Amish Breakfast Casserole Recipe: A Hearty & Cheesy Morning Delight

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like waking up to a warm, hearty breakfast, and this Amish Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate way to start your day. Packed with eggs, bacon, sausage, and three types of cheese, this dish is rich, comforting, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something extra special, this casserole delivers big on flavor and satisfaction.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. You can even assemble it the night before, so all you have to do in the morning is pop it in the oven. If you love a comforting breakfast, you might also enjoy these Heart-Shaped Grilled Cheese Sandwiches or this classic French Toast Recipe.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

Perfect for a crowd – Serves 12 and is great for potlucks, brunch gatherings, or meal prep
Make-ahead convenience – Assemble it the night before and bake fresh in the morning
Easily customizable – Swap out meats, add veggies, or change up the cheeses
Budget-friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients

Taste & Texture

This Amish Breakfast Casserole is rich, cheesy, and packed with layers of flavor. The eggs make it fluffy, while the crispy bacon and sausage bring a savory, smoky taste. The hash browns add a subtle crispness, and the mix of cheddar, Swiss, and cottage cheese makes it ultra-creamy and decadent.

Dietary Attributes

While this dish is not naturally gluten-free or keto, you can modify it easily. Use gluten-free hash browns or reduce the amount of potatoes for a lower-carb option.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

12 large eggs
1 pound bacon (diced)
1 pound breakfast sausage (crumbled)
1 medium onion (finely chopped)
3 cups hash brown potatoes (shredded)
2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
2 cups Swiss cheese (shredded)
2 cups cottage cheese
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)

Notes on Quality

For the best flavor, use high-quality bacon and sausage. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties, and using fresh hash browns rather than frozen can enhance texture.

Possible Substitutions

Swap the cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy kick
Use turkey sausage or plant-based alternatives for a lighter option
Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter.

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

In the same skillet, add the crumbled breakfast sausage and chopped onion. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and the onion is softened, about 7-8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs with salt and pepper until well beaten.

Add the shredded hash brown potatoes, cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, cottage cheese, cooked bacon, sausage, and sautéed onions to the beaten eggs. Mix until well combined.

Pour the egg mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

Use room-temperature eggs for a fluffier texture
Let the casserole rest for at least five minutes before slicing to hold its shape

Common Mistakes

Overcooking can dry out the casserole, so check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean
Using too much cheese can make the casserole greasy, so balance the cheese-to-egg ratio

Time-Saving Tips

Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh fruit salad or a light side of mixed greens.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color.

Beverage Pairings

Serve with fresh orange juice, coffee, or a breakfast smoothie for a well-rounded meal. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more refined, try pairing it with a homemade French Omelette with Fines Herbes.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If freezing, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.

Reheating Methods

Microwave: Heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes, covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out
Oven: Reheat at 325°F for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I use ham instead of bacon and sausage? Yes, diced ham works great as a substitute.

Can I make this dairy-free? You can use dairy-free cheese and swap cottage cheese for a plant-based alternative.

Troubleshooting

What if my casserole is too runny? Bake it for an extra 5-10 minutes until the center is fully set.

Why is my casserole dry? Reduce the baking time and check for doneness around the 35-minute mark.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

For a gluten-free version, ensure your hash browns are certified gluten-free.

For a lower-carb variation, replace the hash browns with chopped cauliflower.

Flavor Twists

Spicy: Add diced jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne pepper
Italian-Inspired: Use mozzarella cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian sausage
Mexican Style: Swap the Swiss cheese for pepper jack and top with salsa and avocado

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

For a festive twist, add diced red and green bell peppers during the holidays for a Christmas-inspired casserole.

Conclusion

This Amish Breakfast Casserole is the perfect dish for any morning occasion. It’s cheesy, hearty, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re preparing for a big family gathering or just looking for a meal-prep-friendly breakfast, this casserole is sure to become a favorite. If you try it, be sure to leave a review and let us know how it turned out.

For more delicious breakfast recipes, check out Heart-Shaped Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Classic French Toast, or French Omelette with Fines Herbes.

Looking for more inspiration? Follow us on Pinterest for the latest recipe ideas: Cooking with Callie on Pinterest

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