Comforting Hearty Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe for Families

Breakfast transforms from ordinary to extraordinary with this hearty potato breakfast casserole that brings comfort and flavor to your morning table.

Layers of golden potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering symphony of textures and tastes.

Every forkful promises a delightful blend of savory ingredients that wake up your senses.

Mornings become special when you serve this rich, satisfying dish straight from the oven.

The aroma of herbs and cheese will fill your kitchen, drawing everyone to the table with eager anticipation.

Packed with protein and warmth, this casserole offers a delicious start to any day.

Grab a plate and savor each comforting bite of this irresistible morning masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 470 kcal

Servings: 8

Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole Ingredient Notes

• Hash Browns: Crispy foundation that creates a hearty breakfast texture, choose frozen or freshly shredded for best results.
• Bell Pepper: Adds vibrant color and sweet crunch, select bright, firm peppers for maximum freshness.
• Onion: Provides subtle aromatic depth, pick firm onions without soft spots or sprouting.

• Bacon or Sausage: Delivers rich, savory undertones, opt for high-quality, well-trimmed meat for maximum flavor.
• Salt: Heightens overall taste profile, use kosher or sea salt for more nuanced seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Introduces gentle heat and complexity, freshly ground offers superior taste.
• Garlic Powder: Adds warm, earthy notes without raw garlic intensity.
• Paprika: Contributes subtle smokiness and beautiful reddish hue.

• Eggs: Creates structural integrity and rich texture, choose fresh, large eggs at room temperature.
• Milk: Provides smooth, creamy consistency, whole milk recommended for maximum richness.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully with sharp, tangy flavor, select high-quality block cheese and grate fresh.

Prep Tools for Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole

• Large Baking Dish (9×13 inch): Essential for layering and baking the entire casserole.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending eggs and milk smoothly without lumps.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining egg and milk mixture.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure milk and ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Used for dicing onions and bell peppers.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for chopping vegetables.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for freshly grating cheddar cheese.
• Spatula: Helps spread ingredients evenly in the baking dish.

Get Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole on the Table

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F and give your baking dish a quick spray of non-stick to prevent any stubborn sticking.

• Layer the Potato Base

Spread those hash browns across the bottom of the dish, creating a crispy foundation for your morning feast.

• Build Flavor Layers

Scatter crispy bacon bits, chopped onions, and bell peppers over the potato canvas. Dust with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to wake up those taste buds.

• Create the Creamy Egg Blend

Whisk eggs and milk into a silky smooth mixture. Pour this liquid gold evenly over the potato and veggie landscape, making sure every corner gets some love.

• Crown with Cheese

Shower the top with a blanket of shredded cheddar, creating a golden, melty masterpiece.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and let it transform for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center sets and the cheese turns into a bubbling, golden crown.

• Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for a moment, then slice into squares. Pair with fresh fruit or crispy toast for a breakfast that’ll make everyone at the table smile.

Helpful Tips for Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole

• Pat thawed hash browns dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture and ensure a crispy, golden bottom layer.
• Replace bacon or sausage with diced ham, turkey sausage, or plant-based protein crumbles for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Assemble the casserole the night before, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Simply bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast that saves precious morning time.
• Swap meat with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini for a vegetarian-friendly option packed with nutrients and vibrant colors.
• Confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially cheese and seasonings, to make this dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Ways to Serve Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole

• Hearty Morning Sidekick: Pair this casserole with crisp bacon strips or sausage links for an extra protein boost that'll kickstart your day with delicious energy.
• Freshness Balancer: Add a bright side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheesy potato casserole.
• Brunch Companion: Serve alongside mimosas, fresh orange juice, or a hot cup of coffee to elevate this dish from simple breakfast to a delightful weekend brunch experience.
• Quick Customization: Top individual servings with fresh chopped chives, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream to add personal flair and extra flavor complexity.

Save Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole for Later

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated portions stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Wrap individual or whole casserole portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen casserole keeps well for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm refrigerated portions in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes. Microwave works for quick reheating, but may slightly compromise the crispy cheese topping. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese after reheating to revive the golden crust.
• Prepare the entire casserole ahead of time and store unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the cold state, adding 5-10 minutes to the original baking time.

FAQs

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Cover with foil and bake the next morning, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

• Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or sausage and add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for protein and flavor.

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Frozen hash browns are convenient, but you can also use freshly shredded potatoes or pre-cooked diced potatoes. Just ensure they are well-drained to prevent excess moisture.

• Can I freeze this breakfast casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole after baking. Let it cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.

Hearty Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Homemade Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole delivers comfort and flavor in one hearty dish. Crispy potatoes, melted cheese, and savory bacon create a satisfying morning meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) breakfast sausage or bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 8 large eggs
• 1 bag (30 oz / 850 g) frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
• 2 cups (226 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (113 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (227 g) sour cream
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup (15 g) chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Foundation Layer: Spread thawed hash browns evenly across the dish, pressing firmly to create a solid base, then distribute cooked bacon or sausage crumbles, diced onion, and bell pepper for robust flavor and varied texture.
3. Seasoning: Sprinkle salt, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, and smoky paprika over the potato and meat layer to enhance the overall taste profile.
4. Custard Integration: Whisk eggs and milk together until smooth, then gently pour over the potato base, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
5. Cheese Topping: Liberally scatter shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, creating a potential golden-brown crust during baking.
6. Baking Process: Place casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until the center sets and the cheese transforms into a crispy, bronzed layer.
7. Resting and Serving: Allow the casserole to stabilize for 3-5 minutes after removing from oven, then slice into hearty portions and serve immediately with optional breakfast accompaniments.

Notes

Customize Potato Base: Choose between frozen hash browns or freshly grated potatoes for varied texture and homemade feel. Frozen provides convenience, while fresh potatoes offer more authentic flavor and control over moisture content.

Prevent Soggy Texture: Pat hash browns or fresh potatoes completely dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy, golden bottom layer that doesn’t become waterlogged during baking.

Cheese Selection Matters: Experiment with cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or gruyere to create unique flavor profiles. Mix multiple cheeses for complex, rich taste and optimal melting characteristics.

Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole the night before, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to allow gradual temperature adjustment, ensuring even cooking and perfect texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 395
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 610 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg