This Amish Breakfast Casserole is a warm and hearty dish that’s perfect for starting your day. With layers of eggs, cheese, and tasty sausage, it’s a cozy meal everyone will love!
I often make this the night before for an easy morning brunch. Just pop it in the oven, and you’ll have a delicious smell filling your kitchen—talk about waking up happy! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: Large eggs are the base of this casserole, adding richness and protein. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can substitute with egg whites or a vegan egg replacer for a lighter or plant-based option.
Cottage Cheese: This adds creaminess and a subtle tang. If you’re not a fan, you can swap in ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt. Both offer a similar texture but will slightly change the flavor.
Breakfast Sausage: I love using bulk breakfast sausage for its flavor, but turkey sausage or a vegetarian sausage option works great too. Just cook them thoroughly before adding to the casserole.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar gives the casserole a classic taste. Feel free to experiment with colby jack or Monterey jack cheese, or even a dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free version!
How Do I Ensure My Casserole is Perfectly Set?
Getting the right texture in your casserole is important. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure to whisk the egg mixture thoroughly so everything is well combined.
- Keep an eye on the baking time! Start checking around 40 minutes. You want a slight jiggle in the center when you take it out.
- Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This allows it to finish setting and makes it easier to slice.
Following these simple steps will help you achieve the perfect texture in your breakfast casserole, ensuring a delightful experience!
Amish Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 pound bulk breakfast sausage
For Garnishing (Optional):
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Amish Breakfast Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare, followed by 40-45 minutes of baking time. Total time is approximately 1 hour, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal without spending all day in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar casserole dish and give it a good greasing. This helps prevent the casserole from sticking later on.
2. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the 8 large eggs, 2 cups of cottage cheese, 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1/4 cup of milk, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder until everything is well blended. This mixture will be creamy and delicious!
3. Add the Cheese:
Now, stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to your egg mixture. This adds a cheesy goodness that makes the casserole extra tasty!
4. Cook the Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bulk breakfast sausage until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked. Make sure to drain off any excess grease for a lighter casserole.
5. Layer the Sausage:
Spread the cooked sausage evenly at the bottom of your greased baking dish. This layer will provide fabulous flavor throughout the casserole.
6. Add the Egg Mixture:
Pour the egg mixture over the sausage, ensuring it’s distributed evenly throughout the dish.
7. Top It Off:
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole for that melty, cheesy finish.
8. Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake it uncovered for about 40-45 minutes. It’s ready when it’s set in the center and the top is nice and golden-brown.
9. Garnish and Serve:
For a lovely touch, you can top the casserole with chopped cooked bacon and green onions before serving, but this is optional. It adds a burst of flavor and color!
10. Enjoy!
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This little break helps it hold its shape when you serve it. Then, dig in and enjoy this hearty, cheesy breakfast delight!
Perfect for any morning meal or brunch, this Amish Breakfast Casserole will surely become a family favorite!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. In the morning, simply bake it directly from the fridge—you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What Can I Substitute for the Breakfast Sausage?
You can substitute breakfast sausage with turkey sausage or a vegetarian alternative. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the casserole to maintain the right texture and flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through. If it appears dry, a splash of milk can help revive the creaminess!
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! Just let it cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F until warmed through. Enjoy your hearty breakfast!
