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Loaded Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Let me tell you, this Loaded Breakfast Casserole Recipe is an absolute game-changer for mornings when you want something hearty, delicious, and totally satisfying. I first made it for a big family brunch, and it was a hit-everyone keeps asking when I ll make it again! The layers of sausage, ham, bacon, and melty cheese mixed with those crispy hash browns make it feel like a special treat, yet it s surprisingly simple to prepare.

What s great is how versatile this recipe is-you can prep it the night before for those busy mornings or whip it up fresh for weekend gatherings. Whether you need a crowd-pleaser for a holiday brunch or a make-ahead dish that feeds the whole family, this Loaded Breakfast Casserole Recipe is absolutely worth trying. You ll love how it combines convenience with that comforting, breakfast-for-dinner feeling.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and tasty layers that keep you fueled for hours.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it ahead of time for an easy morning or brunch without the stress.
  • Customizable Ingredients: Swap meats, cheeses, or add veggies to tailor it to your family’s preferences.
  • Great for Feeding a Crowd: Makes a generous 9×13 pan perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Loaded Breakfast Casserole Recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients that work beautifully together without fuss. Freshness and balance are key here – good quality sausage, crispy bacon, and the right cheese combo make all the difference.

  • Frozen Hash Brown Patties: They create a crispy, textured base that holds everything together nicely.
  • Breakfast Sausage: Cook it well and drain the fat so your casserole isn t greasy but still full of flavor.
  • Deli Ham: Chopped ham adds a smoky, slightly sweet layer; pre-cut cubes save you time.
  • Bacon: Cook until crisp and crumble for that irresistible crunch throughout the casserole.
  • Eggs: The binding agent that keeps everything moist and fluffy.
  • Milk: Helps create a creamy custard texture when mixed with eggs.
  • Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts effortlessly and adds mild creaminess.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese: A sharp bite that balances the richness with a bit of tang.
  • Seasonings (Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper, Slap Ya Mama (optional), Salt): These build layers of flavor and give the casserole a bit of zest.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Loaded Breakfast Casserole Recipe my own depending on the mood or what I have on hand. Feel free to swap in your favorite meats or toss in veggies like bell peppers or spinach for some extra color and nutrition!

  • Vegetable Boost: Adding sautéed onions, peppers, or mushrooms makes it feel fresher and even more satisfying in my experience.
  • Meat Mix-Up: I ve tried turkey sausage instead of pork for a lighter version that still packs flavor.
  • Cheese Swap: Swiss or Monterey Jack work beautifully if you want a different cheesy vibe.
  • Spicy Kick: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or swapping Slap Ya Mama for cayenne can give it a great little punch.

How to Make Loaded Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Base and Meats

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish so everything doesn t stick (I use a buttered silicone brush-it s less messy). Lay your frozen hash brown patties evenly on the bottom; I like to pop the dish in the oven briefly to start crisping these up while I cook the sausage and bacon. Don t skip cooking the sausage until browned and fully cooked, and be sure to drain the grease to keep the casserole from getting oily. Once the sausage, ham, and crumbled bacon are ready, layer them evenly over the hash browns.

Step 2: Whisk and Pour the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, and all the seasonings until fully combined and slightly frothy. Pour this custard mixture gently over your meat and hash brown layers, making sure it seeps into all those nooks and crannies. This step ensures every bite is rich, flavorful, and held together perfectly. Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap moisture and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle your shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for about 15-20 more minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Keep an eye on it near the end-this is when the magic happens and it turns into that ooey-gooey, irresistible breakfast masterpiece.

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Pro Tips for Making Loaded Breakfast Casserole Recipe

  • Don t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your hash browns some space so they crisp up nicely for that perfect texture contrast.
  • Drain Your Meats Well: This prevents sogginess and keeps your casserole from being greasy, which I learned the hard way!
  • Use a Sharp Cheese Blend: Something like sharp cheddar adds flavor depth that mild cheeses just can t match.
  • Cover with Foil While Baking: Keeping it covered during the first baking phase locks in moisture for a soft interior.

How to Serve Loaded Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Loaded Breakfast Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I m a big fan of topping this casserole with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions-it adds a bright hit of color and freshness that contrasts nicely with the richness. Sometimes I ll also add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce if the crowd likes a little extra zing.

Side Dishes

To keep things balanced, I like to serve this with a simple fruit salad or some fresh seasonal berries. For a more substantial brunch, a light green salad or sautéed asparagus pairs beautifully and keeps the meal from feeling too heavy.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes make individual portions using muffin tins instead of one big pan-perfect for a brunch buffet where everyone can grab their own serving. You can also cut the casserole into squares and serve on colorful plates with condiment options, adding a festive touch that makes mornings feel celebratory!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the casserole cool completely before covering tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then refrigerate. It keeps well for about 3-4 days and reheats wonderfully without losing that creamy, cheesy texture. It s perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks later in the week.

Freezing

Freezing this casserole is a lifesaver! After baking, cool it completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw in the fridge for a day or two and reheat in the oven. This way, you have a ready-made breakfast that feels fresh and homemade.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover leftovers with foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This prevents the cheese from drying out and keeps the casserole moist and delicious-trust me, it s better than the microwave for this one!

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen patties?

    Absolutely! You can shred fresh potatoes and par-cook them before layering, but frozen patties are a convenient shortcut that crisp up nicely. If using fresh, drain any excess moisture to avoid sogginess.

  2. Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

    Yes! Replace the meats with sautéed vegetables such as peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and even plant-based sausage alternatives. Use vegetable stock or milk alternatives and a vegetarian cheese to keep it meat-free.

  3. Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

    Definitely! One of my favorite parts about this Loaded Breakfast Casserole Recipe is how well it holds up when assembled ahead. Just cover tightly and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.

  4. How long does this casserole keep after baking?

    Stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, it ll stay delicious for up to 4 days. Beyond that, freezing is your best bet for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Breakfast Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it brings families and friends together over a meal that s as comforting as it is flavorful. It s one of those dishes where you really feel like breakfast and dinner cravings unite. I hope you give it a try and add your own personal touch-once you do, I m betting it ll become a go-to you ll make over and over again. Happy cooking!

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Loaded Breakfast Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 146 reviews
  • Author: Lucy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 15 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Loaded Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings. It features layers of crispy hash brown patties, savory sausage, ham, and bacon, all baked together with a flavorful egg mixture and topped with melted mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses. Easy to prepare ahead of time, this casserole offers a customizable base that can be tailored with your favorite meats, cheeses, and vegetables to suit any taste.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Base Layer

  • 10 Frozen Hash Brown Patties

Meats

  • 1 lb Breakfast Sausage, cooked, crumbled and drained
  • 8 oz Deli Ham, chopped (prepackaged cubed ham works as well)
  • 1 lb Bacon, cooked and crumbled

Egg Mixture

  • 12 Eggs
  • 1 cup Milk

Cheeses

  • 1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  • 1.5 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 tablespoon Onion Powder
  • 1 tablespoon Black Pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare it for baking the casserole.
  2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking. Place the frozen hash brown patties evenly on the bottom of the dish. For convenience, you can put the dish in the oven as you prepare the other ingredients to begin slightly warming the hash browns, though this step is optional.
  3. Layer the Meats: Evenly distribute the cooked, crumbled sausage, chopped ham, and crumbled bacon over the hash brown layer, creating a hearty, meaty base.
  4. Mix Eggs and Seasonings: In a large bowl, whisk together the 12 eggs with the cup of milk and all the seasonings—garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, optional Slap Ya Mama seasoning, and salt—until well combined.
  5. Pour Egg Mixture: Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered hash browns and meats, allowing it to seep through evenly.
  6. Initial Baking: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to cook the eggs through and meld flavors.
  7. Add Cheeses and Continue Baking: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses evenly on top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  8. Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving hot. Enjoy this loaded breakfast that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

Notes

  • This casserole can be assembled the night before; simply cover and refrigerate until ready to bake the next morning.
  • It freezes exceptionally well. After baking and cooling, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator 1-2 days prior and reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 20 minutes until warmed throughout.
  • Feel free to customize this recipe by adding vegetables such as peppers, onions, or mushrooms, and swapping meats or cheeses to suit your family’s preferences.
  • For a variation, substitute tater tots for the hash brown patties for a different texture and flavor experience.

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