Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate Breakfast Casserole: a golden, cheesy, irresistible dish that brings everyone to the table with just one smell! This crowd-pleasing classic layers creamy eggs, savory sausage, crispy hash browns, and colorful veggies, all baked together in perfect harmony. It’s that reliable, purely satisfying meal you can whip up for leisurely weekends, holiday brunches, or busy mornings—every bite has a little magic, and you won’t believe how effortless it is to pull together. Breakfast casserole is about to become your go-to answer for “what should we have for breakfast (or breakfast-for-dinner)?”!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about this Breakfast Casserole is just how accessible, familiar, and downright delicious every ingredient is—as well as how they work together to create a beautiful medley of flavors and textures. In a dish like this, each element shines and brings something special to the table!
- 8 large eggs: The hero of the casserole, these make the dish rich, fluffy, and hearty.
- 1 cup whole milk: A splash of creaminess for the eggs, keeping everything tender and moist.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential seasoning to pull all the flavors together.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth to every bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle, savory warmth that wakes up the casserole.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Gives an extra layer of flavor without chopping onions.
- 3 cups frozen hash browns (thawed): The hearty, comforting base that soaks up all the goodness.
- 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage (crumbled): They bring savory, peppery, and meaty richness.
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers: Pops of color and sweetness that really make the casserole shine.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Bright, fresh flavor that balances the richer elements.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty, and the perfect bold topper we all crave.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For gooey, stretchy richness in every forkful.
How to Make Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—don’t skip this step or you’ll miss out on those gorgeous, easy-release slices! While the oven heats up, go ahead and thaw your hash browns and cook your sausage so everything is ready to mix together.
Step 2: Mix the Egg Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You want this mixture super smooth and well combined; a few extra whisks will make the finished casserole fluffier and creamier.
Step 3: Add the Good Stuff
Once your egg mixture is ready, stir in the thawed hash browns, cooked sausage, colorful bell peppers, chopped green onions, and both cheeses. Make sure everything is evenly distributed so every bite is packed with flavor and texture.
Step 4: Pour and Spread
Gently pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out so the top is nice and even—this is key for even baking and that beautiful, golden finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your dish into the hot oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the center is set and the top is gloriously golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbly and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes—this helps it set and makes slicing a breeze.
How to Serve Breakfast Casserole
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of sliced green onions or fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) adds a burst of color and flavor right before serving. You can also dust a little extra cheese on top just as it comes out of the oven for an even more decadent touch!
Side Dishes
This Breakfast Casserole plays nicely with a side of fresh fruit, a crisp green salad, or simple toast. For an extra hearty brunch, serve with sautéed spinach or roasted tomatoes—anything light and fresh will balance the rich, cheesy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make your Breakfast Casserole really pop? Try baking it in individual ramekins for a pretty plated brunch, or set up a self-serve “casserole bar” with hot sauce, pico de gallo, sour cream, or avocado slices for everyone to customize their own perfect portion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Breakfast Casserole keeps beautifully for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. This makes for easy grab-and-go breakfasts all week long!
Freezing
If you want to stock your freezer, simply slice the casserole into portions and wrap each piece well in plastic wrap and foil. The casserole will freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, just pop a slice in the microwave for around a minute, or warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through. For the crispiest top, cover with foil for the first half of reheating, then remove the foil for the final few minutes so it crisps up again.
FAQs
Can I make Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! The casserole can be assembled the night before, covered and refrigerated, then baked fresh in the morning. It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal, perfect for busy mornings or holiday brunches.
What substitutions can I use in Breakfast Casserole?
This recipe is super flexible: swap sausage for cooked bacon or chopped ham, and feel free to toss in extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini for more nutrition and color.
Is this Breakfast Casserole gluten-free?
Yes! As written, the recipe uses naturally gluten-free ingredients. Just make sure your sausage and hash browns are certified gluten-free if needed.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole is ready when the top is golden and the center is set—insert a knife in the middle and it should come out clean. If it needs a little longer, cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning and keep checking every 5 minutes.
Can I customize the cheese in this Breakfast Casserole?
Definitely! Mix and match cheeses based on your favorites. Monterey Jack and pepper jack add a spicy kick, while Swiss or Gruyère bring nutty depth. Just keep the total cheese amount the same for best results.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re feeding a hungry brunch crowd or looking for a delicious meal prep option, this Breakfast Casserole fits the bill beautifully. It’s cozy, comforting, and endlessly adaptable—give it a try and watch it become a new staple at your table!
