Name: Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound Sausage; 6 Eggs; 2 cups Milk; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 package Frozen Hashbrowns (15 oz); 2 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded)

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I absolutely love sharing this Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipe with friends and family because it’s a hearty, comforting dish that comes together with minimal fuss but delivers maximum flavor. It’s full of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, melty cheese, and crispy hashbrowns that meld perfectly in the oven to create something truly special for breakfast or brunch. Whenever I’m looking to wow a crowd or just treat myself on a lazy weekend morning, this casserole is my go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipe

What makes this casserole stand out for me is definitely the flavor combination. The rich, seasoned sausage mingles with creamy eggs and sharp cheddar cheese, while the hashbrowns add a satisfying crispy texture underneath. I love how every bite has a perfect balance of savory and cheesy deliciousness that feels both indulgent and homely. It’s a real crowd-pleaser that never fails to make the mornings feel cozy and special.

Another thing I adore about this recipe is just how simple it is to prepare. Honestly, it’s almost as if the casserole makes itself. Brown the sausage, whisk the eggs and milk, layer everything in the dish, and bake. That’s it! Plus, it’s easy to double for bigger groups or prep the night before, making it perfect for holiday brunches, family gatherings, or even a comforting weekday breakfast. Its no-fuss nature combined with the amazing taste is why I return to this recipe time and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up of a casserole in a clear glass dish, showing one thick layer of melted cheese mixed with browned, small pieces of meat and light-colored potato chunks. The cheese is golden yellow and bubbly, covering the uneven surface with some crispy spots of browned edges. The food looks creamy and soft with small bits of green herbs visible throughout. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that come together in the oven to create a dish that feels both simple and indulgent.

1 pound sausage: I recommend using a flavorful breakfast sausage for that perfect balance of spice and meatiness.
6 eggs: They provide the creamy custard base that binds everything together beautifully.
2 cups milk: Mixing this with the eggs keeps the casserole light and fluffy, never dry.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
1/2 teaspoon pepper: Adds just the right bit of warmth and seasoning.
1/2 package frozen hashbrowns (about 15 ounces): These create a crispy base with a golden color that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: I love cheddar’s sharpness, but feel free to use any cheese that melts well and suits your taste.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Getting the oven ready early is always key to a perfectly cooked casserole.

Step 2: Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Make sure to crumble it as it cooks so it’s evenly cooked and no big chunks remain. Drain any excess fat and remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined. This will create the custard that soaks into the hashbrowns and binds the casserole.

Step 4: Stir in the salt and pepper into the egg mixture. This simple seasoning enhances every ingredient beautifully.

Step 5: Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and layer in the frozen hashbrowns, the browned sausage, and shredded cheese. Gently stir them to mix evenly within the dish.

Step 6: Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the layered ingredients. The eggs will seep through and coat everything in that creamy goodness as it bakes.

Step 7: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees. This allows the casserole to cook through and the flavors to meld.

Step 8: Remove the foil carefully and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes. This step crisps the top and melts the cheese into a bubbly, golden perfection that signals the casserole is done.

Servings and Timing

This Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipe yields about 12 generous servings, making it perfect for feeding larger groups or having plenty of leftovers. The prep time is short—around 15 minutes—to get everything assembled. Bake time totals about 55 to 60 minutes including the covered and uncovered phases. Altogether, from start to finish, you’re looking at just over an hour. No additional resting time is truly needed, but letting it cool for a few minutes before slicing really helps it hold together when you serve.

How to Serve This Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipe

A close-up of a spoonful of a baked dish lifted from a white scalloped-edge baking dish filled with a cheesy, golden brown casserole. The casserole has three visible layers: a soft, light yellow egg base with a slightly crumbly texture; a middle layer of browned ground meat mixed evenly throughout; and a melted, bubbly layer of bright orange and yellow cheddar cheese on top. The dish looks hot with steam rising and the background shows a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this casserole hot, fresh out of the oven when the cheese is still melty and the sausage is sizzling. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a simple green salad to balance its richness with some brightness. You could also add a dollop of sour cream or a dash of hot sauce on the side for added flavor dimension.

Presentation-wise, I like to garnish mine with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor. Serving it in slices makes plating straightforward and even a bit rustic, which feels welcoming and homey—perfect for lazy weekend brunches or casual family gatherings.

When it comes to drinks, a light coffee or fresh orange juice works wonderfully for breakfast. If I’m making this for a brunch party, I sometimes serve it alongside a mimosa or a Bloody Mary, which complements the savory depth of the casserole nicely. Overall, this dish is versatile enough to feel right at home at a family breakfast, holiday brunch, or even a cozy weekday morning treat.

Variations

I’ve found there are so many ways to customize this Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For instance, swapping the sausage for crumbled bacon or even diced ham works beautifully to change up the protein flavor. If you want to make it vegetarian, just leave out the meat entirely and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a fresh twist.

For those who need gluten-free options, just be sure to check the hashbrowns packaging to confirm they don’t contain gluten—most plain frozen hashbrowns are naturally gluten-free. To make it vegan, you could substitute eggs with a tofu scramble or a vegan egg replacer and use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives. It takes some experimentation, but the basic idea of layering flavors and textures remains just as satisfying.

Lastly, I’ve played around with changing up the cheese to smoked gouda, pepper jack, or a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for different flavor profiles. You could also bake this in individual ramekins or muffin tins as breakfast portions for an elegant presentation or grab-and-go convenience. No matter how you tweak it, this casserole adapts so well that you’re always in for a comforting, delicious morning.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any casserole leftover, I recommend storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. I like to use glass or BPA-free plastic containers with tight-fitting lids to lock in freshness and prevent any lingering odors from the fridge. When stored properly, the casserole retains its flavor and texture nicely so you can enjoy it easily throughout the week.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well if you want to prep in advance or save portions for later. After baking and cooling the casserole completely, I cut it into individual servings and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without a loss in flavor. Just be sure to label the container so you don’t forget when you froze it!

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using the oven rather than a microwave—this helps the casserole regain some crispness and prevents it from becoming soggy. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees, place the portion in a baking dish, and cover loosely with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. If you want a crunchier top, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of reheating. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works fine too, but keep a close eye and avoid overheating to stop eggs from getting rubbery.

FAQs

Can I prepare this breakfast casserole the night before?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to serve, just bake it as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.

Is it okay to use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?

Yes! If you prefer fresh potatoes, shred or dice them finely and cook them briefly before layering to remove excess moisture. Frozen hashbrowns save time and help maintain a consistent texture, but fresh works if you don’t mind an extra prep step.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! Diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach are wonderful add-ins. I usually sauté vegetables first to soften them and reduce moisture, so they don’t make the casserole soggy.

What’s the best cheese to use for this recipe?

I love sharp cheddar for its classic flavor, but you can use anything that melts well like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a mix. For a smoky twist, smoked cheeses like gouda also work beautifully.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

With some clever substitutions, yes! Use a vegan egg replacer or tofu scramble, plant-based milk, vegan sausage alternatives or veggies instead of meat, and vegan cheese. It won’t be exactly the same but still delicious and comforting.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing breakfast that’s full of flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for so many occasions, I can’t recommend this Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipe enough. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, bringing together simple ingredients to create a memorable dish that everyone will love. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your breakfast rotation too!