Our Most Popular Breakfast Recipe Of 2024 So Far

It's the best way to start the day.

Southern Living Best Breakfast Casserole in the pan ready to serve
Photo:

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

Breakfast is kind of a tricky meal. Many of us skip it, or opt for a grab-and-go option because sometimes there’s just not enough time to pull something together. But a great breakfast can really make your day. On those days when you have the time (or smartly planned ahead) you want a recipe that delivers on flavor, and one of our recipes just does that.

And we aren't the only ones singing this recipe’s praises. Our Best Breakfast Casserole has quickly become our most popular breakfast recipe of 2024 so far, living up to its name as the “best” of the bunch.

What's In Our Best Breakfast Casserole?

Truly, this recipe calls for a little bit of everything—although many ingredients in this recipe can be swapped or subbed out to suit your tastes, which only adds to why this breakfast casserole is our best yet. 

One of the main ingredients in the dish is pork breakfast sausage. This recipe starts by browning it in a skillet and using the richly flavored fat to cook the diced bell pepper. Although pork might be our default, turkey or chicken sausage, as well as plant-based options, would all work well in this recipe too. 

Then there's the cheese: sharp Cheddar and pepper Jack cheese. While the sharp Cheddar adds tang, the melty pepper Jack adds a little heat. Gouda (especially smoked varieties) is a wonderful substation in this casserole, as is Swiss. You could even do a combination of all four, if you want an extra cheesy breakfast.

The secret ingredient that really makes this casserole something special? Frozen shredded hash browns. Few people have the time in the morning to grate potatoes, but luckily frozen hash browns can always be on hand. They add tons of texture and beautifully absorb all the flavors of the dish.

Southern Living Best Breakfast Casserole ingredients

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

Why We Love This Breakfast Casserole

One of our favorite things about this casserole is that it can be assembled and refrigerated up to 24 hours ahead. Make it the night before, and wake up to an easier morning.

You can also really get ahead on your meal prep and freeze the casserole. Fully cook the casserole first, cool it completely, and then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to two months. 

Another reason to love this casserole is that you can easily feed a crowd with it, making hosting a breeze. It's perfect for a low-key Mother’s Day with the family or weekend brunch with friends.

The hearty casserole serves 12 (if not more, when serving with sides), and looks stunning when pulled out of the oven, bubbling and golden brown. Serve with a colorful toppings bar filled with salsas, avocado, fresh herbs, and more, so guests can customize their plates.

What Reviewers Are Saying

“This turned out great. I added a can of [Hatch green chiles] instead of green peppers, and [added] bacon and sausage... it was amazing...” 

“Simple recipe, mouthwatering. My wife loves this. Very worth making.”

“Everyone loved it. I recommend a little dash of fennel.” 

“This is an easy way to feed a crowd a hearty breakfast! Leftovers are fantastic, too.”

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