, gooey goodness that melts beautifully, adding a comforting, cheesy element that brings all the flavors together.
- Milk- Adds moisture to the casserole, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture while helping to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the dish.
- Assorted Veggies- These vegetables introduce a pop of color and a touch of sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile with a bit of crunch and freshness.
- Salt & Pepper- Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients, ensuring a well-rounded taste.
- Paprika (Optional)- This spice provides a subtle smokiness and a touch of warmth that complements the other ingredients while enhancing the visual appeal with a rich, reddish hue.
How To Make The Best Breakfast Casserole
- Prep the Ingredients. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Sausage. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- Assemble the Casserole. Layer the hash browns evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked sausage on top, followed by the chopped veggies.
- Mix the Egg Mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika. Pour the mixture over the casserole ingredients, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Add Cheese and Bake. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite toppings like salsa, avocado, or sour cream.
Tips And Tricks
Creating a perfect breakfast casserole is easy with a few key tips and tricks to ensure it's flavorful, fluffy, and perfectly baked every time. Here’s what you need to know:
- Use Fresh Ingredients. Fresh vegetables and high-quality cheese make all the difference in flavor.
- Make It Overnight. Assemble the casserole the night before and bake in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
- Grease the Dish Well. To avoid sticking, generously grease your baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Let It Rest. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking to make slicing easier.
Variations
One of the best things about breakfast casseroles is their versatility! Whether you’re looking for a healthier option, a veggie-packed version, or a spicy twist, there’s a variation to suit every taste. Here are some delicious ideas to customize it:
- Vegetarian- Skip the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini.
- Southwestern Style- Add green chilies, black beans, and pepper jack cheese for a Tex-Mex twist.
- Bacon Lover’s- Replace sausage with crispy bacon bits for a smoky flavor.
- Keto-Friendly Option- Swap hash browns for diced cauliflower for a low-carb alternative.
- Spicy Kick- Add diced jalapeños and a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
What To Eat With The Best Breakfast Casserole
A hearty breakfast casserole is delicious on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides can take your meal to the next level. Whether you're hosting a brunch or just looking for a complete breakfast experience, here are some tasty options to serve alongside it:
- Fresh Fruit Salad- A refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the casserole.
- Crispy Bacon or Sausage Links- For extra protein and crunch.
- Toast or Biscuits- Perfect for sopping up every last bite.
- Mimosas or Coffee- A classic pairing for brunch gatherings.
- Greek Yogurt- A light and creamy addition to balance the meal.
How Long Does It Last?
The best breakfast casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days when kept in an airtight container. To maintain its freshness and prevent it from drying out, ensure it's properly covered before refrigerating.
When reheating, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Can You Freeze It?
If you'd like to extend its shelf life, the casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store it in an airtight freezer-safe container.
When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as desired.
More Of Our Best Breakfast Ideas
- Strata Recipe
- Low Carb Blueberry Muffins
- Breakfast Quiche
- Croissant French Toast Casserole
- Tofu Scramble
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Ingredients
- 12 Eggs
- 3 cups Frozen hashbrowns
- 1 pound Ground Sausage
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups Milk
- 1 1/2 cups Assorted Vegetables, spinach, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Sausage. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- Assemble the Casserole. Layer the hash browns evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked sausage on top, followed by the chopped veggies.
- Mix the Egg Mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika. Pour the mixture over the casserole ingredients, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Add Cheese and Bake. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite toppings like salsa, avocado, or sour cream.
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