If you are searching for a hearty, crowd-pleasing brunch centerpiece, this Savory Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines layers of flavorful sausage, tender sautéed vegetables, fluffy eggs, and crispy hash browns all crowned with a golden blanket of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese. The result is a warm, inviting dish that feels like a loving morning hug on a plate, perfect for family gatherings or lazy weekend breakfasts that need a special touch. Every bite is packed with savory goodness and a delightful texture contrast that will quickly make this casserole one of your go-to recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to making this Savory Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings Recipe shine. Each element brings its own magic — from the spiced sausage giving rich flavor depth, to the vibrant veggies that add color and natural sweetness, and of course, the cheeses that create that indulgently gooey top layer.
- 1 pound breakfast sausage: Pork, turkey, or chicken works great for a savory, meaty base.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps soften vegetables and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds gentle sweetness and texture.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: Offers a splash of color and mild, sweet flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a punch of aromatic warmth to the dish.
- 8 large eggs: The binding agent that turns this mix into a luscious casserole.
- 1 cup milk (whole preferred): Adds creaminess and helps create the perfect custard texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle heat and earthy nuance.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smoky sweetness.
- 3 cups frozen hash browns, thawed: Adds satisfying crispness and heartiness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and rich flavor to the topping and inside.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Delivers creamy meltiness and stretchiness.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Adds fresh, bright notes at the finish.
- Non-stick cooking spray: Keeps the casserole from sticking and ensures easy serving.
How to Make Savory Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your baking dish and oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure a steady baking temperature. Then, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This simple step helps guarantee your casserole lifts out easily after baking, keeping all the layers perfect and intact.
Step 2: Brown the sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it’s browned and cooked through. This step releases the sausage’s savory fat and deepens its flavor. Be sure to drain excess fat if needed, so the casserole doesn’t get greasy. Set the cooked sausage aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Sauté the vegetables
Using the same skillet, add the olive oil and toss in diced onions and red bell peppers. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about five minutes. Then add the minced garlic for a final minute of cooking to unlock its aromatic burst without burning. Removing the skillet from heat allows the veggies to cool just enough for the next step.
Step 4: Whisk the egg mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until the mixture is smooth and consistent. This custardy blend will bind all elements together, ensuring that every slice is tender and flavorful with just the right hint of spice.
Step 5: Combine all components
Into the egg mixture, gently fold the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, thawed hash browns, and half of both the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. This ensures the cheesy goodness is baked throughout the casserole, not just on top.
Step 6: Transfer and add the topping
Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Then sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses generously over the surface. This top layer will melt into a golden, bubbly crown, making the dish incredibly inviting to look at and eat.
Step 7: Bake to perfection
Bake the casserole for 35-40 minutes, until it sets fully and the cheese topping is melted and bubbly with slight golden edges. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, confirming that the eggs are cooked through but remain moist and fluffy.
Step 8: Rest and garnish
Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to rest about five minutes to firm up slightly for easier slicing. Just before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and a refreshing herbal note that balances all the rich flavors.
How to Serve Savory Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with chopped fresh parsley not only brightens the appearance but adds a hint of freshness that cuts through the richness. For an extra touch, try a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chives to elevate the flavor experience.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with light sides such as mixed greens salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or fresh fruit salad, which provide a balance of acidity and sweetness to complement the richness of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming brunch presentation or use colorful serving platters to make it the centerpiece of your breakfast table. Adding small bowls of hot sauce or salsa on the side lets guests customize their flavor kick as well.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps the flavors intact and the texture just right for quick, delicious breakfasts later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance, this recipe freezes beautifully. Freeze the unbaked casserole tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Using the oven instead of the microwave helps maintain that pleasantly crispy cheese topping and prevents sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in the casserole?
Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella create a perfect melty combo, try mixing in pepper jack for some heat or Gruyère for a nutty twist. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, diced tofu, or your favorite plant-based sausage alternative. The mix of vegetables and cheesy topping will still deliver fantastic flavor.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Yes! Assemble the casserole the night before, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and bake it in the morning. This makes weekday mornings effortless and ensures a fresh-tasting meal.
What can I do if I don’t have hash browns?
Frozen hash browns add texture, but you can substitute with diced cooked potatoes or even omit them if needed. Just note that the casserole texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How spicy is the smoked paprika in this recipe?
Smoked paprika adds a subtle warmth and smoky flavor without much heat, making it perfect for enhancing savory dishes without overpowering them.
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to dive into this Savory Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings Recipe—it’s a guaranteed winner that brings together comforting flavors, satisfying textures, and simple ingredients into a dish everyone will love. It’s perfect for sharing, prepping ahead, or just treating yourself to a breakfast that feels truly special. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
Savory Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 40m
- Total Time: 1h 0m
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful Savory Baked Breakfast Casserole packed with breakfast sausage, sautéed vegetables, fluffy eggs, and cheesy toppings. Perfect for a comforting morning meal or brunch, this casserole is easy to prepare and bakes to golden perfection with a bubbly cheese crust.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside to ensure the casserole won’t stick during baking.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary, then transfer the cooked sausage to a bowl and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté the diced onions and red bell pepper over medium heat until they are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute for fragrant flavor. Remove from heat and allow the vegetables to cool slightly.
- Whisk Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, thawed hash browns, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese into the egg mixture, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to cover the bottom and create a uniform layer.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole to melt and form a cheesy crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is fully set in the center and the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows it to set further and makes serving easier. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a lower-fat option, substitute turkey or chicken sausage for pork sausage and use low-fat milk.
- Vegetarians can omit the sausage and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
- Ensure hash browns are fully thawed for even cooking.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking; add an extra 5-10 minutes to baking time if baking cold from the fridge.
- Use non-stick cooking spray liberally on the baking dish to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
