Perfectly cheesy, full of flavorful meats and potatoes, the Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole is a true crowd-pleaser. This dish is ideal for any occasion, from holiday breakfasts to casual brunches. Its standout features include a rich mix of savory sausage, creamy eggs, and gooey cheese that come together effortlessly. Plus, it reheats wonderfully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time and simple steps, this casserole is quick to make.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of Italian sausage and cheddar cheese delivers a delicious taste that everyone loves.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner—this dish fits any meal plan.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and simply bake when you’re ready to serve!
- Family-Sized Portions: Serves up to 10 people, making it an excellent choice for gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure consistent results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Medium casserole dish (9 x 13)
- Mixing bowl
- Cooking spray
- Skillet
Importance of Each Tool
- Medium casserole dish (9 x 13): Provides ample space for all ingredients while baking evenly.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly before baking.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound Italian Sausage, cooked
- 1 yellow onion, chopped, sautéed in sausage grease
Dairy
- 7 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 8 ounce brick of Mild Cheddar Cheese, grated
Potatoes
- 20 ounce bag frozen Diced Hash Browns
Seasoning
- Salt & Pepper, to taste
How to Make Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray your medium casserole dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Sausage and Onions
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they are softened.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients:
1. Add cooked sausage and onions.
2. Include eggs, milk, hash browns, salt, pepper, and most of the grated cheese (reserve about one cup for topping).
3. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes. After this time, remove from oven and top with the reserved cheese. Return to oven for an additional 8 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 15-20 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole!
How to Serve Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole
This Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole is not only delicious but also versatile in how it can be served. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual brunch, there are many ways to enhance the experience.
Individual Portions
- Serve in small ramekins for a fun, personal touch that makes each serving special.
Topped with Salsa
- Add some fresh salsa on top for a zesty kick that complements the cheesy goodness.
With Avocado Slices
- Garnish each plate with slices of avocado for a creamy texture that pairs well with the casserole.
Fresh Herbs
- Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the casserole before serving to add color and freshness.
Hot Sauce
- For those who enjoy heat, provide hot sauce on the side, allowing guests to customize their spice level.
Mixed Greens Salad
- A light salad on the side can balance the richness of the casserole and add a refreshing crunch.
How to Perfect Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole
To ensure your Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh potatoes instead of frozen can enhance flavor and texture.
- Adjust cheese types: Experiment with different cheeses like Pepper Jack or Gouda for added flavor.
- Don’t skip resting time: Allowing the casserole to rest helps it set and makes serving easier.
- Mix in vegetables: Adding bell peppers or spinach can boost nutrition without sacrificing taste.
- Check doneness: Use a toothpick to ensure the center is fully cooked before removing from the oven.
- Make ahead: Prepare ingredients the night before and bake in the morning for convenience.
Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole
Pairing your Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole with complementary side dishes can elevate your breakfast spread. Here are some great options:
Fruit Salad
A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and sweetness, balancing out the savory casserole.Bacon or Sausage Links
Crispy bacon or sausage links provide a hearty protein option that complements the dish beautifully.Toast with Jam
Crunchy toast served with fruit preserves offers a sweet contrast to the cheesy flavors.Yogurt Parfait
Layered yogurt with granola and berries creates a delightful blend of textures and flavors.Oven-Baked Tomatoes
Roasted tomatoes seasoned with herbs add a juicy, flavorful element to your breakfast table.Smoothies
A refreshing smoothie can be an excellent drink choice, providing vitamins and hydration.Pancakes or Waffles
Classic breakfast favorites like pancakes or waffles can make your meal feel more indulgent.Cinnamon Rolls
Sweet cinnamon rolls offer a lovely dessert-like finish to your breakfast spread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a cheesy potato breakfast casserole, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
Not fully cooking the sausage: Ensure your Italian sausage is cooked through before adding it to the casserole. Undercooked meat can spoil the dish and pose health risks.
Forgetting to season: Always add salt and pepper to taste. Skipping this step can lead to bland flavors that won’t satisfy your taste buds.
Using cold ingredients: Bring your eggs and milk to room temperature before mixing them in. Cold ingredients can lead to uneven cooking and texture.
Overcrowding the dish: Don’t pack too much into your casserole dish. Allow space for even baking, which helps achieve that perfect cheesy topping.
Skipping rest time: Letting the casserole rest after baking is crucial. This allows it to set properly, making serving easier and enhancing flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole
Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes or until hot.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making a cheesy potato breakfast casserole!
Can I make Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it the night before and refrigerate it overnight before baking.
What type of cheese works best for this casserole?
Mild cheddar is fantastic, but you can also use sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses for added flavor!
How do I customize my Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole?
Feel free to add veggies such as bell peppers or spinach, or swap out Italian sausage for bacon or ham!
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! Just peel, chop, and cook them slightly before adding them into your casserole mixture.
Final Thoughts
This cheesy potato breakfast casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or leftovers. It’s perfect for holidays or any day when you crave comfort food. Try it out, and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole
Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish that brings together a delightful mix of flavors and textures. This hearty casserole combines savory Italian sausage, creamy eggs, and gooey cheddar cheese with tender potatoes, making it a perfect choice for any meal—from festive holiday breakfasts to casual weekend brunches. With its easy preparation and ability to serve a crowd, this dish is not only delicious but also convenient for meal prep. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy leftovers throughout the week. Indulge in each cheesy bite and make this casserole a staple in your kitchen!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 43 minutes
- Total Time: 58 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 people
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 7 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 8 ounces mild cheddar cheese, grated
- 20 ounces frozen diced hash browns
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with non-stick spray.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Add chopped onions and sauté until softened.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage and onions with eggs, milk, hash browns, salt, pepper, and most of the grated cheese (reserve about one cup for topping). Mix thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and bake for 35 minutes. Remove from oven and top with reserved cheese; return to oven for an additional 8 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
- Let rest for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 190g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
