There’s something deeply comforting about a hearty breakfast casserole that brings family together around the table. This Amish Breakfast Casserole, with its perfect balance of savory ingredients and simple preparation, embodies the practical, no-fuss cooking style of Amish kitchens. I discovered this recipe during a visit to Pennsylvania Dutch country years ago, and it’s become my go-to for both family brunches and holiday mornings. The beauty of this casserole lies in its straightforward approach—combining eggs, cheese, potatoes, and breakfast meats into a satisfying one-dish meal that feeds a crowd with minimal effort. Trust me when I say this casserole has converted even the most devoted pancake enthusiasts in my household to the savory breakfast side.
Why You’ll Love This Amish Breakfast Casserole
- Make-Ahead Magic – Prepare the night before and simply bake in the morning
- Crowd-Feeding Capability – Easily serves 10-12 people from one dish
- Balanced Flavor Profile – The perfect combination of cheesy, savory, and satisfying
- Versatile Base Recipe – Adaptable to your family’s preferences and what you have on hand
Ingredients for Amish Breakfast Casserole
- Bacon and sausage – Provides rich, savory flavor (you can use one or both)
- Hash brown potatoes – Creates a hearty, filling base (frozen shredded work perfectly)
- Eggs – The binding protein that brings everything together
- Cheddar and Swiss cheese – This two-cheese combination is key to the distinctive flavor
- Cottage cheese – The secret ingredient that adds incredible moisture and texture
- Onion – Adds aromatic flavor throughout the casserole
- Bell pepper – Provides color, crunch, and subtle sweetness
- Salt and pepper – Essential seasoning to enhance all other flavors
- Green onions – Optional, for color and fresh flavor on top
How to Make Amish Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Meat and Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of bacon until crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain, then crumble into pieces. In the same skillet, brown 1 pound of breakfast sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat. While the meat cooks, dice 1 medium onion and 1 bell pepper.
Step 2: Layer the Base Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread 1 package (about 20 ounces) of thawed, shredded hash browns evenly across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and cooked sausage over the potatoes. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Distribute 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese over the meat and vegetables.
Step 3: Create the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together 12 large eggs until well beaten. Add 2 cups of cottage cheese (small curd works best), 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix until well combined. This mixture might look a bit curdled due to the cottage cheese, but that’s perfectly normal—it will create a wonderfully creamy texture as it bakes.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish, ensuring everything is well covered. At this point, you can either bake immediately or cover and refrigerate overnight for a make-ahead option.
Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes if baking immediately, or 50-60 minutes if baking from refrigerated, until the center is set and the top is golden brown. The casserole should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) in the center.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before cutting. This resting time is crucial as it allows the casserole to set up properly for clean slicing. Sprinkle with chopped green onions if desired, then cut into squares and serve warm.
Pro Tips for Perfect Amish Breakfast Casserole
- Thaw Those Hash Browns – Make sure frozen hash browns are completely thawed and patted dry to prevent excess moisture
- Cheese Selection Matters – The combination of sharp cheddar and Swiss creates the perfect flavor profile
- Don’t Fear the Cottage Cheese – Even if you’re not a cottage cheese fan, it melts into the casserole creating amazing texture
- Make-Ahead Notes – If refrigerating overnight, let the casserole sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Version – Omit the meat and add additional vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli
- Southwest Style – Add a can of diced green chiles and substitute pepper jack for the Swiss cheese
- Ham and Cheese – Use diced ham instead of bacon and sausage for a different flavor profile
- Extra Hearty – Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms and increase the meat portions
Storage and Reheating
This casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover leftovers tightly and reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. For maintaining the best texture, reheat larger portions in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes.
You can also freeze portions of the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Perfect for Gatherings
This Amish Breakfast Casserole shines as a practical solution for feeding a crowd, whether it’s a holiday breakfast, family reunion, or potluck brunch. The ability to prepare it ahead of time means you can enjoy the morning with your guests instead of standing over the stove.
What makes this casserole truly special is how it embodies the Amish principles of simplicity, resourcefulness, and bringing family together through food. There’s nothing fancy or complicated about it—just wholesome ingredients combined in a way that creates something greater than the sum of its parts.
The next time you need a reliable, crowd-pleasing breakfast option that won’t keep you chained to the kitchen, this Amish Breakfast Casserole delivers hearty satisfaction with minimal fuss. From busy weekday mornings to special holiday gatherings, it’s a recipe that deserves a permanent place in your breakfast rotation.