Best Breakfast Casserole

We've made many breakfast casseroles in our decades of creating recipes, so if we're calling this our best one, you'd better believe we mean it. This dish hits all the right notes: meaty, starchy, and of course, cheesy!

This is pretty much the perfect breakfast in every single bite. The eggs are bouncy and tender. You can even pull the casserole dish out of the oven while they're a little soft, and they'll keep cooking just until creamy and set. The addition of hash browns makes this even more substantial, so that it is truly the perfect breakfast casserole.

Learn how to make our best breakfast casserole. Everyone will want seconds, and probably thirds. Good thing it makes enough to feed a crowd.

Ingredients for Best Breakfast Casserole

Pork sausage, green bell pepper, scallions, hash browns, and two kinds of cheese turn this classic breakfast casserole into the best ever. To make this best breakfast casserole, you'll need:

• Cooking spray: Keeps the casserole from sticking to the pan.
• Pork breakfast sausage rolls: Adds a savory flavor and protein boost to the casserole. Can substitute with turkey sausage, diced ham, or plant-based sausage options, if preferred.
• Green bell pepper: Adds color, flavor, and nutrients. Can use yellow or red bell pepper, or a combination, if desired.
• Large eggs: The base of the casserole.
• Half-and-half: Adds creaminess and thins the egg-based filling. Can substitute with whole milk if needed, but note that the texture won't be as rich.
• Onion powder: Adds an aromatic touch.
• Garlic salt: A flavorful seasoning for the casserole. Substitute with garlic powder if needed.
• Black pepper: For a hint of peppery spice.
• Sharp Cheddar and pepper Jack cheese: Adds a cheesy touch to the casserole. Feel free to swap in your favorite cheeses as desired.
• Frozen shredded hash browns: Adds texture and substance to the casserole.
• Scallions: For a mild oniony flavor and pop of color.

How To Make Best Breakfast Casserole

Whether you prep this casserole the day before or spend 20 minutes the morning of, it will be baked and ready to serve in a little over an hour. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Cook sausage: Coat a baking dish with cooking spray. Cook sausage in a large skillet until browned. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
• Step 2. Cook bell pepper: Add bell pepper to skillet and cook until tender. Transfer to plate with sausage.
• Step 3. Prepare casserole base: Whisk to combine eggs, half-and-half, onion powder, garlic salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Stir in sausage mixture, and cheeses.
• Step 4. Add hashbrowns: Toss hashbrowns with remaining garlic salt and black pepper in baking dish and spread evenly. Top with egg mixture and press to submerge hash browns.
• Step 5. Bake: Bake until eggs are set and hash browns are golden brown, about 45 minutes. Let stand and sprinkle with scallions before serving.

Best Breakfast Casserole Variations

To add even more flavor and interest to this breakfast casserole, consider any of these ingredient additions or substitutions:

• Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, jalapeños, or chopped broccoli for a nutrient-rich addition.
• Herbs: Stir in fresh or dried herbs, including thyme, basil, parsley, or cilantro for an herbaceous touch.
• Spices: Add warmth to the dish with paprika, cayenne pepper, or chili powder.
• Sausage: Swap the sausage with diced ham or crispy bacon bits if preferred.
• Cheese: Substitute the pepper Jack or Cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Gouda, Swiss, or any preferred cheeses.
• Potatoes: Swap the hash browns with diced potatoes, sweet potatoes, or tater tots.
• Toppings: Serve with sour cream, hot sauce, salsa, sliced avocado, and more to please everyone at the table.
  

Can I Make Best Breakfast Casserole Ahead?

This breakfast casserole can be assembled and refrigerated up to 24 hours ahead. Let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. For longer storage, bake and cool the casserole completely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat, covered, in a preheated 350ºF oven until hot throughout.

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Best Breakfast Casserole

Refrigerate leftover casserole for up to four days, or freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat, covered, in a preheated 350ºF oven or in the microwave until hot throughout before serving.

What To Serve With Best Breakfast Casserole

This meaty, cheesy casserole is just made for serving a crowd. Pair with toast, biscuits, a side of fresh fruit, a green salad, crispy bacon, or something sweet like warm cinnamon rolls for a memorable breakfast everyone will be talking about for days to come.

Whether it's a lazy weekend brunch with family or a celebratory breakfast with friends, this indulgent casserole is guaranteed to please everyone's palate.

More Savory Breakfast Casserole Recipes You'll Love

Start the day with a hearty dish that's satisfying and ready to serve a crowd with these breakfast casserole recipes:

• Smoky Sausage-and-Grits Casserole
• Breakfast Enchiladas
• Croissant Breakfast Casserole
• Spinach-and-Broccoli Breakfast Bread Pudding
  
• Sausage Gravy Casserole with Cheddar-Cornmeal Biscuits
• Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
• Cheesy Ham, Corn, and Grits Bake
• Sausage-Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
• Cheesy Sausage-and-Croissant Casserole

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.