This breakfast casserole has saved countless holiday mornings in my house. While everyone's still cozy in their pajamas the smell of sausage cheese and eggs fills the kitchen drawing them to the table. I started making it years ago when hosting our first family Christmas and now it's become such a tradition my kids say it's not a special morning without it.
Morning Magic Made Easy
What I love most about this casserole is how it lets me enjoy those precious morning moments with my family instead of rushing around the kitchen. I put it together the night before when the house is quiet then just pop it in the oven come morning. The way those layers of crispy hashbrowns savory sausage and melty cheese come together it's like a warm hug for breakfast.
What You'll Need
- Sausage: I use pork but turkey works great too my sister makes hers with spicy Italian sausage
- Hashbrowns: The frozen ones save time fresh grated potatoes work if you're feeling ambitious
- Bell Pepper: Red ones add such pretty color and sweetness
- Green Onions: They add that perfect fresh kick
- Eggs: Large ones make it nice and fluffy
- Milk: Whole milk creates that rich custard texture
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar is our favorite but use what you love
Let's Get Cooking
- Start with Sausage
- Brown it up nice and crispy save those flavorful bits in the pan they're gold.
- Veggie Time
- Toss your hashbrowns peppers and onions right into that same pan let them soak up all that good flavor.
- Egg Magic
- Whisk those eggs with milk add your seasonings then fold in the sausage veggies and half the cheese.
- Build and Bake
- Pour everything into your baking dish top with the rest of that cheese then either cover and chill for tomorrow or bake at 350°F until golden about 50 minutes.
Make it Perfect
Give it five minutes to settle after baking trust me it makes slicing so much easier. I love sprinkling fresh herbs on top right before serving makes it look fancy. Sometimes I mix up the cheese combinations whatever's in the fridge usually works beautifully.
Complete Your Breakfast Spread
We love this alongside some fresh fruit and warm crusty bread. For big gatherings I'll add French toast or pancakes to the table. My kids love topping their portions with salsa and avocado makes it feel like breakfast at their favorite cafe.
Saving Some For Later
Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for three days if they last that long. Just warm portions in the microwave or heat the whole thing covered in the oven. I sometimes make an extra one for the freezer perfect for surprise weekend guests.
Mix It Up
Some mornings I'll swap in crispy bacon or add mushrooms when I want to skip meat altogether. Throwing in handfuls of spinach makes me feel better about seconds. My mother in law uses Swiss cheese in hers and honestly it's amazing.
Our Morning Tradition
This casserole has seen us through lazy Sunday mornings holiday celebrations and busy school days. It's one of those recipes that just brings people together around the table. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just want something cozy to wake up to it never disappoints.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this the night before?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature while the oven preheats before baking.
- → What other meats can I use?
Try ham, bacon, or chicken sausage. You can also make it meatless by adding extra vegetables instead.
- → How do I know when it's done?
The casserole should be set in the middle and lightly golden on top. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
- → Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, wrap portions well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat until warm.
- → What vegetables work well in this?
Try mushrooms, spinach, onions, or diced tomatoes. Just make sure to cook watery vegetables first to remove excess moisture.
Conclusion
This hearty breakfast casserole layers sausage, hashbrowns, and vegetables in a cheesy egg mixture. It's perfect for feeding a crowd and can be prepped the night before.