The Best Breakfast Casserole (2024)

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The Best Breakfast Casserole is a thick and creamy egg base with shreddedpotatoes, chunks of ham and flavorful cheese blends that bakes up in no time. Make ahead or enjoy the morning of during the holidays!

Breakfast for the holidays is a favorite for us! If you love breakfast casseroles as much as I do try thisSlow Cooker Breakfast Casserole, Overnight Breakfast Casseroleor Overnight Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole.

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Amazing Breakfast Casserole

A delicious and hearty breakfast casserole that is the BEST that you will make!When I tell you that this is the BEST breakfast casserole it is no joke.I have made a few breakfast casseroles in my day and this one became an instant favorite!I especially love this casserole because it is so hearty and full of wonderful breakfast goodness.

It is a classic breakfast casserole with amazing flavor.It has hash browns packed right inside which is my favorite part.Simple ingredients for a simple egg base that is exploding with flavor.Your family will love this easy breakfast casserole this holiday season.It is perfect for baking ahead of time or making it the morning of.This breakfast casserole is sure to please your entire family this holiday season!

What you need to make a Breakfast Dish

This breakfast is perfect any time of the year but greatfor Christmas!Simple and easy recipe that bakes up perfectly and can feed a crowd.All the right ingredients that are simple and comes together quickly.It is packed and loaded with all the favors you will love.You take everything out the night before and throw it in the oven in the morning.It can feed a lot of people which is awesome.I have our traditional Sticky buns on the menu for Christmas along with this amazing casserole.When I made it last week for my hubby, we couldn’t seem to get enough of it!Luckily it makes a big casserole and is enough to feed a small army!Try it out for yourself! You will agree that it is amazing!

  • Shredded potatoes: frozen and they do not need to be thawed.
  • Salt and pepper: to taste
  • Eggs: whisked together
  • Half and half: adds creamy texture and thickness.
  • Season salt: more flavoring
  • Cheddar cheese: grated
  • Pepper jack cheese: grated
  • Ham: chopped to your liking. I prefer thicker pieces but go as little as you would like.

How to Make a Breakfast Casserole

This breakfast casserole is the BEST for so many reasons.One of which, is how simple this breakfast casserole recipe comes together quickly and is in the oven in minutes.There is not a lot of planning and prepping for this breakfast casserole recipe.It makes it simple and easy to throw together and place in the oven to bake.Make this ahead of time and when ready to bake simply take out of the refrigerator and bake.This tried and true breakfast casserole is so simple and everyone loves the blended flavoring.Try the BEST breakfast casserole with your family this holiday season!

  • Prepare pan and add ingredients:Grease a 9×13 inch pan. Add the frozen and shredded potatoes to the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Whisk eggs:In a large bowl, whisk the eggs together.
  • Add remaining ingredients:Then add half and half, season salt, cheddar cheese, pepper jack, and chopped ham.
  • Pour into pan and refrigerate: Pour over the top of the frozen potatoes. Cover with foil and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
  • Bake your breakfast casserole:Bake covered in foil at 350 degrees for 90 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

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What to Serve with a Delicious Breakfast Casserole

Make this a complete meal by adding a little extra on the side.This breakfast casserole recipe has all the greatness inside it and can be a great breakfast all by itself.If you are looking for a more complete meal, add sides that will make this breakfast casserole recipe more complete.With these extra sides, this breakfast casserole will be one amazing meal all together.Here are some ideas of what can go along with this breakfast casserole recipe during the holiday season.

  • Fruit:Christmas Fruit Salad or The Best Winter Fruit Salad
  • Bread:Buttermilk Biscuits
  • Potatoes: Skillet Potatoes with Peppers or Baked Parmesan Hash browns Recipe
  • Meat:Bacon, sausage or ham from my Classic Honey Glazed Ham recipe.
  • French Toast: Secret Ingredient French Toast Recipeor Creme Brûlée French Toast
  • Pancakes: The Best Buttermilk Pancakesor Best Ever German Oven Pancake
  • Muffins:Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins or Fruit Explosion Muffins

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Mix It Up!

There are so many fun things to add into this casserole to make it even better and flavorful.Switch ingredients around or add in new ones that you prefer for your family.This breakfast recipe continues to get better and better. That is why it is the BEST!There are so many options with this breakfast casserole recipe that it makes it so fun to make often.Make this Tater Tot Breakfast Casseroleby substituting the frozen hash browns for a layer of frozen tater tots.Adding and substituting ingredients makes this breakfast better every time you make it.

Try some of these fun variations in this breakfast casserole and find what you enjoy best!

  • Vegetables:bell peppers, spinach or kale, tomato (fresh or canned), broccoli, mushrooms or onions are great add ins.
  • Meat:bacon, variations of sausage, shredded chicken, ground beef or left over turkey.
  • Cream:not a fan of half and half, you can use whipping cream for a thicker, richer breakfast or simply use milk that you have on hand.
  • Cheese: Swiss cheese, Colby jack or mozzarella work well and melt perfectly when baked.
  • Spicy: red pepper flakes, green chilies or green onions are fun way to add a little heat.
  • Potatoes: rather than shredded potatoes, diced or flavorful frozen potatoes will work great.

Tips for Making the Perfect Breakfast Casserole

Here are some tips for making this breakfast casserole even better and easier on you.This recipe is fun to make different variations, make ahead or even the morning of.There are so many great things that make this casserole the BEST!These tips will help you better understand how to bake this breakfast for you to enjoy with your family.

  • Covering orNot Cover:This is an option. I recommend not covering it so the topping can have that nice crisp edge. If you prefer to cook it covered be sure to uncover 10 to 15 minutes remaining, cook uncovered for that crisp crust on top.
  • Keep your potatoes frozen: No, there is no need to thaw the potatoes. They will cook frozen.
  • How to know when breakfast is done: once the outside edges become golden brown and the egg mixture in the middle is firm ( check by rocking the pan). Use a toothpick or knife to check if it is completely cooked through. You can also use a thermometer to check to see if the breakfast casserole has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Drain grease:if you are using any other meat in the breakfast casserole, be sure to drain the meat prior to adding it in the dish.
  • Gluten free:make this gluten free by keeping with this breakfast recipe. Check your labels on other ingredients to make sure.

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Storing Breakfast Casserole

Make this ahead of time the night before or morning of, this breakfast casserole recipe is sure to please!It makes it perfect for storing for the busy Christmas morning breakfast or weekend breakfast that you want to sleep in and wake up to it baking.This is just another reason why this breakfast casserole recipe is the BEST or the BEST!

So many options and plans for this breakfast casserole to make your holiday mornings even easier and better.

  • Making ahead: Simply follow the instructions until you are ready to bake. Cover with aluminum foil or lid and place in your refrigerator. When you are ready to bake, simply take it out of the refrigerator and bake it according to the instructions. This will sit in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Can you freeze a casserole? Yes, this is perfect for freezing. Make and bake your breakfast casserole. Once it has completely cooled down, place in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Lay flat in your freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to warm up, place on baking sheet frozen and bake until warmed through about 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Warming up the casserole:To reheat breakfast casserole add it to the microwave or covered in the oven. Checking it occasionally until it has been warmed through.

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More delicious breakfast recipes

  • Incredible Blueberry Buttermilk Breakfast Cake
  • Breakfast Sausage Avocado Burritos
  • Best Banana Pancakes
  • Perfect Crepes
  • Monte Cristo Croissant Sandwich

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The Best Breakfast Casserole

4.62 from 80 votes

By: Alyssa Rivers

The Best Breakfast Casserole is a thick and creamy egg base with shreddedpotatoes, chunks of ham and flavorful cheese blends that bakes up in no time. Make ahead or enjoy the morning of during the holidays!

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 12 people

Ingredients

  • 24 ounces frozen shredded potatoes
  • salt and pepper
  • 12 eggs
  • 2 cup half and half
  • 1 teaspoon season salt
  • 1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese grated
  • 1 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese grated
  • 2 cup chopped ham Or your preferred meat, sausage would also be great

Instructions

  • Grease a 9x13 inch pan. Add the frozen and shredded potatoes to the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

  • In a large bowl, whisk the eggs together. Then add half and half, season salt, cheddar cheese, pepper jack, and chopped ham.

  • Pour over the top of the frozen potatoes. Cover with foil and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.

  • Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 90 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

Updated on December 7, 2019

Original Post on December 22, 2014

Nutrition

Calories: 225kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 14gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 206mgSodium: 436mgPotassium: 138mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 630IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 274mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

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About Alyssa Rivers

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Alyssa Rivers and the food blogger behind The Recipe Critic. The blog launched in 2012 as a place to share my passion for cooking. I love trying new things and testing them out with my family. Each recipe is tried and true, family-tested and approved.

Read More About Me

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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or opinions, but I can provide you with information related to the concepts used in this article. Here's an overview of the concepts mentioned:

  1. Breakfast Casserole: A breakfast casserole is a dish made with a combination of ingredients such as eggs, cheese, meat, and vegetables, baked together in a casserole dish. It is a popular breakfast option that can be prepared ahead of time and baked in the morning.

  2. Shredded Potatoes: Shredded potatoes are potatoes that have been grated or shredded into thin pieces. They are often used as a base or filling in breakfast casseroles.

  3. Ham: Ham is a type of meat that comes from the hind leg of a pig. It is often used in breakfast casseroles for added flavor and protein.

  4. Cheese: Cheese is a dairy product made from the curdled milk of cows, goats, or sheep. It is often added to breakfast casseroles for its creamy texture and savory flavor. In the article, cheddar cheese and pepper jack cheese are mentioned as options for the casserole.

  5. Eggs: Eggs are a common ingredient in breakfast casseroles, serving as a binder for the other ingredients. They provide protein and help create a creamy texture when baked.

  6. Half and Half: Half and half is a dairy product that is a blend of equal parts whole milk and heavy cream. It is often used in recipes to add richness and creaminess.

  7. Season Salt: Season salt is a seasoning blend that typically contains salt, pepper, garlic powder, and other herbs and spices. It adds flavor to the casserole.

  8. Baking: Baking is a cooking method that uses dry heat in an oven to cook food. In the case of the breakfast casserole, it is baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 90 minutes.

  9. Make Ahead: The article mentions that the breakfast casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for 2 hours or overnight before baking. This is convenient for busy mornings or when hosting guests.

  10. Serving Suggestions: The article suggests serving the breakfast casserole with additional side dishes to make it a complete meal. Some suggestions include fruit salad, bread, potatoes, meat, French toast, pancakes, or muffins.

  11. Variations: The article suggests various ingredient substitutions and additions to customize the breakfast casserole to personal preferences. These include adding vegetables, different meats, using different types of cheese, adding spice, or using different types of potatoes.

  12. Storage: The article provides instructions for storing the breakfast casserole. It can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking or frozen for up to 1 month after baking.

Please note that the information provided is based on the concepts mentioned in this article. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!

The Best Breakfast Casserole (2024)

FAQs

What is John Wayne casserole made of? ›

That's right, the iconic John Wayne Casserole is named after none other than the actor himself. Typically, you'll find that most recipes call for refrigerated biscuits or Bisquick, onions, red bell peppers, jalapeño peppers, sour cream, mayonnaise, ground beef, tomatoes, taco seasoning, and Cheddar cheese.

Why do you have to refrigerate breakfast casserole overnight? ›

The casserole is covered and refrigerated overnight to allow the liquid ingredients to be absorbed into the bread. This is a perishable mixture and should be cooked the morning or day after assembly. Bake in an oven set no lower than 325 °F. Most recipes suggest 350 °F.

Why is my breakfast casserole soggy? ›

Incorrect oven temperature - Casseroles that are baked at an oven temperature that is too low may not cook evenly, resulting in a soggy top and a firm or crunchy bottom. Too much liquid - Casseroles that have too much liquid may not be able to absorb all of the moisture, leading to a soggy top.

What is Jackie Kennedy casserole? ›

A simple homemade side dish recipe with egg noodles, sauteed onions and a simple sour cream sauce very much like Beef Stroganoff or Noodles Romanoff. Sonya Tesch. Dinners.

What is the oldest known casserole? ›

Macaroni and cheese is the oldest written casserole recipe found in 1250.

Can you leave raw egg mixture in fridge? ›

If you've got raw egg yolks or whites left over from a recipe which you don't want to waste (let's face it, why would you?), you can store them in the fridge as long as you plan to use them within the next few days.

Can you make egg casserole 2 days ahead without? ›

Cover the casserole and store it (unbaked) in the refrigerator overnight or up to one day. Bake in the morning, according to recipe instructions. To freeze breakfast casserole prepare the recipe and add to your pan. Cover well with plastic wrap and then tinfoil and freeze for 2-3 months.

Can you eat cooked eggs left out? ›

Never leave cooked eggs or egg dishes out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours or for more than 1 hour when temperatures are above 90° F. Bacteria that can cause illness grow quickly at warm temperatures (between 40° F and 140° F).

How do you thicken breakfast casserole? ›

Make a cornstarch slurry for a fast and easy thickener.

Use one tablespoon of cornstarch per cup of liquid you would like to thicken. Stir out all the lumps. A few minutes before your casserole is done, add it a little at a time until you are happy with the thickness. Then, let the casserole finish baking.

How many days will a breakfast casserole last in the fridge? ›

How long can you keep the baked egg casserole in the fridge? Egg bake casserole is typically safe to eat for up to 5 days, though the texture is best if eaten within a day or two. To keep it fresh, store it well-covered or in an airtight container.

How do you know when breakfast casserole is done? ›

However, when it comes to knowing definitively that your casserole is done, Kitchen Seer states there is really only one way: A food thermometer. You will need to ensure the internal temperature is at a minimum of 165 degrees F. If you don't have a thermometer, it may be time to invest in one.

What is the difference between a quiche and a breakfast casserole? ›

Egg Casserole

They are heartier than a quiche, leaning more towards a strata in texture. If you are dairy-free, you can use almond, cashew, coconut, hemp, rice, soy milk, or any other non-dairy milk you prefer.

What's the difference between a breakfast casserole and a strata? ›

Strata is otherwise known as “the breakfast casserole that your overnight guests will think you toiled away on all morning when in reality, you simply whipped it up the night before and just popped in the oven.” “Strata” is much shorter. Stratas are egg casseroles made with bread—lots of it.

Why do they call it a John Wayne casserole? ›

John Wayne first wrote the casserole recipe, but it looks a little different today. John Wayne Casserole was first popularized by the 1979 cookbook, "Cooking with Love from Cara and Her Friends," a collection of different celebrities' favorite dishes.

What is the main ingredient in a casserole? ›

In the United States, a casserole or hot dish is typically a baked food with three main components: pieces of meat (such as chicken or ground meat) or fish (such as tuna) or other protein (such as beans or tofu), various chopped or canned vegetables (such as green beans or peas), and a starchy binder (such as flour, ...

What are casserole dishes made of? ›

“A casserole dish and a baking dish are the same thing, an oven-safe piece of cookware, usually made of ceramic, porcelain, or glass,” says Anthony Contrino, Emmy-awarded culinary producer and food stylist. "They can come in various shapes, with the most common being rectangular, oval, or square.

What was the original casserole? ›

Casserole history

Apparently, casseroles originated as communal pots that people shared for meals. The oldest recipe for a casserole, around 1250, consisted of pasta sheets cooked in water, layered with grated cheese and spices.

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