Best Breakfast Casserole

(18)

When we say this is our best breakfast casserole, you'd better believe we mean it.

Active Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 20 mins
Servings:
12

We've made many breakfast casseroles in our decades of creating recipes, so if we're calling this our best one, you'd better believe we mean it. This dish hits all the right notes: meaty, starchy, and of course, cheesy!

This is pretty much the perfect breakfast in every single bite. The eggs are bouncy and tender. You can even pull the casserole dish out of the oven while they're a little soft, and they'll keep cooking just until creamy and set. The addition of hash browns makes this even more substantial, so that it is truly the perfect breakfast casserole.

Learn how to make our best breakfast casserole. Everyone will want seconds, and probably thirds. Good thing it makes enough to feed a crowd.

Southern Living Best Breakfast Casserole in the pan ready to serve

Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Ingredients for Best Breakfast Casserole

Pork sausage, green bell pepper, scallions, hash browns, and two kinds of cheese turn this classic breakfast casserole into the best ever. To make this best breakfast casserole, you'll need:

  • Cooking spray: Keeps the casserole from sticking to the pan.
  • Pork breakfast sausage rolls: Adds a savory flavor and protein boost to the casserole. Can substitute with turkey sausage, diced ham, or plant-based sausage options, if preferred.
  • Green bell pepper: Adds color, flavor, and nutrients. Can use yellow or red bell pepper, or a combination, if desired.
  • Large eggs: The base of the casserole.
  • Half-and-half: Adds creaminess and thins the egg-based filling. Can substitute with whole milk if needed, but note that the texture won't be as rich.
  • Onion powder: Adds an aromatic touch.
  • Garlic salt: A flavorful seasoning for the casserole. Substitute with garlic powder if needed.
  • Black pepper: For a hint of peppery spice.
  • Sharp Cheddar and pepper Jack cheese: Adds a cheesy touch to the casserole. Feel free to swap in your favorite cheeses as desired.
  • Frozen shredded hash browns: Adds texture and substance to the casserole.
  • Scallions: For a mild oniony flavor and pop of color.
Southern Living Best Breakfast Casserole ingredients

Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

How To Make Best Breakfast Casserole

Whether you prep this casserole the day before or spend 20 minutes the morning of, it will be baked and ready to serve in a little over an hour. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

  • Step 1. Cook sausage: Coat a baking dish with cooking spray. Cook sausage in a large skillet until browned. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Step 2. Cook bell pepper: Add bell pepper to skillet and cook until tender. Transfer to plate with sausage.
  • Step 3. Prepare casserole base: Whisk to combine eggs, half-and-half, onion powder, garlic salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Stir in sausage mixture, and cheeses.
  • Step 4. Add hashbrowns: Toss hashbrowns with remaining garlic salt and black pepper in baking dish and spread evenly. Top with egg mixture and press to submerge hash browns.
  • Step 5. Bake: Bake until eggs are set and hash browns are golden brown, about 45 minutes. Let stand and sprinkle with scallions before serving.

Best Breakfast Casserole Variations

To add even more flavor and interest to this breakfast casserole, consider any of these ingredient additions or substitutions:

  • Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, jalapeños, or chopped broccoli for a nutrient-rich addition.
  • Herbs: Stir in fresh or dried herbs, including thyme, basil, parsley, or cilantro for an herbaceous touch.
  • Spices: Add warmth to the dish with paprika, cayenne pepper, or chili powder.
  • Sausage: Swap the sausage with diced ham or crispy bacon bits if preferred.
  • Cheese: Substitute the pepper Jack or Cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Gouda, Swiss, or any preferred cheeses.
  • Potatoes: Swap the hash browns with diced potatoes, sweet potatoes, or tater tots.
  • Toppings: Serve with sour cream, hot sauce, salsa, sliced avocado, and more to please everyone at the table.

Can I Make Best Breakfast Casserole Ahead?

This breakfast casserole can be assembled and refrigerated up to 24 hours ahead. Let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. For longer storage, bake and cool the casserole completely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat, covered, in a preheated 350ºF oven until hot throughout.

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Best Breakfast Casserole

Refrigerate leftover casserole for up to four days, or freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat, covered, in a preheated 350ºF oven or in the microwave until hot throughout before serving.

What To Serve With Best Breakfast Casserole

This meaty, cheesy casserole is just made for serving a crowd. Pair with toast, biscuits, a side of fresh fruit, a green salad, crispy bacon, or something sweet like warm cinnamon rolls for a memorable breakfast everyone will be talking about for days to come.

Whether it's a lazy weekend brunch with family or a celebratory breakfast with friends, this indulgent casserole is guaranteed to please everyone's palate.

More Savory Breakfast Casserole Recipes You'll Love

Start the day with a hearty dish that's satisfying and ready to serve a crowd with these breakfast casserole recipes:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Southern Living Best Breakfast Casserole sliced and ready to serve

Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Ingredients

  • Cooking spray

  • 1 (1-lb.) pork breakfast sausage roll

  • 1 (8-oz.) green bell pepper, 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)

  • 24 oz. frozen shredded hash browns (about 10 cups, from 1 [30-oz.] bag)

  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions (1 large scallion)

Directions

  1. Cook sausage:

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 13- x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add sausage, and cook, stirring often to crumble, until browned, about 7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Do not wipe skillet clean.

    Southern Living Best Breakfast Casserole browning the sausage

    Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

  2. Cook bell pepper:

    Add bell pepper to skillet, and cook over medium, stirring often, until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to plate with sausage.

    Southern Living Best Breakfast Casserole browning the bell pepper

    Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

  3. Make egg mixture:

    Whisk together eggs, half-and-half, onion powder, 1 teaspoon of the garlic salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper in a bowl until fully combined; stir in sausage, bell pepper, Cheddar cheese, and pepper Jack cheese.

    Southern Living Best Breakfast Casserole stirring together the casserole ingredients

    Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

  4. Pour egg mixture over hashbrowns:

    Toss hashbrowns with remaining 1 teaspoon garlic salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in prepared baking dish; spread in an even layer. Pour egg mixture over hashbrowns.

    Southern Living Best Breakfast Casserole pouring the egg mixture over the potatoes

    Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

    Press to fully submerge hash browns in an even layer.

    Southern Living Breakfast Casserole ready to bake

    Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

  5. Bake breakfast casserole:

    Bake in preheated oven until eggs are set in center and hash browns are golden brown, about 45 minutes. Let stand 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with scallions.

    Southern Living Best Breakfast Casserole after baking

    Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long can breakfast casserole sit out?

    This casserole should be left out for no more than two hours while serving.

  • How long will this casserole last in the refrigerator?

    Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a great option for a make-ahead breakfast throughout the week. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven when ready to serve.

  • Why did my breakfast casserole deflate after baking?

    Overbeating the eggs can add too much air into the mixture, causing the casserole to rise, then deflate after baking.

  • Why is my breakfast casserole dry or soggy?

    If your casserole is dry, you may have added less half-and-half than called for, or overbaked it. On the other hand, a soggy casserole may have been underbaked, or contain excess moisture from added vegetables or other additions.

Additional reporting by
Katie Rosenhouse
Katie Rosenhouse
Katie Rosenhouse is a pastry chef and food writer with over 15 years of experience in the culinary arts. She's worked as a pastry chef in some of the finest restaurants in New York City, as a culinary instructor, and as a recipe developer.

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