If you are searching for a hearty, delicious, and downright comforting breakfast that brings warmth and nostalgia to the table, look no further than the Amish Breakfast Casserole Recipe. This dish is a perfect harmony of crispy bacon, savory sausage, tender hash browns, and a rich blend of cheeses all held together by fluffy eggs and creamy cottage cheese. It’s like a cozy morning hug in casserole form, ideal for family gatherings or a weekend treat when you want something that feels like it took hours but is surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Amish Breakfast Casserole Recipe calls for a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the irresistible layers of flavor and texture. From the crispy bacon to the smooth blend of cheeses, every component elevates the dish making it a true crowd-pleaser.
- 1 lb sliced bacon (chopped): Adds smoky crispiness and depth of flavor that anchors the casserole.
- ½ lb sausage: Offers a savory punch and hearty texture to balance the eggs and potatoes.
- 4 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes: The comforting starch base, providing a tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: A subtle seasoning that enhances the overall savory profile without overpowering.
- 9 large eggs: Acts as the rich, binding agent giving the casserole its fluffy, custard-like texture.
- 1½ cups small curd cottage cheese: Adds creaminess and a slight tang that makes the dish wonderfully moist.
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese: Brings a sharp, melty goodness that every bite needs.
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese: Provides a mild sweetness and gooey melt that complements the Cheddar perfectly.
How to Make Amish Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF, ensuring it’s just the right temperature to bake the casserole evenly. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well to prevent sticking and make cleaning up a breeze—this step matters for a beautiful presentation and easy serving afterward.
Step 2: Cook the Meats
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon and sausage until they are fully cooked and nicely browned. This not only develops their flavor but also renders out any excess fat. Once done, drain the fat for a less greasy casserole while keeping all that savory goodness.
Step 3: Blend Eggs and Cottage Cheese
Place the eggs and small curd cottage cheese into a food processor or blender. Blend them until smooth and creamy. This creates a fluffy, rich custard base that will soak through the hash browns and meats, holding everything together beautifully.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, stir together the cooked bacon, sausage, frozen hash brown potatoes, garlic powder, the blended egg mixture, Cheddar cheese, and Swiss cheese. Mixing everything ensures that every forkful will have a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Place it on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and the center to be set but still moist. This slow baking melds all the flavors into that classic Amish breakfast deliciousness.
How to Serve Amish Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes such as chopped parsley or green onions add a burst of color and freshness at serving time. A dollop of sour cream or a little hot sauce on the side can bring a delightful zing depending on what you love to pair with hearty breakfasts.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple fruit salad or fresh berries to brighten up the palate. For something savory, a side of roasted vegetables or warm, buttery toast would round out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch gathering, cut the Amish Breakfast Casserole Recipe into individual squares and serve them on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of jams, salsas, or fresh herbs. You can also sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top a few minutes before baking for a golden cheesy crust that impresses visually and taste-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it a convenient and delicious next-day breakfast or lunch.
Freezing
If you want to make this Amish Breakfast Casserole Recipe ahead of time for busy mornings, it freezes beautifully. Prepare and bake the casserole, then allow it to cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Frozen casserole can last up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes, or heat the whole casserole covered with foil in a 350ºF oven for about 20 minutes until warmed through. This keeps the texture tender and melty without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the bacon and sausage with plant-based alternatives or add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach for a vegetarian version that’s still full of flavor and texture.
What type of cheese works best for this casserole?
Cheddar and Swiss cheeses are traditional and provide a fantastic flavor combo. However, you can experiment with mozzarella for extra gooeyness or pepper jack to add a mild spicy kick.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, shredding fresh potatoes works well, but make sure to squeeze out excess moisture before using to avoid a soggy casserole. Frozen hash browns are just more convenient and consistent in texture.
Is it possible to assemble this casserole the night before?
Definitely! Prepare the casserole, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply pop it into the oven; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I serve with the Amish Breakfast Casserole Recipe for a complete brunch?
Pair it with fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, pastries, and a hot beverage like coffee or tea. Light salads with citrus vinaigrettes also complement the richness of the casserole nicely.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Amish Breakfast Casserole Recipe, it’s bound to become a staple in your breakfast rotation. It’s a wonderful way to bring family together over a dish that feels both special and comforting at the same time. Easy to make, endlessly satisfying, and full of flavors everyone loves, it’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth and sets the perfect tone for any day.
Print
Amish Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Amish Breakfast Casserole combines savory bacon and sausage with tender hash browns, creamy cottage cheese, and a blend of sharp Cheddar and Swiss cheeses. Perfect for a comforting family breakfast or brunch, this casserole bakes to golden perfection with a creamy texture and rich flavors.
Ingredients
Meats
- 1 lb sliced bacon, chopped
- ½ lb sausage
Vegetables & Potatoes
- 4 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
Spices
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Dairy & Eggs
- 9 large eggs
- 1½ cups small curd cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Set it aside while you prepare the other components.
- Cook Meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon and sausage until fully browned and cooked through. Once done, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Blend Eggs and Cottage Cheese: Place the 9 large eggs and 1½ cups of small curd cottage cheese in a food processor or blender. Blend the mixture until completely smooth; this will help the casserole achieve a creamy, cohesive texture.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked bacon and sausage, frozen shredded hash browns, blended egg and cottage cheese mixture, shredded Cheddar cheese, shredded Swiss cheese, and garlic powder. Mix gently but thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the mixed casserole ingredients evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Smooth the top for an even bake.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the center. Remove from oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the sausage with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Ensure the hash browns are thawed or partially thawed for even cooking.
- Feel free to add diced onions or bell peppers to the meat mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- Allow the casserole to rest for at least 5 minutes after baking to make slicing easier.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
