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Easy Lazy Day Breakfast Casserole Recipe Make Ahead for Busy Mornings

easy lazy day breakfast casserole - featured image

A quick and easy make-ahead breakfast casserole perfect for busy mornings, featuring fluffy eggs, savory sausage, and melty cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 large eggs, preferably at room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk or 2% milk (can substitute almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 12 ounces (340 g) breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (113 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 cups (about 480 g) frozen hash browns, thawed
  • ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • ½ cup chopped red bell pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Butter or cooking spray for greasing the casserole dish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook 12 ounces of breakfast sausage, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain excess fat and set aside.
  3. Using the same pan, sauté ½ cup chopped yellow onion and ½ cup chopped red bell pepper until softened, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs and 1 cup milk until fully combined and slightly frothy. Add 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Whisk again.
  5. In the casserole dish, spread 4 cups thawed frozen hash browns evenly. Layer cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, then sprinkle 1 ½ cups cheddar and 1 cup mozzarella evenly on top.
  6. Slowly pour the egg and milk mixture over the layered ingredients. Press gently with a spatula to ensure everything is submerged.
  7. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight for make-ahead option, or bake immediately.
  8. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until eggs are set and top is golden brown. A knife inserted should come out clean.
  9. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For best results, thaw hash browns before using to avoid soggy texture. Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting. If baking immediately, watch casserole after 40 minutes to prevent over-browning. For make-ahead, remove from fridge 15 minutes before baking to reduce baking time slightly. Variations include swapping sausage for bacon, mushrooms, or vegetables; using dairy-free cheese and milk; or cooking in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, make-ahead breakfast, easy breakfast, sausage casserole, cheesy breakfast, lazy day breakfast, brunch recipe