If you are on the hunt for a comforting, rich, and hearty dish to kickstart your morning, this Amish Breakfast Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining savory breakfast sausage, tender onions, fluffy eggs, and a wonderful melty trio of cheeses with crispy hash browns, this casserole fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and delivers a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special occasion breakfast, this recipe is a warm hug in casserole form that brings family and friends together around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Amish Breakfast Casserole Recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients, each adding its own delicious note to the final dish. From the savory spice of sausage to the creamy texture of cottage cheese, these components are simple yet essential for that perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (ground): Choose your favorite flavorful sausage to bring that meaty, savory foundation to the casserole.
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced): Adds sweetness and a little bite, balancing the richness of the sausage and cheese.
- 9 large eggs (lightly beaten): The binding agent that brings lightness and structure to the casserole.
- 4 cups frozen shredded hash browns (thawed): For crispy, golden potato texture that rounds out each bite.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds punchy flavor and that irresistible melty stretch.
- 1 1/2 cups small curd cottage cheese: Introduces creaminess and a subtle tang for richness without heaviness.
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese brings a mild nutty essence and smooth meltiness that complements the cheddar perfectly.
How to Make Amish Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your casserole mixture is assembled. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly—this prevents sticking and helps achieve those golden edges that everyone loves.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Onions
Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground breakfast sausage along with the diced yellow onion. Let them cook together until the sausage is browned and fully cooked, while the onions become tender and slightly caramelized—this combination is the flavor base that makes the casserole so inviting.
Step 3: Remove Excess Grease and Transfer
After cooking, carefully drain any extra grease from the skillet to avoid a greasy casserole. Then, transfer the sausage and onion mixture to a large mixing bowl where everything will come together.
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
Into the bowl with sausage and onions, add the lightly beaten eggs, thawed hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, small curd cottage cheese, and shredded Swiss cheese. Stir everything gently but thoroughly until the mixture is well combined, ensuring every scoop has a harmonious blend of flavors.
Step 5: Pour Mixture into Prepared Dish
Pour your beautifully mixed casserole batter into the greased baking dish. Use a spatula to spread everything evenly, so it cooks and sets uniformly.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for approximately 45-50 minutes. Look for the telltale cues: fully set eggs, bubbly melted cheese on top, and light golden browning along the edges. This signals your Amish Breakfast Casserole Recipe is ready to shine.
Step 7: Let It Rest Before Slicing
Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes. This rest time helps it firm up slightly, making those slices neat and serving a cinch.
Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy!
Serve the casserole warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like sliced chives for a pop of color and a fresh bite. Now, dig in and savor each flavorful, cheesy, and hearty mouthful.
How to Serve Amish Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like chopped chives, parsley, or even a drizzle of hot sauce can elevate your Amish Breakfast Casserole Recipe. These simple touches bring brightness and a mild kick that balances the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or a crisp green salad to add a refreshing contrast. You can also serve it alongside warm buttermilk biscuits or a basket of toasty bread to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, consider layering the casserole in individual ramekins or baking it in muffin tins for personal-sized portions. Topped with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crumbled bacon, it becomes an elegant yet cozy dish perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Amish Breakfast Casserole Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When stored properly, the flavors meld overnight and taste even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place portions in freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months, perfect for busy mornings ahead.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Microwaving works too for a quick fix, but the oven preserves that wonderful baked texture.
FAQs
Can I make this Amish Breakfast Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the ground sausage with sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or your favorite plant-based sausage substitute to keep the hearty texture without the meat.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
The combination of cheddar, Swiss, and small curd cottage cheese creates the perfect balance of sharpness, nuttiness, and creaminess. Feel free to experiment with mozzarella or pepper jack for a fun twist.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe the night before?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
You can, but frozen shredded hash browns are ideal because they provide consistent texture and help absorb excess moisture for a firmer casserole. If using fresh potatoes, be sure to grate and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
How many people does this casserole serve?
This recipe yields about 8 generous servings, making it perfect for family breakfasts or small gatherings. Feel free to double it for bigger groups!
Final Thoughts
This Amish Breakfast Casserole Recipe is a comforting blend of textures and flavors that feels like a warm embrace any morning of the week. It’s simple to prepare, versatile, and sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. I can’t wait for you to make it and share the joy it brings around your table—it’s truly a delicious way to start your day.
Print
Amish Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and delicious Amish Breakfast Casserole featuring ground sausage, hash browns, eggs, and a blend of cheeses baked to golden perfection. Perfect for feeding a crowd and ideal for a comforting breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (ground)
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 4 cups frozen shredded hash browns (thawed)
Egg and Dairy
- 9 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups small curd cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside to prepare for the casserole.
- Cook sausage and onion: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground sausage and diced onion. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes, and the onions have softened.
- Drain grease and transfer: Carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet. Then, transfer the cooked sausage and onion mixture to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine ingredients: Add the lightly beaten eggs, thawed hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, small curd cottage cheese, and shredded Swiss cheese to the bowl with the sausage and onions. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Prepare for baking: Pour the combined mixture evenly into the prepared greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out to ensure uniform cooking.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the cheese is melted and bubbly on top.
- Cool before serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes. This resting time helps the casserole firm up for easier slicing.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice the casserole into portions and serve warm. Optionally, garnish with sliced chives for a fresh flavor boost. Enjoy your comforting Amish Breakfast Casserole!
Notes
- Thaw the frozen hash browns before mixing to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- Use small curd cottage cheese for a creamier texture; large curd may alter consistency.
- Draining excess grease is important to avoid a greasy casserole.
- You can prepare this casserole a day ahead and refrigerate before baking; increase bake time slightly if baking straight from the fridge.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives and omit or replace cheeses accordingly.
