Start your day off right with a hearty and satisfying Roasted Potato Breakfast Casserole. This dish combines crispy roasted potatoes, savory breakfast sausage, and a cheesy egg mixture all baked together to create a delicious, comforting breakfast. Whether you’re serving it to a crowd at a holiday brunch or preparing a family breakfast, this casserole is the perfect way to fuel your morning. In this article, you’ll learn how to make this easy, customizable dish, as well as tips for making it your own and storing it for later.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A Roasted Potato Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate breakfast comfort food. The star of this dish is the roasted potatoes, which become golden and crispy, adding texture and flavor to the casserole. Combined with flavorful breakfast sausage, melted cheese, and eggs, this casserole is a satisfying and well-rounded meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

What makes this recipe special is its versatility. You can customize it with your favorite breakfast meats, vegetables, or even a variety of cheeses to suit your preferences. The potatoes provide a sturdy base, while the eggs and cheese create a creamy, savory layer that binds everything together. It’s an easy-to-make dish that can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it perfect for busy mornings or entertaining guests. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze!

Recipe Details

The Roasted Potato Breakfast Casserole is inspired by classic breakfast ingredients, but with a twist. Roasting the potatoes before assembling the casserole ensures they get crispy and golden, adding a satisfying crunch to the dish. This method also helps the potatoes hold up to the egg mixture, preventing them from becoming too soggy.

The casserole includes a base of sautéed onions and sausage, which add savory depth of flavor. The eggs are mixed with milk and cheese, creating a creamy custard-like filling that envelops the potatoes and sausage. The cheese, typically a blend of cheddar and mozzarella, melts beautifully into the casserole, giving it a gooey, satisfying finish.

This casserole can be customized in countless ways. You can switch up the sausage with bacon, ham, or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version. Adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms can also give the casserole extra flavor and nutrition. Whether you like it mild or with a spicy kick, this dish can be adjusted to your taste preferences.

Nutritional Information for Roasted Potato Breakfast Casserole

A Roasted Potato Breakfast Casserole is a rich and filling meal, but it’s also packed with nutrients that can fuel your day. A typical serving provides a healthy dose of protein from the eggs and sausage, while the potatoes offer carbohydrates for energy. The cheese adds richness and calcium, making this casserole a well-rounded option for breakfast.

Each serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes. The sausage contributes healthy fats and protein, while the potatoes provide fiber and essential vitamins, such as vitamin C and potassium. To make this dish lighter, you can use lean sausage or turkey sausage, and you can substitute the regular cheese for a lower-fat variety. You can also add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to increase the fiber content and add more vitamins.

For those following specific diets, Roasted Potato Breakfast Casserole can be easily adapted. Use a dairy-free cheese and substitute the sausage with plant-based options for a vegan version. You can also adjust the recipe to be gluten-free by ensuring that all ingredients, including the sausage and any seasonings, are gluten-free.

Ingredients for Roasted Potato Breakfast Casserole

To make this delicious Roasted Potato Breakfast Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
1 medium onion, chopped
6 large eggs
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting)
Optional: Fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives) for garnish

The potatoes serve as the base, providing a satisfying crunch and texture. The sausage adds savory depth, while the onions bring sweetness and flavor. The eggs, milk, and cheese create a rich, creamy layer that binds everything together. The garlic powder and paprika bring aromatic warmth, and a pinch of salt and pepper ensures everything is perfectly seasoned. For extra flavor, you can experiment with additional herbs or seasonings, like thyme or oregano.

The cheeses used in this recipe add creaminess and flavor. Cheddar offers a sharp, tangy taste, while mozzarella melts beautifully into the dish, adding richness. You can swap these out for different varieties if you prefer—gouda, pepper jack, or even a dairy-free cheese option can be used to customize the recipe to your taste.

Equipment Needed for Roasted Potato Breakfast Casserole

To prepare Roasted Potato Breakfast Casserole, you’ll need the following equipment:

Baking dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish works best for this recipe, providing plenty of room for the potatoes, sausage, and eggs.
Large skillet: For sautéing the sausage and onions, making sure everything is cooked through.
Large mixing bowl: For whisking the eggs, milk, and seasoning together.
Sharp knife and cutting board: For dicing the potatoes and chopping the onion.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements of milk, cheese, and seasonings.

These essential kitchen tools will make assembling the casserole quick and easy. The large skillet allows you to sauté the sausage and onions evenly, while the baking dish ensures the casserole bakes uniformly. The mixing bowl helps you combine the eggs and milk for the custard-like filling, and the knife and cutting board make prepping the vegetables and potatoes a breeze.

Pro Tips for Success

To ensure your Roasted Potato Breakfast Casserole turns out perfectly every time, follow these pro tips:

Pre-roast the potatoes: Roasting the potatoes before adding them to the casserole helps them become crispy, preventing them from turning soggy. Toss the diced potatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, until golden and tender.
Use room temperature ingredients: Let the eggs, milk, and cheese come to room temperature before mixing them. This ensures a smoother consistency when combining with the other ingredients.
Season as you go: Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning as you prepare each layer of the casserole. This will help build layers of flavor.
Customize the fillings: Feel free to swap out the sausage for bacon, ham, or even a vegetarian protein. You can also add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
Let it set: After baking, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the layers to set and make it easier to slice.

Instructions for Roasted Potato Breakfast Casserole

Roast the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced potatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Cook the Sausage: While the potatoes roast, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Onions: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Assemble the Casserole: In the greased baking dish, layer the roasted potatoes evenly at the bottom. Top with the cooked sausage and sautéed onions. Pour the egg mixture over the top, spreading it evenly.
Bake the Casserole: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Recipe Variations for Roasted Potato Breakfast Casserole

Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a vegetarian version.
Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for a spicy twist.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crackers or bread cubes for the casserole base if you prefer a gluten-free version.

Storage & Serving Guide

Roasted Potato Breakfast Casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply cover the casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it after it cools. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave or bake the whole casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

For serving, this casserole is great on its own or paired with a side of fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or toast. It’s perfect for a brunch gathering or as a hearty family breakfast. You can also top it with hot sauce, salsa, or extra cheese for added flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Simply bake it in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.
What other fillings can I add?
You can add bacon, ham, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even cheese varieties like goat cheese or pepper jack for extra flavor.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply ensure that all ingredients, including the sausage and any seasonings, are gluten-free.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?
Roasting the potatoes before adding them to the casserole helps them stay crispy. Make sure to drain any excess grease from the sausage as well.

Conclusion

Roasted Potato Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate breakfast or brunch dish, offering a hearty and delicious meal that everyone will love. With crispy roasted potatoes, savory sausage, and a creamy egg mixture, this casserole is a comforting and satisfying way to start your day. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a weekend breakfast, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.