Cheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole: A Hearty and Delicious Start to Your Day

Are you searching for the perfect make-ahead breakfast that will satisfy a crowd? Look no further than the Cheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole! This hearty and comforting dish is packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. Imagine waking up to the aroma of savory sausage, melted cheese, and fluffy eggs – it’s the ideal way to start your day, especially during busy mornings or holiday gatherings.

This casserole is a fantastic blend of simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special. The combination of breakfast staples like sausage, eggs, and cheese, paired with the subtle sweetness of milk and the soft texture of bread, makes for a breakfast that’s both comforting and satisfying. The “Amish” in the title refers to the simple, wholesome, and hearty nature of the dish, reflecting traditional Amish cooking values. It’s a recipe that emphasizes practicality and flavor, using readily available ingredients to create a memorable meal.

## Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole

* **Make-Ahead Magic:** Prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning. It’s a huge time-saver!
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** Perfect for feeding a large group during holidays, brunch, or potlucks.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different meats, cheeses, or vegetables.
* **Deliciously Comforting:** Warm, cheesy, and packed with savory flavors – it’s the ultimate comfort food breakfast.
* **Simple Ingredients:** Uses common ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Leftovers can be easily frozen for a quick and convenient breakfast later.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients for this delicious casserole:

* **Bread:** 1 loaf of your favorite bread, cubed (day-old bread works best)
* **Sausage:** 1 pound of breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
* **Cheese:** 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
* **Eggs:** 12 large eggs
* **Milk:** 3 cups milk
* **Dry Mustard:** 1 teaspoon dry mustard
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon salt
* **Black Pepper:** ½ teaspoon black pepper
* **Optional Add-ins:** Diced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, ham, bacon, spinach, jalapenos

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large Skillet
* 9×13 inch Baking Dish
* Large Mixing Bowl
* Whisk or Fork
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
* Knife and Cutting Board

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Cheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Cheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole:

### Step 1: Prepare the Bread

* The best bread for this casserole is slightly stale, day-old bread. This helps it absorb the egg mixture without becoming soggy.
* Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. You can use any type of bread you prefer, such as white bread, whole wheat bread, sourdough, or even French bread. The choice depends on your personal taste and what you have on hand.
* Spread the cubed bread evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure the bread covers the entire surface of the dish. A little overlap is fine. If you’re making this casserole ahead of time and storing it in the refrigerator, covering the bread with a single layer of parchment paper at this point will help prevent the bread from drying out too much as it sits overnight. Remove the parchment paper before adding the other ingredients.

### Step 2: Cook the Sausage

* Remove the sausage from its packaging and place it in a large skillet over medium heat.
* Cook the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula, until it is fully cooked and no longer pink. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes.
* Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Excess grease can make the casserole oily, so it’s important to remove it.
* Crumble the cooked sausage and spread it evenly over the cubed bread in the baking dish. Ensure the sausage is distributed uniformly to provide consistent flavor in every bite.

### Step 3: Add Cheese (and Optional Veggies)

* Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or your cheese blend of choice) evenly over the sausage layer. Don’t be shy with the cheese – it’s what makes this casserole so deliciously cheesy!
* If you’re adding any vegetables (such as diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms), now is the time to sprinkle them over the cheese. Sautéing the vegetables beforehand can help to soften them and enhance their flavor, but it’s not strictly necessary. If you choose to sauté them, make sure to drain any excess moisture before adding them to the casserole.

### Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture

* In a large mixing bowl, crack the 12 eggs. Make sure there are no bits of shell in the bowl. It’s always a good idea to crack the eggs into a separate small bowl first, then add them to the large bowl, just in case you get a bad egg.
* Add the milk, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper to the bowl with the eggs. The dry mustard adds a subtle tanginess that complements the other flavors in the casserole.
* Whisk all the ingredients together until they are well combined. The mixture should be smooth and uniform in color. Be sure to break up the yolks completely. Using a whisk will help to ensure that the eggs are properly aerated, which will result in a fluffier casserole.

### Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

* Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, cheese, and vegetables (if using) in the baking dish. Make sure the egg mixture soaks into the bread. Gently press down on the bread cubes with a spoon to ensure they are fully submerged in the egg mixture. This step is crucial for ensuring that the bread absorbs the egg mixture properly and doesn’t dry out during baking. If you find that the bread isn’t absorbing the egg mixture easily, you can use a fork to poke holes in the bread, which will help the egg mixture penetrate more effectively.
* At this point, you can either bake the casserole immediately or cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. Refrigerating the casserole overnight allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a richer and more flavorful casserole. If you choose to refrigerate it, remove the plastic wrap about 30 minutes before baking to allow the casserole to come to room temperature slightly. This will help it cook more evenly.

### Step 6: Bake the Casserole

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* If you refrigerated the casserole, remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature slightly. This will help it cook more evenly.
* Bake the casserole for 45-55 minutes, or until it is golden brown and set. The center of the casserole should be firm to the touch and no longer jiggly. If the top of the casserole starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
* To check if the casserole is done, insert a knife or toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the casserole is ready. If there is still some wet egg mixture clinging to the knife or toothpick, continue baking for a few more minutes.

### Step 7: Let it Rest and Serve

* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set properly and makes it easier to cut and serve. Letting it rest also helps to prevent it from collapsing when you cut into it.
* Cut the casserole into squares and serve warm. Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or a sprinkle of extra cheese, if desired.

## Tips and Variations

* **Cheese Variations:** Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Gruyere, or even a sharp cheddar would be delicious.
* **Meat Options:** Swap the sausage for ham, bacon, chorizo, or even shredded chicken or turkey.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Omit the meat altogether and add more vegetables. Spinach, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and tomatoes are all great additions.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a little heat.
* **Bread Choice:** Use croissants, brioche, or challah for an extra rich and decadent casserole.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free bread to make this casserole gluten-free.
* **Add a Topping:** Before baking, sprinkle the casserole with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter for a crispy topping.
* **Dairy-Free Option:** Use unsweetened almond milk or soy milk in place of regular milk.

## Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to complete your breakfast or brunch:

* **Fresh Fruit:** Serve with a side of fresh fruit salad or a bowl of berries.
* **Yogurt:** Offer a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness and tanginess.
* **Toast or Muffins:** Provide some toast or muffins for those who want extra carbs.
* **Beverages:** Pair it with coffee, tea, juice, or mimosas for a festive brunch.
* **Side Salad:** A light side salad with a vinaigrette dressing can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
* **Breakfast Potatoes:** Serve alongside crispy breakfast potatoes for a more substantial meal.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

One of the best things about this casserole is that it can be made ahead of time. Here’s how:

* Follow the recipe instructions through Step 5 (assembling the casserole).
* Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
* When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and let the casserole sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
* Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake as directed in Step 6.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerating Leftovers:** Store leftover Cheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezing Leftovers:** To freeze, cut the casserole into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
* **Reheating:** Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Please note that this is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

* Calories: 350-450 per serving
* Protein: 20-25g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g

## Conclusion

The Cheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole is a delightful and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, feeding a crowd on a holiday morning, or simply looking for a hearty and satisfying breakfast, this casserole is sure to please. Its make-ahead convenience, customizable ingredients, and comforting flavors make it a recipe that you’ll turn to again and again. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious and memorable breakfast! This recipe embodies the best of Amish cooking: simple, wholesome ingredients combined in a way that creates a deeply satisfying and nourishing meal. Enjoy!