Easy Homemade Breakfast Casserole
Introduction
Mornings can often feel like a race against the clock. Between getting ready for the day and making sure everyone else is set, breakfast tends to become an afterthought. That is why having a reliable and delicious recipe like a breakfast casserole is a game-changer. Not only is it filling and flavorful, but it is also incredibly easy to put together. Whether you are feeding a family or preparing a dish for a brunch gathering, this casserole covers all the bases.
A breakfast casserole combines all your favorite morning staples into one warm, satisfying dish. Eggs, cheese, sausage, potatoes, and veggies come together in a single baking dish. The best part is that you can prepare it ahead of time, refrigerate it overnight, and simply bake it in the morning. This makes it a go-to option for holidays, meal prepping, or lazy weekends.
What makes this breakfast casserole truly special is how flexible it is. You can easily swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. Want to make it vegetarian? No problem. Prefer turkey sausage over pork? Go for it. This is a recipe that works with you, not against you.
So if you are looking for a morning meal that is both easy and satisfying, you are in the right place. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about making a perfect homemade breakfast casserole from scratch.
Ingredients Needed
Making a breakfast casserole does not require fancy or hard-to-find ingredients. In fact, most of the items are likely already in your kitchen. Below is a complete list of what you will need along with a simple table showing the estimated calories for each main ingredient. This will help you stay aware of what you are eating and plan your meal accordingly.
Ingredient Table
| Ingredient | Amount | Estimated Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Large Eggs | 8 | 560 |
| Whole or 2 Percent Milk | 1 cup | 150 |
| Shredded Cheddar Cheese | 1 and 1/2 cups | 600 |
| Breakfast Sausage | 1 pound | 800 |
| Frozen Hash Browns | 3 cups (thawed) | 300 |
| Bell Pepper (chopped) | 1 medium | 25 |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 small | 40 |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | 0 |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | 0 |
| Olive Oil (for cooking) | 1 tablespoon | 120 |
Total Estimated Calories: Around 2,595
Calories Per Serving (8 servings): Around 325
You can always adjust the ingredients depending on what you have. For example, swap cheddar with mozzarella or use a different type of milk. The recipe is forgiving and still tastes great.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Here is a simple step-by-step guide to help you prepare the breakfast casserole. Each step is easy to follow and does not require much cooking experience.
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little bit of butter to prevent sticking.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage. Break it into small pieces with a spatula as it browns. Once it is fully cooked and no longer pink, remove it from the heat. Drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
In the same skillet, add one tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for about five minutes or until the vegetables are soft and slightly golden. This step adds flavor and texture to the dish.
In a large mixing bowl, crack all the eggs and whisk them until smooth. Add the cup of milk along with the salt and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
Now it’s time to build your casserole. Spread the thawed hash browns evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Next, layer on the cooked sausage, followed by the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Finally, pour the egg mixture evenly over everything in the dish.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The eggs should be set and the top lightly golden. To check for doneness, insert a knife in the center. If it comes out clean, the casserole is ready.
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for about ten minutes. This will make it easier to slice and serve.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can adjust it based on your diet, what is in your fridge, or even your mood.
If you want to make it vegetarian, skip the sausage and add more vegetables. Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini are great options that add flavor and nutrients.
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese. It still turns out creamy and delicious.
Love spice? Add chopped jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. A little hot sauce in the egg mixture also gives it a nice kick.
Trying to reduce carbs? Replace hash browns with steamed cauliflower rice. It keeps the texture while lowering the carb count.
Meal prepping for the week? Make the casserole ahead of time, bake it, and store individual portions in the fridge. It reheats well in the microwave or oven.
Nutritional Information Per Serving (Approximate)
Here is the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving when divided into eight equal slices.
- Calories: 325
- Protein: 20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15 grams
- Fat: 22 grams
- Fiber: 1.5 grams
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 550 milligrams
These numbers can change depending on the ingredients and brands you use, but it gives you a general idea of what you are eating.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is great on its own but also pairs well with other breakfast favorites. You can serve it with a fresh fruit salad or a smoothie for a balanced meal. A side of toast, croissant, or English muffin works great too.
For a weekend brunch, offer it with mimosas, coffee, or iced tea. Add some avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream on top for extra flavor and texture.
It is also perfect for meal prepping. Make it at the beginning of the week and reheat slices as needed for a quick breakfast on busy mornings.
Conclusion
Making a homemade breakfast casserole is one of the easiest ways to bring everyone to the table. It is packed with protein, full of flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd or planning ahead. You do not need to be a chef to make it, and the ingredients are simple and budget-friendly.
Whether you are preparing for a special occasion or just want something filling to start your day, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, with all the customization options, you will never get bored.
Give it a try and see just how easy breakfast can be when you have a reliable recipe like this one in your back pocket.