There’s nothing quite like waking up to the comforting aroma of a warm, cheesy casserole baking in the oven. This Cheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate morning treat, loaded with hearty ingredients like eggs, cheese, and sausage.
I discovered this gem while visiting a quaint Amish market years ago, and it’s been a staple at our family brunches ever since. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a winner. Let’s dive in and see what makes this casserole so special.
Why You'll Love This Cheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole
Get ready to add this casserole to your breakfast rotation. It’s not just delicious – it’s an easy, customizable, and satisfying dish that everyone will love.
First off, this recipe is wonderfully simple to make. You can prepare it in just 20 minutes, and the oven does the rest of the work. It’s perfect for those mornings when you’d rather sip your coffee than fuss in the kitchen.
It’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you want to mix in your favorite veggies, swap out the protein, or even make it vegetarian, the options are endless.
Speaking of protein, this casserole is packed with hearty ingredients like breakfast sausage and bacon, ensuring you stay full and energized throughout the morning.
Finally, it’s perfect for entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a holiday breakfast or a weekend brunch, this casserole can feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
Ready to get started? Let’s talk about the ingredients that make this dish so irresistible.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this Cheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one adds a unique layer of flavor and texture that makes this dish shine.
Eggs are the foundation of this casserole, providing a creamy, custard-like base. Be sure to whisk them well for a light and fluffy texture.
Hash browns add a hearty, comforting element. Frozen shredded hash browns work beautifully here and save time. Make sure they’re thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
Cheddar cheese gives the casserole its gooey, cheesy goodness. Use a sharp cheddar for maximum flavor, or mix it up with Colby Jack or Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
Breakfast sausage adds savory richness. Cook it thoroughly before adding it to the casserole, breaking it into small crumbles for even distribution.
For extra indulgence, bacon is a must. Its smoky flavor complements the other ingredients perfectly. Cook it until crisp and crumble it on top or mix it in.
If you’d like, toss in some diced onions and bell peppers for a pop of color and added flavor.
You won’t need any special equipment – just a large mixing bowl and a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
How To Make This Cheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole
Creating this hearty breakfast casserole is as easy as whisking, layering, and baking. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a dish that’s guaranteed to impress.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your 9x13-inch baking dish. This ensures the casserole doesn’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
In a large skillet, cook your breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same skillet, cook your bacon until crisp, then crumble it into small pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisking thoroughly ensures the eggs are fully combined, creating a smooth custard base for the casserole.
Layer the hash browns evenly in the bottom of your prepared dish. Top with the cooked sausage and crumbled bacon, spreading them out for even coverage.
Pour the egg mixture over the top, ensuring it seeps into every layer. Sprinkle generously with cheddar cheese. If you’re adding veggies, sprinkle them over the cheese for a colorful topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
This casserole takes about an hour from start to finish, making it ideal for busy mornings when you want something hearty and homemade.
Storage Options
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this casserole stores beautifully.
To refrigerate, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
Reheating is easy – just pop a slice in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or cover the dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ways to make it your own:
- Swap the sausage for diced ham or turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Add a cup of diced vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Make it spicy by mixing in diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Go vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more veggies and cheese.
- Try different cheeses, such as Swiss, Gouda, or Pepper Jack, for unique flavor twists.
Feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients – the possibilities are endless! This casserole is your blank canvas, ready for whatever you’re craving.
Whether you’re serving this for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, the Cheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole is sure to become a beloved recipe in your home. Give it a try, and watch as it disappears from the table in no time!
PrintCheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole Recipe
This Cheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole is a comforting and hearty breakfast recipe, combining eggs, bacon, hash browns, and plenty of cheese. Ideal for weekend brunches or family gatherings, it’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this delicious breakfast casserole with simple ingredients and a rich, cheesy flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Amish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded hash browns (thawed)
- 1 pound bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the hash browns, cooked bacon, onion, cheddar cheese, and Swiss cheese.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the casserole is set and golden on top.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, substitute ham or sausage for bacon.
- This dish can be prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
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