Name: Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole - Easy & Delicious
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 8-10 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound cooked beef sausage (substituted for Italian sausage); 1 yellow onion, chopped, sautéed in sausage grease; 7 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 20 ounce bag frozen diced hash browns; 8 ounce brick of mild cheddar cheese, grated; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a warm, comforting hug on a plate, especially on those crisp weekend mornings when the world feels a little slower. There’s a reason this dish has earned its legendary status in kitchens everywhere – it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, effortlessly feeding a hungry family or a gathering of friends with its hearty, satisfying goodness. What truly sets this Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole apart is the magical alchemy of tender, fluffy potatoes mingling with savory sausage, all bound together in a creamy, cheesy embrace. Every forkful delivers a delightful contrast of textures and a symphony of flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds, if not thirds. It’s the kind of dish that transforms a simple breakfast into a memorable occasion, making it a cherished recipe for busy mornings and lazy brunches alike. Get ready to experience breakfast bliss with this incredibly delicious and easy-to-make casserole.

Ingredients:

1 pound Italian Sausage, cooked
1 yellow onion, chopped, sauteed in sausage grease
7 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
20 ounce bag frozen Diced Hash Browns
8 ounce brick of Mild Cheddar Cheese, grated
Salt, to taste
Black Pepper, to taste

Preparing the Base

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish

First things first, let’s get our oven preheating. I like to set mine to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This ensures that as soon as our delicious Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole is assembled, it’s ready to start baking to golden perfection. While the oven is warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. A little greasing goes a long way in preventing sticking and making cleanup a breeze. I usually use a non-stick cooking spray, but a bit of butter or oil rubbed around the inside surfaces works just as well. This initial step is crucial for a smooth cooking process.

Step 2: Layer the Sausage and Onions

Now it’s time to build the flavorful foundation of our casserole. Take your cooked Italian sausage and spread it evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. This sausage should already be crum extractbled from cooking. Next, scatter the sauteed yellow onion over the sausage. Remember, we sauteed these onions in the flavorful grease rendered from the sausage, so they’re already packed with deliciousness and a lovely sweetness that complements the savory sausage perfectly. Ensure an even distribution so every bite gets a taste of this hearty combination. This layer is where a lot of the main savory character comes from.

Assembling the Casserole

Step 3: Add the Hash Browns

Here comes the star of our Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole – the hash browns! Take your 20-ounce bag of frozen diced hash browns and spread them evenly over the sausage and onion layer. You don’t need to thaw them; the frozen state is perfect for absorbing the liquid and cooking through in the oven. I like to gently pat them down with the back of my hand or a spatula to create a relatively flat surface. This helps in creating a more cohesive casserole. Try to cover the sausage and onion mixture as completely as possible, creating a nice bed for the egg mixture.

Step 4: Prepare and Pour the Egg Mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, we’re going to whisk together our liquid components. Crack all 7 large eggs into the bowl. Add the 1/2 cup of milk. Now, season generously with salt and black pepper to your liking. I usually start with about half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of pepper, but you can always add more later or adjust to your personal taste. Whisk everything together vigorously until the yolks and whites are fully incorporated and the mixture is a uniform yellow color. Once thoroughly whisked, carefully pour this egg mixture evenly over the hash browns, sausage, and onion layers in the baking dish. Make sure to get some into every nook and cranny to bind all the ingredients together.

Step 5: Incorporate the Cheese and Bake

This is where the “cheesy” in our Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole really comes to life! Take your grated Mild Cheddar Cheese and sprinkle it evenly over the entire surface of the casserole. I like to reserve a little bit of the cheese to sprinkle on top in the last 10-15 minutes of baking for an extra golden, bubbly finish. Now, carefully place the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 45 to 55 minutes. The casserole is ready when the eggs are set (you can test this by gently shaking the dish; the center should not be jiggly) and the hash browns are tender and slightly golden brown. If you reserved some cheese, sprinkle it on top during the last few minutes of baking for that extra appeal. Allow the casserole to rest for about 5-10 minutes after taking it out of the oven before serving. This resting period allows the casserole to set up slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. Enjoy your delicious homemade Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! Your very own delicious and satisfying Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole is ready to impress. This recipe is a true winner because it’s not only incredibly flavorful but also surprisingly easy to put together, making it perfect for busy mornings or relaxed weekend brunches. The combination of tender potatoes, savory sausage, and a rich, cheesy topping creates a comfort food masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

For serving suggestions, this Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit salad, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh chives for a pop of color and added freshness. For variations, consider adding sautéed bell peppers and onions to the sausage mixture for extra veggies, or switch out the cheddar cheese for a blend of Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack for a little kick. You could even try using cubed sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile. Embrace the versatility and enjoy the process of creating your perfect breakfast bake. We hope you love this recipe as much as we do!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes while your oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

What kind of potatoes work best for this casserole?

Russet potatoes are a fantastic choice due to their starch content, which helps them become tender and fluffy. Yukon Gold potatoes also work well and offer a slightly creamier texture.