There's nothing like waking up to the comforting aroma of Cheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole baking in the oven. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, combining crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and gooey melted cheese into a warm, hearty breakfast that's perfect for lazy weekends or busy mornings alike.

I first came across this recipe during a visit to Amish country, where simple, wholesome meals are a way of life. The combination of savory and creamy flavors left such an impression that I couldn't wait to recreate it at home, and now, it’s become a staple in our house. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special.
Why You'll Love This Cheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole
Get ready to savor every bite of this comforting breakfast dish. It's not just tasty – it's a life-saver for busy mornings and a crowd-pleaser at any brunch gathering.
First, it's incredibly easy to throw together. The ingredients are simple and readily available, and you can have it prepped and in the oven in just 15 minutes. Perfect for when you want to serve a hearty, home-cooked meal without the fuss.
The flavors and textures are phenomenal. Picture crispy bits of smoky bacon, creamy shredded hash browns, and fluffy eggs all wrapped in a blanket of melted, gooey cheese. Every forkful is a symphony of savory goodness that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Feeding a crowd? No problem! This casserole bakes up beautifully in a 9x13-inch dish and serves 8-10 people, making it ideal for family breakfasts, holiday mornings, or potlucks. Plus, the leftovers reheat perfectly – if there are any!
Finally, this recipe is versatile and customizable. You can swap in your favorite breakfast meats or add veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor. The options are truly endless!
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Cheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole lies in its simple, yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
- Bacon: The savory, smoky flavor of crispy bacon is what makes this casserole unforgettable. I recommend using thick-cut bacon for a more satisfying texture. Feel free to substitute with sausage or ham if you prefer.
- Hash Brown Potatoes: Shredded hash browns add that classic potato flavor and texture. You can use refrigerated or frozen hash browns; just be sure to thaw and drain them if they’re frozen to avoid excess moisture.
- Eggs: These provide the structure and fluffiness that hold the casserole together. Use large eggs and beat them well to ensure even distribution throughout the dish.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The sharpness of the cheddar cuts through the richness of the other ingredients, adding a deliciously bold flavor. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses, like Monterey Jack or Swiss, for a fun twist.
- Cottage Cheese: This might sound unusual, but trust me – it’s a game changer. It adds creaminess and moisture without making the casserole heavy. If you’re not a fan of the texture, you won’t even notice it once it’s baked.
Finally, make sure to have a large mixing bowl, a 9x13-inch baking dish, and a trusty whisk on hand to streamline your preparation.
How To Make This Cheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole

Making this casserole is as simple as mix, pour, and bake. Let me walk you through it step by step.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This will help ensure the casserole comes out clean and doesn’t stick to the dish.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain, and once it’s cool, crumble it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using sausage, brown it in the same way, making sure to drain any excess fat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded hash browns, beaten eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and cottage cheese. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then mix everything together until well combined.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. You’ll know it’s ready when a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean.
Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This will help the casserole hold together when you cut it into servings. Serve warm, and enjoy the compliments!
Storage Options
This casserole is fantastic for meal prep and reheats beautifully. Here’s how to store it for later.
- Refrigerate: Let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: If you’d like to freeze it, slice the cooled casserole into individual portions and wrap them in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. You can store these wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Just be sure to label them!
When you're ready to reheat, microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. For larger portions, you can reheat the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative with the ingredients to suit your taste.
- Meat Substitutions: If you’re not a fan of bacon, you can use cooked sausage, diced ham, or even leftover rotisserie chicken. Each one will bring its own unique flavor to the casserole.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat altogether and load up on vegetables instead. Sautéed bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms make fantastic additions. Just make sure to cook off any extra moisture so your casserole doesn’t turn soggy.
- Cheese Varieties: While sharp cheddar is classic, you can try using mozzarella for a gooey texture or pepper jack for a bit of a kick. A blend of cheeses can also add great depth of flavor.
- Lower Calorie Version: Swap out the full-fat cottage cheese for a reduced-fat version and use turkey bacon or chicken sausage to cut down on calories. You can also use a mix of egg whites and whole eggs if you’re watching your cholesterol.
The beauty of this dish lies in how adaptable it is, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
PrintCheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole Recipe
This Cheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole recipe is a crowd-pleaser, filled with crispy hash browns, savory sausage, gooey cheese, and fluffy eggs. Perfect for family breakfasts, brunches, or meal prep, this easy breakfast dish is sure to satisfy everyone. Enjoy a warm and comforting start to your day!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 6 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups shredded hash browns
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1½ cups whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked sausage, hash browns, cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, chopped onion, and bell pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the sausage mixture and stir until well combined.
- Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole the night before and refrigerate; bake in the morning.
- Add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick or some diced ham for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. ⅛ of casserole)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
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