Ultimate Breakfast Bakes Recipe

This hearty Ultimate Breakfast Bake is made with savory sausage, shredded hash browns, a rich egg custard, and lots of sharp cheddar cheese. This recipe creates a perfectly golden, cheesy, and satisfying breakfast casserole that can feed a crowd with minimal morning effort. It is ideal for a cozy winter brunch or a holiday gathering and makes a perfect meal for 8 to 10 people.

Ultimate Breakfast Bake Ingredients

• 1 pound bulk breakfast sausage
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 20 ounces frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

How To Make Ultimate Breakfast Bake

1. Prepare the sausage and vegetables: In a large skillet, cook the bulk breakfast sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon until no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Assemble the casserole: In a large 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the thawed hash brown potatoes in an even layer. Top with the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
3. Mix the egg custard: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Bake the casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the ingredients in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
5. Bake until set: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 40-50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden and bubbly. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
6. Cool and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Use thawed hash browns: Thawing the potatoes first helps them bake more evenly and prevents a watery casserole. Simply take them out of the freezer and let them sit in the fridge for a few hours before you start.
• Make it ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole the night before. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. In the morning, let it sit on the counter while the oven preheats, then bake as instructed.
• Customize your fillings: This recipe is very flexible. Feel free to swap the sausage for bacon, ham, or mushrooms. You can also add other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or broccoli.
• Shred your own cheese: For the best melt and flavor, shred a block of sharp cheddar cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect how it melts.

What To Serve Breakfast Bakes

This ultimate breakfast bake is a complete meal on its own, but you can easily elevate it for a special occasion. Serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. A side of flaky croissants or warm biscuits would also be a wonderful addition. For drinks, offer classic orange juice or a fresh pot of coffee.

How To Store Breakfast Bakes Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Freeze: This breakfast bake freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap individual slices or the entire pan tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Ultimate Breakfast Bakes Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Total Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 200mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 20g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can easily substitute the sharp cheddar cheese with other good melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Gruyère. A combination of cheeses also works great.
• Can I make this with bread instead of hash browns? This recipe uses hash browns, which give it a different texture than a bread-based casserole. If you prefer a bread pudding-like consistency, you can use cubed bread instead of potatoes, but you will need to adjust the egg-to-milk ratio to make sure the bread is properly soaked.
• Why did my casserole turn out watery? This is often caused by not properly draining the fat from the sausage or not thawing the hash browns. Make sure to drain the meat well before adding it, and use thawed hash browns to prevent excess moisture from being released during baking.

Try More Recipes:

• Vanilla Berry Yogurt Parfaits Recipe
• Very Berry Croissants Recipe
• Wafflemaker Hash Browns Recipe