Perfectly cheesy, full of flavorful meats and potatoes, this Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole is a true crowd pleaser. It’s suitable for holiday brunches or any day breakfast. With its delicious layers and easy preparation, you’ll find it quickly becomes your go-to dish. Plus, it reheats beautifully for leftovers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: Just mix ingredients and bake, making it perfect for busy mornings.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of sausage, cheese, and potatoes creates a rich taste that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile Serving Options: Great for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner!
- Feeds a Crowd: With 10 servings, it’s ideal for family gatherings or meal prep.
- Leftover Friendly: Tastes just as good the next day; simply reheat and enjoy!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make things smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick spray
- Medium casserole dish (9 x 13)
- Large mixing bowl
- Cooking utensil (spoon or spatula)
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick spray: Prevents the casserole from sticking, ensuring easy serving.
- Medium casserole dish: The right size helps cook the casserole evenly.
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 pound Italian Sausage, cooked
- 1 yellow onion, chopped, sautéed in sausage grease
- 7 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 20 ounce bag frozen Diced Hash Browns
- 8 ounce brick of Mild Cheddar Cheese, grated
- Salt & Pepper, to taste
How to Make Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a medium casserole dish with non-stick spray and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare Sausage and Onions
Cook the Italian sausage in a skillet until browned. Sauté the chopped onion in the leftover sausage grease until translucent.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine cooked sausage with sautéed onions.
2. Add eggs, milk, frozen hash browns, and half of the grated cheddar cheese.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Reserve about one cup of cheese for topping.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. After that time, remove it from the oven and sprinkle with reserved cheese. Return it to bake for an additional 8 minutes.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Allow your cheesy potato breakfast casserole to rest for 15-20 minutes before serving. This step allows it to set up nicely! Enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole
Serving Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole is a delightful experience that can be tailored to suit any occasion. This dish is perfect for gatherings, family brunches, or even a cozy breakfast at home. Here are some creative serving ideas:
Make It A Brunch Buffet
- Set up a buffet-style spread with the casserole as the star. Add fresh fruit, pastries, and coffee to create an inviting atmosphere.
Pair with Fresh Salad
- A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole. Consider arugula or spinach for a fresh crunch.
Offer Toppings Bar
- Create a toppings bar featuring sour cream, salsa, and chopped green onions. This allows guests to customize their servings.
Serve with Toast or Biscuits
- Crusty toast or fluffy biscuits make great sides. They can soak up any extra cheese and egg goodness from the casserole.
Include Fresh Fruit
- A bowl of mixed berries or sliced melons adds sweetness and balances the savory flavors of the casserole.
How to Perfect Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole
Perfecting your Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole can elevate its taste and texture. With these simple tips, you can ensure an outstanding dish every time:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh sausage and high-quality cheese for richer flavor.
- Thaw Hash Browns: If using frozen hash browns, thaw them before adding to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on cooking times; overbaking can dry out the casserole.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps it set, making it easier to serve.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try mixing different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for added flavor.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate veggies such as bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole
Pairing side dishes with your Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole enhances your meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty casserole.
- Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon pairs perfectly with cheesy potatoes.
- Sausage Links: For meat lovers, adding sausage links offers another level of flavor.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a sweet touch alongside your savory dish.
- Vegetable Medley: Roasted or steamed vegetables add color and nutrients to balance out the meal.
- Sweet Rolls: Soft sweet rolls can be a delightful addition, perfect for soaking up any leftover cheese sauce.
- Potato Wedges: For those who crave more potatoes, crispy potato wedges complement the casserole well.
- Coffee or Juice Bar: Providing assorted beverages like coffee and fresh juices rounds out your breakfast experience beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole, it’s easy to overlook some important details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Overcooking the casserole – Cooking for too long can make the dish dry. Stick to the recommended bake time and check for doneness.
- Skipping ingredient prep – Not cooking the sausage or sautéing the onions beforehand can lead to uneven flavors. Always prepare these ingredients before mixing.
- Neglecting seasoning – Forgetting to add salt and pepper can leave your casserole bland. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Not letting it rest – Serving immediately can result in a runny texture. Allowing it to rest helps set the casserole, enhancing its overall quality.
- Using low-quality cheese – Cheap cheese may not melt well or add flavor. Opt for a good quality cheese for a rich, cheesy experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The casserole will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole
- For longer storage, freeze in a suitable container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered with foil until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat individual portions on high for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop – Warm slices in a skillet over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of milk if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Just dice them into small pieces and par-cook them before adding to the mixture.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version of Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole, substitute the sausage with a meat alternative or sautéed vegetables.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it the night before and store it in the fridge until ready to bake in the morning.
What is the best way to serve this casserole?
This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or a light salad for a complete breakfast experience.
Final Thoughts
The Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole is not only delicious but also versatile. Its cheesy goodness combined with flavorful ingredients makes it perfect for any occasion, from cozy family breakfasts to festive holiday gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite meats or vegetables!
Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole! Perfect for holiday brunches or a weekend breakfast, this dish layers savory Italian sausage, creamy cheese, and crispy hash browns for a delightful bite. It’s easy to prepare—just mix, bake, and serve—making it an ideal choice for busy mornings or family gatherings. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it also reheats beautifully for leftovers. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, this casserole will quickly become your go-to breakfast recipe!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 43 minutes
- Total Time: 58 minutes
- Yield: Serves 10
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 yellow onion
- 7 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 20 ounces frozen diced hash browns
- 8 ounces mild cheddar cheese
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a medium casserole dish with non-stick spray.
- Cook Italian sausage in a skillet until browned, then sauté chopped onion in the grease until translucent.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked sausage and onions with eggs, milk, thawed hash browns, half of the cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Pour into the casserole dish, reserving one cup of cheese for topping.
- Bake for 35 minutes; then top with reserved cheese and bake for an additional 8 minutes.
- Let rest for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (130g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 240mg
