Easter Breakfast Casserole
Easter Breakfast Casserole is a rich and flavorful baked dish made with eggs, cheese, breakfast meat, and potatoes or bread. The ingredients are layered together and baked until golden and fluffy. This casserole is perfect for holiday mornings because it can feed a large group and requires minimal preparation. Many versions can be assembled ahead of time for easy morning cooking. Its savory flavors and comforting texture make it a popular brunch centerpiece. Easy to customize, it suits a variety of tastes and dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage or diced ham
- 2 cups frozen hash brown potatoes
- 8 large eggs
- 1½ cups milk
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup diced bell pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned. If using ham, skip this step.
- Prepare base: Spread hash browns evenly in the baking dish.
- Add meat and vegetables: Sprinkle cooked sausage (or ham), onion, and bell pepper over the potatoes.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mixture.
- Whisk eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Pour mixture: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the ingredients in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until the eggs are set and the top is lightly golden.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes and garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
- Diced ham works especially well for Easter meals.
- Frozen hash browns save preparation time.
- Swiss or Monterey Jack cheese can replace cheddar.
- Spinach or mushrooms can be added for extra vegetables.
- The casserole can be assembled the night before.
- Allow it to cool slightly before slicing for neat portions.
- Whole milk creates a creamier texture.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.