This Cheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole is a warm and hearty dish packed with eggs, cheese, and tasty sausage. It’s simple to make and perfect for sharing with family or friends!
There’s something about the cheesy goodness that makes mornings brighter. I love preparing this on weekends; it always gets everyone excited for breakfast time! 🍳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: I love using pork sausage for the rich flavor, but turkey or chicken sausage works too if you want a leaner option. Vegetarian sausage is great if you’re skipping meat altogether.
Eggs: Large eggs are the go-to, but feel free to use egg substitutes if needed. You could also use a mix of whole eggs and egg whites to cut down on cholesterol.
Hash Brown Potatoes: These give the casserole its hearty base. If you’re more of a fresh potato lover, diced cooked potatoes can be used instead. Just make sure they’re cooked through!
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds a nice sharp flavor. You could substitute Monterey Jack or a cheese blend if you prefer something milder. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a bit of pepper jack for a spicy kick!
Bacon: I love the extra crunch bacon adds, but if you prefer a lighter option, skip it or use turkey bacon instead. You could also top with crispy onions for a different flavor.
How Do You Make Sure Your Casserole is Perfectly Set?
The baking time is essential to ensure your casserole is set just right. Here’s how to check without cutting into it too soon:
- Look for golden brown edges and a firm center. Gently shake the dish; it should not wobble like jello.
- For a foolproof check, insert a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, your casserole is ready!
Letting it cool for a few minutes helps set everything together, making it easier to slice. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy breakfast!
Cheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or your choice)
- 10 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 6 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes (thawed)
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Topping (optional):
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Getting this delectable casserole ready will take about 15–20 minutes of prep time, plus around 45–55 minutes for baking. After that, let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before diving in. Total time: around 1 hour and 15 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Oven and Dish:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter will ensure your casserole doesn’t stick. You want every cheesy bite!
2. Cook the Sausage:
Grab a skillet and heat it over medium. Add in the breakfast sausage, cooking it until it’s browned and crumbly. Be sure to break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once it’s fully cooked, drain any extra fat and set the sausage aside to cool a bit.
3. Whisk the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, whole milk, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s nice and blended—this will be the base of your casserole!
4. Mix in Hash Browns and Cheese:
Next, stir in the thawed hash brown potatoes, the cooked sausage you set aside, and 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure everything is well incorporated; this is where the deliciousness begins!
5. Pour into the Baking Dish:
Now pour this tasty mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly across the surface. Don’t forget to make it look nice!
6. Add More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of your casserole. This will create a wonderfully cheesy crust when baked!
7. Bake it Right:
Pop your casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the top to turn golden brown and the center to be set. A great tip is to gently shake the dish; if it wobbles like jello, it needs more baking time!
8. Let it Cool:
Once it’s baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. This resting time helps it firm up so it’s easier to serve.
9. Finish with Toppings:
To make it even tastier, top your casserole with the crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley before serving. It adds a nice touch and a pop of color!
And there you have it! A cheesy, hearty breakfast dish that’s perfect for gathering around the table with family or friends. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, you can use Monterey Jack for a milder flavor or a cheese blend for variety. For something unique, try adding a bit of pepper jack for a spicy kick!
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Yes, it’s easy to make this dish vegetarian! Simply replace the sausage with your favorite plant-based sausage or omit it altogether. You can also add in some sautéed veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added flavor and texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it up in the microwave or oven until heated through. For best results, add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it moist!
Can I Prepare This Dish the Night Before?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time in the morning because it will be cold when you put it in the oven.
