Best Breakfast Casserole recipes are a lifesaver when you need a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish to start your morning. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, meal prepping for the week, or just want a comforting breakfast for your family, this casserole has everything you need — fluffy eggs, savory sausage, crispy hash browns, and gooey melted cheese. The best part? It’s easy to prepare, bakes to perfection in under an hour, and can be made ahead of time. This recipe combines classic breakfast flavors with a simple prep process that ensures you’ll have a delicious, filling dish ready whenever you need it.
Why You’ll Love This Best Breakfast Casserole
- Hearty & Filling: Packed with sausage, cheese, and hash browns for a satisfying breakfast.
- Easy to Make: Minimal prep and one pan for easy clean-up.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it the night before for a smooth and stress-free morning.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for brunch, holidays, or family breakfasts.
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1 (1-lb.) pork breakfast sausage roll
- 1 medium green bell pepper (8 oz.), finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 2 tsp. garlic salt, divided
- 1 tsp. black pepper, divided
- 8 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
- 8 oz. pepper Jack cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
- 1 (30-oz.) bag frozen shredded hash browns (around 10 cups)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions (1 large scallion)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Best Breakfast Casserole
- Cook the Sausage: Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook sausage until browned, about 7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Cook the Bell Pepper: In the same skillet, sauté bell pepper over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add to the plate with sausage.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir in the sausage, bell pepper, Cheddar, and pepper Jack cheeses.
- Layer the Hash Browns: In the prepared baking dish, toss hash browns with the remaining garlic salt and black pepper. Spread evenly across the bottom.
- Combine: Pour the egg mixture over the hash browns, pressing down slightly to submerge everything.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until eggs are set and hash browns are golden brown. Let rest for 15–20 minutes before serving.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with scallions before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Let the casserole rest before serving to help it set properly.
- Use pre-cooked sausage to save time on busy mornings.
- Add a pinch of paprika for an extra flavor boost.
Substitutions And Variations
- Protein Swap: Use bacon, turkey sausage, or diced ham instead of pork sausage.
- Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add spinach, mushrooms, or diced tomatoes.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cheese and a dairy-free creamer instead of half-and-half.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or use spicy sausage for a bold twist.
Storage Instructions
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For freezing, wrap the casserole securely in foil and store for as long as 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 12 servings):
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with a side of fresh fruit, a slice of warm toast, or a crisp garden salad for a balanced breakfast. Pair with coffee or a refreshing glass of orange juice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Breakfast Casserole
How long can breakfast casserole sit out?
It should not sit out for more than two hours at room temperature to ensure food safety.
How long will it last in the fridge?
When kept in an airtight container, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Why did my casserole deflate?
Overbeating the eggs can incorporate too much air, causing it to puff up in the oven and then deflate as it cools.
Why is it dry or soggy?
Dryness can result from overbaking or using less half-and-half than required, while sogginess may occur from underbaking or using vegetables with excess moisture.
Conclusion
Thank you for trying this Best Breakfast Casserole! It’s one of my go-to recipes for busy mornings and special occasions alike because it’s hearty, flavorful, and so simple to make. Whether you prep it the night before or bake it fresh in the morning, it’s sure to bring smiles to the table. I hope you enjoy every cheesy, savory bite — and that it becomes a new favorite in your breakfast rotation. Happy cooking, and thank you for being part of our food-loving community!
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Best Breakfast Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Best Breakfast Casserole packed with savory sausage, melted cheeses, and crispy hash browns. Perfect for busy mornings, holidays, or meal prep — simple, hearty, and family-approved!
Ingredients
Cooking spray
1 (1-lb.) pork breakfast sausage roll
1 medium green bell pepper (8 oz.), finely chopped (about 1 cup)
12 large eggs
2 cups half-and-half
1 tsp. onion powder
2 tsp. garlic salt, divided
1 tsp. black pepper, divided
8 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
8 oz. pepper Jack cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
1 (30-oz.) bag frozen shredded hash browns (around 10 cups)
1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions (1 large scallion)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook sausage until browned, about 7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Cook the Bell Pepper: In the same skillet, sauté bell pepper over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add to the plate with sausage.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir in the sausage, bell pepper, Cheddar, and pepper Jack cheeses.
- Layer the Hash Browns: In the prepared baking dish, toss hash browns with the remaining garlic salt and black pepper. Spread evenly across the bottom.
- Combine: Pour the egg mixture over the hash browns, pressing down slightly to submerge everything.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until eggs are set and hash browns are golden brown. Let rest for 15–20 minutes before serving.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with scallions before serving.
Notes
Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate for an easy bake in the morning.
Swap the sausage for bacon, turkey sausage, or ham for variety.
Add jalapeños or spicy sausage for a kick of heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of casserole)
- Calories: ~350
- Sugar: ~2g
- Carbohydrates: ~15g
- Protein: ~20g