Breakfast Casserole
A hearty and savory baked casserole perfect for a weekend brunch or holiday morning. Layers of seasoned potatoes, savory sausage, and fluffy eggs are topped with melted cheddar cheese for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal.
For 8 servings
6 steps. 70 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Oven and Potatoes
- b.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- c.Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 tsp of salt.
- d.Bring to a boil and cook for 5-7 minutes, until just fork-tender but still firm. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook Sausage and Vegetables
- b.In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the pork sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink (about 8-10 minutes).
- c.Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- d.Drain off any excess grease from the skillet and discard.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare Egg Mixture
- b.In a large bowl, whisk the 10 eggs until the yolks and whites are fully combined.
- c.Whisk in the whole milk, 0.5 tsp salt, black pepper, dry mustard powder, and paprika until smooth.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Casserole
- b.Spread the drained, par-cooked potatoes in an even layer in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- c.Top with the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture.
- d.Sprinkle 1.5 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sausage layer.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Bake the Casserole
- b.Carefully pour the egg mixture over all the layers in the dish, ensuring it seeps into the gaps.
- c.Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top.
- d.Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set (a knife inserted near the center comes out clean) and the top is golden and bubbly.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows it to set for easier slicing.
- c.Garnish with fresh parsley, slice, and serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a make-ahead option, assemble the casserole the night before (without baking), cover, and refrigerate. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- 2Ensure you drain the sausage and potatoes very well to prevent a greasy or watery casserole.
- 3Letting the casserole rest is crucial. It helps it set and makes for cleaner, more attractive slices.
- 4To save time, you can use 2 lbs of frozen diced hash brown potatoes. No need to par-cook them first, just layer them in frozen.
- 5Don't overbake the casserole, as the eggs can become tough and rubbery. Check for doneness at the 40-minute mark.
Adapt it for your goals.
Meat Variation
Replace the pork sausage with 1 lb of cooked, crumbled bacon, diced ham, or cooked turkey sausage.
VegetarianVegetarian
Omit the sausage and use a plant-based sausage alternative. Add 8 oz of sliced mushrooms and 2 cups of fresh spinach (sautéed with the onions and peppers until wilted).
Spicy VersionSpicy Version
Add 1-2 diced jalapeños along with the bell pepper and a 1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture. Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
Cheese BlendCheese Blend
Swap the sharp cheddar for other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, Gruyère, or a Swiss blend for a different flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
With 10 eggs and a pound of sausage, this casserole is packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied for hours.
Rich in B Vitamins
Eggs are a natural source of several B vitamins, including B12 and riboflavin. These vitamins are crucial for converting food into energy and maintaining healthy nerve cells.
Provides Calcium for Bone Health
The milk and cheddar cheese contribute a good amount of calcium, a mineral vital for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this breakfast casserole contains approximately 520-560 calories, depending on the specific type of sausage and cheese used.