Delightful Cheesy Breakfast Casserole for a Cozy Morning

If you’ve ever had a busy morning and wished you could wake up to something hearty, comforting, and ready to eat, a Cheesy Breakfast Casserole is the answer. I first got hooked on this dish when a close friend brought one to a weekend brunch years ago. It was a chilly Saturday, the house smelled like melted cheese and baked eggs, and the moment I dug into that warm, gooey goodness, I knew this was something worth repeating. Since then, Cheesy Breakfast Casserole has become a staple for my family gatherings and even those rushed weekday mornings.

This dish fits perfectly into real-life cooking because it’s both forgiving and flexible. You don’t have to be an expert to pull it off; just gather simple ingredients and give it some oven time. Plus, it’s wonderful for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead when mornings get hectic. What makes this Cheesy Breakfast Casserole special is that it brings everyone together—whether it’s breakfast on a lazy Sunday, a holiday brunch, or a quick meal after an early workout. The cheesy, eggy base creates a familiar comfort food everyone loves.

If you’re a home cook looking for a recipe that’s delicious, reliable, and doesn’t involve complicated steps, this one’s for you. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to throw together, and you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again. Whether you want an easy breakfast casserole, a make ahead breakfast option, or a warm cheese and egg bake, this recipe fits the bill. Trust me, once you try this cheesy breakfast casserole, it’ll quickly move up on your favorites list.

What you’ll need:

Ingredients for Cheesy Breakfast Casserole arranged on a table
  • 6 large eggs – Fresh eggs make a difference, but any grade works well.
  • 1 cup whole milk – I’ve swapped with 2% milk, and it tastes just as rich.
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar is my go-to for that punch of flavor.
  • 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled – No sausage? Cooked ham or bacon works great here too.
  • 3 cups frozen hashbrowns, thawed – No fresh potatoes? Same here; frozen hashbrowns keep this easy.
  • 1/2 cup diced onions – Find these in your grocery’s produce section; optional for mild flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste.
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Regular garlic powder from the spice aisle works perfectly.
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika – Adds a subtle smoky note; you can skip if you don’t have it.

This Cheesy Breakfast Casserole uses ingredients you probably already have—because good cooking shouldn’t require a special trip to the store. If you want to keep it budget-friendly, frozen hashbrowns and eggs are affordable staples. To save time, cook the sausage ahead or use pre-cooked options from the store.

A kitchen tip: give the cheese a quick stir with the beaten eggs before adding everything else. That little extra move helps it melt nicely into the casserole. Plus, leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, so your cheesy breakfast casserole can make weekday mornings easier.

Let’s cook it together!

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the perfect temperature for melding all those flavors.
  2. Prepare your casserole dish. I use a 9×13 inch baking pan and lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray to keep that cheesy breakfast casserole from sticking.
  3. Cook the sausage until browned. If you’re using raw sausage, cook it in a pan over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat before mixing it in.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Make sure they’re fully combined for the best texture in your cheesy breakfast casserole.
  5. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to the egg mixture. These simple spices make the difference and complement the sausage well.
  6. Mix in the cheese and thawed hashbrowns. Stir gently so everything gets evenly distributed.
  7. Fold in the cooked sausage and diced onions. Pour the whole mixture into your prepared casserole dish.
  8. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes. Your cheesy breakfast casserole is done when the edges are golden and the center feels firm but still moist.

From start to finish, this cheesy breakfast casserole takes me about an hour, but much of that is hands-off baking time. While that’s happening, you can set the table, brew a pot of coffee, or even prepare some fruit on the side.

If your cheesy breakfast casserole looks a little jiggly in the middle when you check after 40 minutes, don’t worry—it will firm up as it cools. Just resist the urge to cut into it right away, so it sets beautifully.

Over the years, I’ve learned that patience bakes a better casserole. Rushing the baking can mean gooey spots that don’t quite taste cooked through, so give it the full time.

This recipe is flexible; you can replace hashbrowns with diced potatoes or add veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. For an overnight breakfast casserole feel, you can prep the whole dish the night before and bake it in the morning—this is a lifesaver for busy households.

How to Serve & Enjoy It!

This cheesy breakfast casserole shines when served warm straight from the oven. I like pairing it with fresh fruit like orange slices or berries to balance out the savory richness.

A simple side of toasted English muffins or a light green salad can round out the meal nicely. When feeding a crowd, a pot of coffee and maybe some yogurt gives everyone options.

For occasions, this casserole works great for Christmas morning brunch or lazy weekend breakfasts. If you’re looking for another festive option, the Christmas Breakfast Casserole on my site is a fun twist.

Presentation tips: sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese or chopped green onions on top before serving. It adds a pop of color and makes it feel homemade special.

Leftovers? They reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven and even work in wraps or sandwiches the next day. Try slicing the casserole and placing it between toast with a spread of avocado for a quick lunch.

Seasonal variations include adding cooked butternut squash for fall or swapping sausage with smoked salmon for a fancy brunch twist.

Every time I make this cheesy breakfast casserole, friends and family come back for seconds. That’s always the greatest compliment.

Your Questions Answered

Can I make this cheesy breakfast casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! I often prepare it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning. Cover it and refrigerate overnight. It might need a few extra minutes in the oven since it’s cold, but it works beautifully as an overnight breakfast casserole.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through for more even warming.

Can I use different cheeses in this casserole?

Yes, mixing cheeses is a great idea. I like cheddar for sharpness but adding mozzarella or Monterey Jack gives it gooey richness. Use what you have; this cheesy breakfast casserole is forgiving.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

Skip the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers instead. You can also include vegetarian sausage crumbles from the store.

Is it possible to double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely. Use a larger baking dish or two pans and adjust the baking time accordingly. Start checking at the usual baking time, but larger casseroles may take up to an hour.

Can I freeze this breakfast casserole?

It freezes well if you bake it first and store leftovers. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How do I adjust the recipe for fewer servings?

You can halve the ingredients and use an 8×8 inch pan. Baking time might be slightly shorter, so start checking at 30-35 minutes.

I’ve tried variations with ham, bacon, sausage, and different vegetables, and all have been hits. If you want another trustworthy make ahead breakfast idea with sausage and egg, check out this Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole for inspiration.

If you enjoy the crispy hash brown and cheese combo, you might like this Cheesy Overnight Hash Brown Egg Casserole by The Food Charlatan. It’s a great way to mix things up.

Final Thoughts

Baked Cheesy Breakfast Casserole served on a plate

This cheesy breakfast casserole holds a special place in my recipe lineup because it’s so reliable and versatile. It’s fed my family on busy mornings, impressed guests at brunches, and helped me with quick dinners that feel like a treat.

My best cheesy breakfast casserole tips:

  • Don’t rush the baking—give it enough time to set fully.
  • Use sharp cheese for the best flavor, but don’t shy from mixing cheeses if you want to experiment.
  • For an overnight breakfast casserole, prep the night before to save time in the morning.

The three variations I’ve tested the most include adding sautéed veggies, swapping sausage for bacon, and making a vegetarian version with mushrooms and spinach. The sausage version always gets requested most often—it’s that crowd-pleaser everyone loves.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own by using what you have on hand and adjusting flavors to suit your family. I hope you’ll love how this cheesy breakfast casserole becomes your go-to for easy breakfasts or brunches that impress without stress.

Ready to try a festive twist? Check out my Christmas Breakfast Casserole for holiday meal inspiration.

With a little confidence and simple steps, you can make this cheesy breakfast casserole a regular favorite in your home. Trust me—it’ll be a recipe you’ll return to over and over. Enjoy!

Print

Cheesy Breakfast Casserole

Start your morning with this hearty and flavorful Cheesy Breakfast Casserole, packed with eggs, cheese, and savory sausage for a satisfying breakfast or brunch.

  • Author: Duma Ashton
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 65 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 cups cubed bread (day-old works best)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  4. Sprinkle the cooked sausage, diced onions, and bell peppers evenly over the bread cubes.
  5. Pour the egg mixture evenly over all the ingredients in the dish.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
  7. Drizzle melted butter over the casserole.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
  9. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives before baking, or serve with a side of salsa or hot sauce.

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