This Cheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole is a hearty dish perfect for breakfast or brunch! It features fluffy eggs, savory sausage, and lots of gooey cheese all baked together in one pan.
It’s like a warm hug on a plate! I love making it for family gatherings. It’s super easy to prepare, and everyone always goes for seconds. Can’t blame them, can you? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: The foundation of flavor! You can use pork sausage, turkey sausage, or even a veggie sausage for a lighter option. I love using spicy sausage for a little kick!
Eggs: Fresh large eggs are essential for fluffiness. If you’re looking for a vegan option, consider using a flaxseed mixture or tofu as a substitute.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives this casserole a great taste. Feel free to swap with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flair. Mixing cheeses can also enhance flavor!
Hash Browns: Frozen hash brown potatoes are convenient and help create the base. If you prefer fresh potatoes, you can grate and parboil them instead. Sweet potatoes work well too!
Bacon: Adds a crunchy topping. For a healthier take, you can use turkey bacon or skip it altogether and use extra cheese as a topping.
How Do I Make Sure My Casserole Turns Out Perfectly?
Getting the right texture and flavor in your casserole is all about the preparation. Here are my top tips:
- Cook the sausage well until browned, which adds depth to the flavor.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution. This way, every bite is filled with yumminess!
- Don’t skip resting it for 5 minutes after baking. This helps it set up nicely for serving.
- Keep an eye on the cheese during the last baking step—baking until bubbly and golden adds an irresistible topping.
With these tips, you’re sure to create a delicious and satisfying dish that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking! 😊
Cheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or a mix)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 cups frozen hash brown potatoes (thawed)
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Time Needed:
This Cheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake, making a total time of around 1 hour. Perfect for a brunch gathering or a cozy family breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This helps prevent the casserole from sticking.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add your breakfast sausage. Cook it until it’s browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
3. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. This will make your casserole fluffy and flavorful.
4. Add Hash Browns and Sausage:
Next, stir in the thawed hash browns, cooked sausage, chopped onion, and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix it all together until everything is combined nicely.
5. Pour into Dish:
Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly so every bite has a little bit of everything!
6. Bake the Casserole:
Pop your dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the eggs are set, and the top has a lovely golden color.
7. Add Cheese and Bacon:
Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Then, add the chopped cooked bacon pieces for extra crunch and flavor!
8. Final Bake:
Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the bacon is warmed through.
9. Let It Rest:
Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This makes it easier to cut into squares.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you’d like, and serve warm. This casserole is perfect for any occasion and sure to delight your guests!
This breakfast casserole is rich, cheesy, and loaded with flavorful sausage and bacon chunks throughout. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is traditional, you can substitute with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a blend of your favorites. Just make sure to keep the total amount of cheese the same for the best texture!
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Yes, you can! Simply assemble the casserole without baking it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake the next morning, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through, adding a splash of milk if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Certainly! You can replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it altogether and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and texture.