🧀Amish Breakfast Casserole – Hearty, Cheesy & Made for Mornings

📌 Introduction

When you need a hearty, comforting breakfast that feeds a crowd, look no further than the Amish Breakfast Casserole. This beloved classic is loaded with eggs, hash browns, sausage, and a generous mix of cheeses — all baked together to golden, bubbly perfection.

Originating from traditional Amish kitchens, this dish reflects the wholesome, no-fuss cooking style of rural Pennsylvania. The Amish are known for their resourceful, family-centered meals, and this casserole delivers on every front: easy to make, budget-friendly, and endlessly satisfying.

Whether you’re prepping brunch for a holiday gathering, looking for a weekend breakfast that doubles as leftovers, or planning a make-ahead meal that keeps you full through the morning, this casserole is a dependable go-to.

Top reasons readers love this recipe:

• Simple ingredients and minimal prep

• Customizable with different meats or veggies

• Feeds 8–10 easily — ideal for guests or weekly meal prep

It’s comfort food with purpose — and once you try it, it’s sure to become a breakfast favorite in your own kitchen.

🔪 What You’ll Need

Preparing an Amish Breakfast Casserole doesn’t require fancy equipment — just a few dependable tools and some solid prep. Here’s everything you need to bring this comforting dish to life.

Essential Kitchen Tools

🥄 Mixing & Baking Essentials

• 9×13-inch casserole dish – the standard size for this crowd-pleaser

• Large mixing bowl – for combining the eggs, cheese, sausage, and hash browns

• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon – perfect for mixing and scraping every bit of the filling into the pan

🔪 Prep Tools & Cookware

• Nonstick skillet – for browning the sausage and softening onions

• Cutting board and knife – for chopping onion and optional veggies

• Box grater (optional) – if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded

• Measuring cups and spoons – for precise cheese and seasoning portions

💡 Pro Tips

• Grease your casserole dish well or line it with parchment to prevent sticking.

• Using a skillet with tall sides makes sautéing sausage and onions easier and neater.

• If prepping in advance, use a lidded casserole dish to refrigerate overnight before baking.

This setup helps streamline your process and guarantees a smooth, fuss-free baking experience.

🧀 Ingredients for Amish Breakfast Casserole

This casserole is built from rich, comforting staples — each ingredient chosen for maximum flavor and a hearty, satisfying bite.

Main Ingredients

Protein & Dairy

• 1 pound pork sausage, crumbled and cooked (or use bacon or diced ham)

• 1 ½ cups cottage cheese – adds creaminess and moisture

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – sharp and flavorful

• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese – melts beautifully and adds nutty depth

• 6 large eggs – the base of the casserole, binding everything together

Veggies & Base

• 1 package (16 oz) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed

• ½ cup chopped onion – yellow or white

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for added savory depth)

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup chopped bell peppers or spinach – for color and nutrients

• Fresh herbs like parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish

• Red pepper flakes – for a mild kick

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• Swap pork sausage for turkey sausage to lighten it up.

• Use reduced-fat cottage cheese or shredded mozzarella for a lower-fat option.

• Want more texture? Add sautéed mushrooms or diced tomatoes.

🍽️ Instructions: How to Make Amish Breakfast Casserole

This casserole comes together with minimal fuss and is perfect for prepping ahead. Follow these simple steps to make it part of your regular brunch rotation.

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter, cooking spray, or line with parchment for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Onions

• In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks.

• Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent.

• Drain excess grease and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Casserole

• In a large mixing bowl, combine:

  • Thawed hash browns

  • Cooked sausage and onion mixture

  • Cottage cheese

  • Shredded cheddar and Swiss cheeses

  • Eggs

  • Salt, pepper, and garlic powder

• Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 4: Bake

• Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

• Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden and slightly puffed.

• Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving — this helps it hold its shape.

🥗 Nutrition Score

Amish Breakfast Casserole may be comfort food at heart, but it also offers a balanced blend of protein, fat, and carbs to keep you full and energized.

Nutritional Breakdown (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 350–450

• Protein: 20–25g

• Fat: 25–30g

• Carbohydrates: 10–15g

• Fiber: 1–2g

These values will vary depending on the specific meats, cheeses, and portion sizes you use.

Make It Healthier

• Lower Fat: Use turkey sausage and low-fat cheeses like part-skim mozzarella or cottage cheese.

• Lower Carb: Skip the hash browns or replace them with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version.

• Boost Fiber & Nutrients: Add spinach, kale, or mushrooms to the egg mixture before baking.

Whether you’re looking to keep it indulgent or make it more macro-friendly, this casserole can flex with your dietary goals.

🥡 Serving & Storage Tips

One of the best things about Amish Breakfast Casserole is how well it stores and reheats — making it a smart choice for meal prep or feeding a crowd across multiple days.

How to Serve It

• Serve warm straight from the oven, optionally garnished with fresh chives, parsley, or a dash of hot sauce.

• Pair with: A light green salad, fresh fruit, or toasted English muffins for a full brunch spread.

Make-Ahead & Reheating Tips

• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh the next morning.

• Leftovers: Store slices in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezer-Friendly: Cool completely, cut into individual portions, and wrap each tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Microwave individual portions or reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 15 minutes for fridge-cold slices).

Whether you’re prepping for Sunday brunch or a busy week ahead, this casserole is the definition of low-effort, high-reward.

🔄 Variations & Add-Ins

The beauty of Amish Breakfast Casserole is that it’s endlessly adaptable. You can tweak the ingredients to match your taste, dietary needs, or what you’ve got in the fridge.

Protein Swaps

• Bacon or Ham: Swap out the sausage for crispy bacon or cubed ham.

• Turkey Sausage: A leaner, lower-fat option that keeps the same savory flavor.

• Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, extra cheese, or plant-based sausage crumbles.

Veggie Add-Ins

• Peppers & Onions: Add a colorful sautéed bell pepper mix or caramelized onions.

• Spinach: Toss in a handful of fresh baby spinach — it wilts right into the egg mixture.

• Zucchini or Broccoli: Lightly cooked or shredded veggies add fiber and nutrients without altering the flavor.

Cheese Combinations

• Spicy Pepper Jack: For a kick of heat.

• Mozzarella & Feta: A creamy and tangy duo.

• Smoked Gouda: Adds richness and depth to the flavor.

Customize it once, and you’ll likely end up making it a dozen different ways!

❓ FAQs

What is in an Amish breakfast casserole?

The classic recipe features frozen hash browns, eggs, sausage, cottage cheese, shredded cheddar and Swiss cheese, and seasonings — all baked into a rich, hearty breakfast dish.

Can I make Amish breakfast casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can fully assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake as directed. It’s perfect for holidays and early brunches.

How long does breakfast casserole last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, it’ll keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. It’s an ideal meal prep option for busy mornings.

Can I freeze Amish breakfast casserole?

Yes! Let it cool completely, slice into individual portions, and freeze them wrapped tightly or in airtight containers. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes — as long as your hash browns and sausage are gluten-free. Always double-check the ingredient labels to be sure.

Conclusion

Why does the Amish Breakfast Casserole stand out? It’s the kind of no-fuss, comforting recipe that brings people together. Whether you’re hosting a big brunch, preparing meals for the week, or just craving something warm and hearty, this casserole delivers with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Its adaptable nature means you can customize it to fit your pantry and taste — from bacon-lovers to veggie-packed variations, there’s a version for everyone. Plus, with its make-ahead and freezer-friendly perks, it’s truly a breakfast workhorse.

Try it once, and it’s bound to become part of your regular rotation.

👉 We’d love to know: What are your favorite add-ins for breakfast casseroles? Share your twists or tips in the comments below!