Imagine waking up to a piping hot, golden-brown casserole that combines the crispy comfort of perfectly cooked potatoes with the rich, melty goodness of cheddar cheese. This Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole isn't just a meal—it's a morning miracle that transforms ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary culinary experience. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or hosting a weekend brunch, this recipe promises to be the star of your breakfast table, delivering warmth, flavor, and pure satisfaction in every single bite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Breakfast
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Thoroughly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- Wash and dice the potatoes into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/2 inch in size. This ensures even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them thoroughly. Add milk, salt, and black pepper, mixing until the ingredients are well combined and create a smooth liquid base.
- Finely dice the onions to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the casserole and provide a subtle, aromatic flavor.
- Layer the diced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish, creating a uniform base for the casserole.
- Sprinkle the diced onions over the potato layer, distributing them as evenly as possible.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture slowly and carefully over the potatoes and onions, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the entire surface, creating a rich and golden top layer.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes cutting and serving easier.
- Slice into portions and serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.
Tips
- Potato Perfection: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture and even cooking. Ensure uniform dicing for consistent results.
- Cheese Selection: While cheddar is classic, don't be afraid to experiment with different cheese blends like adding some sharp white cheddar or a sprinkle of Gruyère for extra depth.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prep this casserole the night before and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
- Even Cooking Secret: Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking to ensure more uniform heating.
- Customization Options: Add crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Vegetarian? Swap in some spinach or mushrooms.
- Crispy Top Technique: For an extra golden, crispy top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftover Love: This casserole reheats beautifully. Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick breakfast or brunch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 257kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 142mg
