Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole (Easy + Cheesy)

If you’re looking for the kind of breakfast recipe that feeds a crowd, tastes like pure comfort food, and makes everyone ask for seconds, this Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole (Easy + Cheesy) is exactly what you need.

This dish is warm, hearty, rich, and loaded with flavor—thanks to savory Italian sausage, soft sautéed onions, golden diced hash browns, and a creamy, cheesy egg base that bakes into the perfect sliceable casserole. It’s the ultimate make-ahead breakfast for holidays (think Christmas morning, Easter brunch, or Thanksgiving weekend), but it’s just as good on a random Saturday when you want breakfast that feels special without any stress.

The best part? This casserole is truly easy + cheesy (no fancy steps and no weird ingredients). You can prep it ahead, bake it fresh, and enjoy leftovers that reheat like a dream—meaning it’s also ideal for meal prep or even breakfast-for-dinner when you want something comforting and filling.

In this post, you’ll learn everything you need to master the Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole (Easy + Cheesy)—from ingredient tips and variations to storage, reheating, and serving ideas so you can make it your own.

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Why This Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole (Easy + Cheesy) Works Every Time

There are so many breakfast casserole recipes online, but this one stands out because it’s simple, reliable, and always delicious. Here’s why it works so well:

✅ 1) It uses frozen hash browns (easy!)

Frozen diced hash browns are the real secret weapon. They’re affordable, consistent, and already prepped—so you skip peeling, chopping, and soaking potatoes. And the diced texture makes each bite hearty and satisfying.

✅ 2) The egg mixture binds everything perfectly

Eggs + milk create a soft, custard-like base that holds the casserole together so it slices cleanly.

✅ 3) Italian sausage brings bold flavor

Italian sausage adds seasoning right into the casserole—garlic, fennel, pepper, herbs—so you don’t need much extra spice to make it taste amazing.

✅ 4) Two layers of cheese = best texture

Mixing cheese inside gives you melty pockets throughout, and topping it at the end creates that irresistible cheesy blanket on top.

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Who Will Love This Recipe?

This Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole (Easy + Cheesy) is perfect for:

• Busy parents who want an easy breakfast for the week

• Holiday hosts feeding family brunch

• Meal preppers looking for a high-protein breakfast option

• Anyone who loves hash browns, cheese, and comforting casseroles

• People who want a “set it and forget it” oven recipe

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Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole (Easy + Cheesy): Ingredients

You only need a few easy ingredients, but each one plays an important role.

What You’ll Need

• 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked

• 1 yellow onion, chopped (sautéed in sausage grease)

• 7 large eggs

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 (20 oz) bag frozen diced hash browns

• 8 oz mild cheddar cheese, grated

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredient Tips for the Best Results

Italian Sausage

• Mild Italian sausage is classic.

• Hot Italian sausage adds a spicy kick (highly recommended if you like heat).

• Turkey or chicken sausage also works for a lighter version.

Onion

Sautéing the onion in the sausage grease is a huge flavor boost. Don’t skip it—this simple step makes your casserole taste restaurant-level.

Eggs

7 eggs creates a rich, sturdy casserole that sets beautifully.

Milk

Milk keeps the egg mixture light and creamy.

• Want it richer? Use half-and-half.

• Want it lighter? Use 2% milk.

Hash Browns

Diced hash browns make the casserole chunky and hearty.
You can substitute shredded hash browns, but the texture changes (it becomes more “smooth” and packed).

Cheddar Cheese

Mild cheddar keeps things classic and crowd-friendly.
You can also use:

• sharp cheddar (more punch)

• Monterey Jack (milder, extra melty)

• Colby Jack (great for kids)

• pepper jack (adds a little spice)

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Equipment You’ll Need

Nothing fancy here:

• 9×13-inch baking dish (recommended)

• large skillet

• mixing bowl

• whisk

• spatula

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How to Make Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole (Easy + Cheesy)

This recipe is incredibly simple, but these steps will ensure perfect texture and maximum flavor.

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish (or medium casserole dish) with non-stick spray.

Step 2: Cook the sausage

Cook the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked.

Break it up into crumbles as it cooks.

Step 3: Sauté the onions

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out!), sauté the chopped onion in the sausage grease until softened, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 4: Whisk eggs + milk

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• eggs

• milk

Whisk until smooth and fully combined.

Step 5: Combine everything

Add:

• hash browns

• cooked sausage

• sautéed onions

• grated cheddar

• salt and pepper

Stir until evenly mixed.

Step 6: Assemble

Pour mixture into prepared baking dish.

Reserve about 1 cup cheese for topping (this gives the top the best cheesy finish).

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 35 minutes.

Step 8: Add cheese topping

Remove casserole from oven, sprinkle with reserved cheese, and bake for 8 more minutes until melted.

Step 9: Rest and slice

Let the casserole rest 15–20 minutes before slicing.

This helps it set so you get clean slices instead of a runny casserole.

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Tips for Best Results (Easy + Cheesy Every Time!)

To truly master this Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole (Easy + Cheesy), follow these tips:

✅ Thaw hash browns slightly

Let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before mixing.

This helps them bake evenly and prevents excess moisture.

✅ Grate cheese from a block

Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that make it melt less smoothly.

Block cheese = better melt, better texture.

✅ Don’t skip the rest time

Resting is not optional if you want perfect slices.

✅ Season lightly, then taste

Italian sausage already has seasoning. Add salt carefully.

✅ Make it richer (optional)

Swap milk for:

• half-and-half
  or

• heavy cream (extra indulgent)

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Make-Ahead Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole

This is one of the biggest reasons people love this recipe—you can prep it ahead.

Option 1: Assemble the Night Before

1. Prepare the sausage and onions

2. Mix everything together

3. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight

4. Bake in the morning

✅ Tip: Let the casserole sit at room temp 15–20 minutes before baking.

Option 2: Bake Ahead and Reheat

Bake it fully, cool, refrigerate, then reheat slices throughout the week.

Perfect for meal prep breakfasts.

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Variations (Fun Ways to Customize This Casserole)

One reason this recipe is so popular is how flexible it is. Here are delicious ways to change it up while keeping the same “easy + cheesy” base.

1) Bacon Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole

Swap sausage with:

• cooked bacon (crumbled)

Or do half bacon / half sausage for max flavor.

2) Veggie Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole

Add any of these:

• diced bell peppers

• mushrooms

• spinach

• zucchini

• broccoli

✅ Tip: sauté watery veggies first (like mushrooms) so your casserole doesn’t get soggy.

3) Spicy Southwest Version

Add:

• pepper jack cheese

• diced jalapeños

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1/2 tsp cumin

• topping of salsa + avocado

4) Ham and Cheese Version

Swap sausage for:

• diced ham

This makes it taste like a cheesy breakfast “ham and potatoes” bake.

5) Extra Creamy Version

Mix in:

• 4 oz cream cheese (cubed)
  or

• 1/2 cup sour cream

This creates a rich, creamy texture.

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What to Serve with Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole

This casserole is filling on its own, but pairing it with something fresh makes it even better.

Best Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad

• Orange slices or berries

• Simple green salad (for breakfast-for-dinner!)

• Yogurt parfaits

• Toast, biscuits, or croissants

Drinks for Brunch

• Coffee (hot or iced)

• Fresh juice

• Smoothies

• Mint tea

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Storage and Reheating

This casserole stores and reheats incredibly well—which makes it even more valuable.

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 2 months.

How to freeze:

• Cool casserole completely

• Slice into portions

• Wrap slices tightly and store in freezer bags

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How to Reheat Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole

Microwave (fastest)

Microwave individual slices for 45–90 seconds.

✅ Tip: Cover with a damp paper towel so it stays moist.

Oven (best texture)

Bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, until heated through.

Air Fryer (crispy edges!)

Heat at 350°F for 6–8 minutes.

This method gives you crispy edges and melty cheese.

Print

Nutrition (Estimated Per Serving)

Based on 8 servings (values vary by brands used):

• Calories: 350–420

• Protein: 18–22g

• Carbohydrates: 18–25g

• Fat: 22–28g

• Saturated Fat: 9–12g

• Fiber: 2–3g

To make it lighter, use:

• turkey sausage

• reduced-fat cheese

• 2% milk

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use shredded hash browns instead of diced?

Yes! It works great, but the texture becomes softer and more “packed.” Diced gives a chunkier bite.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Most versions are naturally gluten-free—just double-check your sausage labels.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, but you’ll need:

• two 9×13 pans
  or

• one large deep roasting pan

Can I add more eggs?

You can add 1 extra egg if you want it more custardy. But 7 eggs is a great balance.

How do I know when it’s done?

The center should be set (not liquidy). A knife inserted should come out mostly clean.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole (Easy + Cheesy) is one of those recipes that instantly becomes a “forever favorite.” It’s the kind of breakfast that feels cozy and satisfying, but it’s also practical—because it uses simple ingredients, feeds a lot of people, and reheats like it was made fresh.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, prepping breakfast for the week, or just craving something cheesy and comforting, this casserole delivers every time. The combination of fluffy eggs, hearty potatoes, savory sausage, and melty cheddar is classic for a reason—it’s guaranteed to be loved.