This Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole is a warm, hearty dish packed with crispy potatoes, gooey cheese, and eggs. Perfect for sharing with family or friends on a cozy morning!
I love how simple it is to whip up this casserole. Just mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and enjoy the cheesy goodness while it bakes. Breakfast never felt so easy! 🥔🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen shredded hash brown potatoes: These are the base of the casserole. If you can’t find them, you can use freshly grated potatoes! Just be sure to squeeze out extra moisture. This keeps your casserole from becoming too soggy.
Breakfast sausage: Using cooked sausage adds a nice flavor, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, you could skip it or replace it with deli ham or crumbled turkey sausage. Vegetarian? Try some crumbled tofu or a blend of spices instead!
Cheddar cheese: Cheddar gives that classic cheesy taste. If you want to mix things up, consider using Monterey Jack or Colby Jack cheese for a milder flavor. A sharp cheese adds more punch!
Bacon: Crumbled bacon on top adds a great crunch. You can substitute it with turkey bacon or even crispy fried onions for a vegetarian option.
How Do You Ensure Your Casserole Is Perfectly Set?
The key to a perfectly baked casserole is making sure it’s cooked through. Here are a few tips:
- Preheat your oven! This ensures even cooking from the start.
- Check doneness by inserting a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready!
- Let it cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps it set further and makes serving easier.
Don’t rush the cooling; it enhances the flavors, and you’ll avoid a messy slice!
Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cheesy potato breakfast casserole takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 40-45 minutes of baking time. Altogether, you can expect to invest around an hour for a satisfying breakfast or brunch dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar sized casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Potato Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash brown potatoes, crumbled cooked sausage (if using), diced red bell pepper, diced onion, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until well blended.
3. Whisk the Egg Mixture:
In a separate bowl, crack the 8 large eggs and add the milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk until all the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is a nice yellow color.
4. Combine Mixtures:
Next, pour the egg mixture over the potato mixture in the large bowl. Gently stir everything together to make sure the potatoes and veggies are evenly coated in the egg mixture.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Carefully transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. This ensures even cooking throughout the casserole.
6. Add Extra Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture for that extra cheesy goodness.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set, and the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Top with Bacon and Parsley:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon on top. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. It’s perfect warm, and everyone will love this cheesy, hearty dish!
Enjoy this flavorful and hearty Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole that’s ideal for brunch or a special breakfast gathering!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?
Yes, you can! If using fresh potatoes, shred them and make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before adding them to the casserole. This helps prevent a soggy texture.
Can I Make This Breakfast Casserole Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! The ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free, but always double-check labels on your sausage and other packaged items to ensure there’s no hidden gluten. You can also omit the sausage if needed!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or place the entire dish back in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! This casserole is very versatile. Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just make sure to chop them finely and sauté them if they have a high moisture content to avoid making the casserole soggy.