Breakfast Casserole
If you love easy breakfast recipes, this one's for you! Made with potatoes, eggs, cheese, and ham, this hearty Breakfast Casserole is the perfect make-ahead dish for any special occasion.
Casseroles are hands down one of my favorite meals. It can be made ahead of time, feeds a crowd, and it’s super simple to prepare. Make ahead for a no-fuss holiday breakfast or for a quick grab-and-go all week long. But don’t feel like you need a special occasion to whip this up. It can easily be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, and, yes- even dinner!
Why I love this Breakfast Casserole:
- Super easy to make
- Comes together in 10 minutes or less
- Ingredients are adaptable
- Can be made ahead of time
- Perfect for entertaining a crowd
- Extremely delicious and satisfying
- Reheats well
- Everyone loves it!
Not only is this breakfast casserole super simple to make, but it’s packed with flavor in every bite! It starts with tasty hash browns, diced ham, and gooey cheese baked to golden perfection. Doesn’t that sound egg-cellent? I know- I’m so cheesy! I love this recipe for so many reasons, including the fact that it can be customized however you like.
Breakfast Casserole Variations:
Meat: This recipe calls for ham, but any breakfast meat would work, or omit for a vegetarian option. A few of my favorite substitutions include browned sausage, ground turkey, or bacon.
Veggies: If you’re looking to add more veggies to your diet, this is the perfect way to sneak in a few extra servings. I found that my guests enjoy a variety of peppers, onions, and mushrooms, but any combination of veggies sounds good to me. Chop and toss in raw or sauté with garlic for a little added flavor.
Cheese: I love using cheddar cheese and Monterey jack for this recipe but use whichever cheese you like best. Some other options include pepper jack, Colby, feta, or gouda.
Potatoes: I’ve tried a variety of potatoes, but nothing beats shredded hash browns. Of course, this can be made with whatever potatoes you like, such as diced or tater tots!
How to make Breakfast Casserole:
Start by chopping the cooked ham into small cubes, or if you’re using another meat such as sausage, cook, drain, crumble, and set aside. Then, add the bag of frozen shredded hash browns to the bottom of a greased 13×9 inch oven-safe baking dish. Spread evenly, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Whisk together the eggs, milk, and Italian seasoning in a large mixing bowl. Add cheese and diced ham, and stir until well combined. Now, pour the egg mixture all over the hash browns.
Can I prepare ahead of time?
Yes! At this point, you can either bake immediately at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or simply cover the casserole dish and refrigerate overnight. If time permits, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to baking.
The make-ahead method marries all the flavors and creates a stress-free morning. Whether you just want to sleep in or have a house full of guests, this foolproof method will save you lots of time and leave everyone asking for more!
If making the same day, bake uncovered for 55-65 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center comes out clean with the knife test. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional toppings such as chives or parsley, and enjoy!
What to serve with Breakfast Casserole:
This delicious casserole is inexpensive, filling, and nutritious. Packed with protein, it’s the perfect comfort food without the guilt. It can be served alone or as a side dish any day of the week. Pair with sweet pastries, fresh fruit, or a bowl of yogurt. Entertaining? Set out a few additional toppings like tomatoes, green onions, or crispy bacon. Trust me. Your guest will thank you for including this casserole in your breakfast spread.
I cannot guarantee you will have leftovers, but just in case you do, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven the next day. If I know we have a busy week ahead, I’ll individually wrap servings for a convenient and satisfying breakfast on the go.
More Casserole Recipes
- French Toast Casserole
- Easy Mac and Cheese Veggie Chicken Casserole
- Homemade Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Tater Tot Casserole
Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked ham, chopped or 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked, drained and crumbled
- 1 bag (24 oz) shredded hash browns, frozen
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups milk, 2% or whole
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or your favorite spice blend
- 1 ½ cups mild cheddar cheese, grated,
- ½ cup monterey jack cheese, grated
Serving options
- Chives
- Parsley
- Fresh fruit
Instructions
- Cut ham and set aside. Or if you are using sausage, cook and drain, set aside
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F **see notes for make ahead
- Spray a 13×9 baking dish with cooking spray
- Add frozen hash browns to pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper
- In a large bowl whisk together eggs and milk
- Seasoning with Italian seasoning
- Stir in cheddar cheese and monterey jack cheese
- Stir in ham
- Pour over frozen hash browns
- Bake uncovered for 55-65 minutes or until set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean
- Allow to set for 5-10 minutes before serving
- Serve with toppings of your choice
- Store leftovers in refrigerator
Notes
Make Ahead: Spray a piece of foil lightly with cooking spray to prevent cheese from sticking.
Cover the casserole and place in the refrigerator overnight.
To cook, set on counter for 30 minutes
Preheat oven and bake per instructions above
