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.
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
- 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.
- Seasoning: Sprinkle salt, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, and smoky paprika over the potato and meat layer to enhance the overall taste profile.
- Custard Integration: Whisk eggs and milk together until smooth, then gently pour over the potato base, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
- Cheese Topping: Liberally scatter shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, creating a potential golden-brown crust during baking.
- 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.
- 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