Name: Breakfast Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb breakfast sausage; 8 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 cups diced potatoes (cooked or thawed if frozen); 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

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I remember one chilly Saturday morning when we had friends staying over and I needed something hearty and simple to feed a small crowd. Breakfast casserole came to mind immediately because it’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent yet comforting and comes together easily with ingredients I always have on hand. The smell alone—warm sausage, gooey cheese, and golden potatoes—was enough to lure everyone into the kitchen before I could even finish brewing the coffee.

I’ve made this casserole so many times now that it feels like second nature and that’s exactly what I love about it. You can prep it ahead of time then bake it fresh in the morning and the result is always a golden-topped, savory, delicious slice of comfort. Whether it’s for a weekend brunch, a holiday morning, or a quick meal prep idea, this breakfast casserole is one recipe I know you’ll come back to over and over again.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

Breakfast sausage – Brings savory and spiced flavor that anchors the whole dish
Eggs – Bind everything together while adding rich, fluffy texture
Milk – Helps lighten the egg mixture and make it creamy
Cheddar cheese – Melts into gooey goodness and adds sharpness
Potatoes – Offer heartiness and soak up all the flavor
Bell peppers – Add sweetness and color to brighten each bite
Onion – Gives depth and savory aroma
Garlic powder – Enhances the flavor subtly without overpowering
Salt and pepper – Balance and bring out all the other ingredients

Tools You’ll Need

Large skillet – I use this to brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables
Mixing bowl – For whisking together the eggs and milk
9×13 baking dish – The perfect size to bake the casserole evenly
Whisk – To make sure the egg mixture is smooth and well-blended
Cutting board and knife – For chopping the veggies and sausage
Cheese grater – I prefer freshly grated cheese for better melt and taste

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by preheating the oven to 375°F to get it ready while I cook.

Step 2:

In a large skillet, I cook the sausage over medium heat until browned, then I drain any excess grease and set it aside.

Step 3:

Next, I sauté the chopped onions and bell peppers in the same pan until they’re softened and just slightly caramelized.

Step 4:

In a large bowl, I whisk the eggs with milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I make sure everything is well combined for a smooth pour.

Step 5:

I spread the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and diced potatoes evenly in the greased 9×13 dish.

Step 6:

Then I pour the egg mixture over the top, making sure it soaks into every corner, and finish with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 7:

I bake it uncovered for about 40-45 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 8:

After letting it rest for 10 minutes, I slice it up and serve it hot!

Tips

If you want to make it extra cheesy, I sometimes mix in a bit of mozzarella or pepper jack. You can prep this the night before and just pop it into the oven in the morning—perfect for busy mornings or holiday brunches. I’ve also swapped sausage for diced ham or crumbled bacon when I’m working with leftovers.

Ways to Serve

I like to serve this breakfast casserole with a side of fresh fruit or a small green salad to balance the richness. It’s also fantastic with a little hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream. For a brunch spread, I might pair it with muffins and fresh juice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze breakfast casserole?

Yes, breakfast casserole freezes really well. I let it cool completely, then slice it into portions and wrap each one tightly before freezing.

How do I reheat leftover breakfast casserole?

I usually microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes or reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Can I make breakfast casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just leave out the sausage and add more veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.

Can I use frozen potatoes for breakfast casserole?

Yes, frozen diced potatoes or hash browns work great. I just make sure to thaw them first for even baking.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this breakfast casserole a try! It’s such a cozy and satisfying dish that’s perfect for feeding family or guests. Let me know how yours turns out or if you add your own twist—I love hearing how you make it your own!

Happy Cooking!