Easy Breakfast Casserole for a Crowd

Feeding a large group in the morning can feel like a juggling act—especially when you want something hearty, comforting, and easy enough to prep before coffee kicks in. This Easy Breakfast Casserole for a Crowd solves that challenge beautifully. It’s a warm, nourishing dish filled with tender potatoes, fluffy eggs, and rich melty cheese, plus customizable mix-ins that keep it flexible for different preferences or dietary needs.

The beauty of this casserole is its simplicity. It doesn’t require fancy techniques, complicated ingredients, or hours of attention. You can prepare it the night before or assemble it quickly in the morning. Whether you’re hosting overnight guests, preparing a family brunch, running a holiday gathering, or feeding hungry teens before school, this casserole gets the job done in a delicious and dependable way.

This recipe avoids pork and alcohol-based ingredients, making it friendly for a wider range of guests and dietary choices. It’s also easy to modify for vegetarian, dairy-light, or higher-protein preferences. Think of it as the ultimate morning comfort dish—reliable, cozy, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Below, you’ll find everything you need: ingredients, detailed instructions, substitutions, helpful tips, variations, storage guidance, serving suggestions, and even FAQs. Enjoy building your new breakfast go-to.

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Why This Breakfast Casserole Works So Well

This dish hits the sweet spot between convenience and comfort. Here’s why:

Feeds Many Without Extra Effort

You can scale the recipe up or down depending on the size of your group, but the standard 9×13 pan comfortably feeds 10–12 people. Everything bakes in one pan, reducing cleanup and cookware.

Customizable for Different Preferences

You can make it vegetarian, protein-rich, gluten-free, dairy-lighter, spicy, or extra hearty. The flexible formula means you can use what you have on hand.

Perfect Make-Ahead Option

Prepare it the night before, cover it tightly, refrigerate, and bake in the morning. This alone makes it a favorite for holidays and busy weekends.

Works for Any Occasion

Family breakfasts, potlucks, holiday brunches, school events, work gatherings, weekend retreats—this casserole fits every scenario where you need something delicious that won’t keep you in the kitchen for hours.

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Ingredients

This recipe avoids pork, bacon, and alcohol. All ingredients are easy to find and affordable.

Base Ingredients

• 1 bag (approx. 28–32 oz) frozen diced potatoes or hash brown cubes, thawed

• 10 large eggs

• 2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend you prefer)

• 1 ½ cups milk (whole milk preferred, but any works)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Optional Add-Ins (Choose 1–3)

• 1 cup diced bell peppers

• 1 ½ cups cooked turkey sausage or chicken sausage, crumbled

• 1 cup chopped spinach (fresh or frozen, drained)

• ½ cup diced onion

• 1 cup shredded zucchini (squeezed dry)

• 1 cup cooked mushrooms

• 1 cup chopped tomatoes (drained)

• 1 cup mozzarella or pepper jack cheese (for extra meltiness or spice)

Optional Toppings for Serving

• Fresh chopped parsley

• Sliced chives or green onions

• Salsa

• Greek yogurt

• Avocado slices

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Instructions

Prepare the Base

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

3. Spread the thawed potatoes evenly in the dish. If you’re adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach, sprinkle them over the potatoes.

Add the Protein and Cheese

4. If using turkey sausage or chicken sausage, distribute it evenly across the potatoes.

5. Sprinkle about 1½ cups of the shredded cheese over everything. Reserve the remaining ½ cup for topping.

Mix the Egg Custard

6. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

7. Pour this mixture slowly over the potato layer in the dish.

8. Use a spatula to gently rearrange any ingredients if needed so everything is evenly distributed.

Top and Bake

9. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.

10. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes.

11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20–30 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is fully set.

12. Let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it firm up for cleaner cuts.

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Tips for Success

Don’t Skip the Resting Time

Resting after baking allows the casserole to set so that it slices neatly and holds its shape instead of falling apart.

Thaw the Potatoes

Using frozen potatoes straight from the freezer can lengthen the baking time and make the center watery. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight or for an hour on the counter.

Use Full-Fat Dairy for Creaminess

Whole milk or 2% milk gives the casserole a richer texture. Plant-based milks work too, but the result may be slightly softer.

Cook Vegetables Before Adding

If using watery vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, cook them briefly to remove excess moisture. This keeps your casserole from becoming soggy.

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Flavor Variations

Vegetarian Garden Casserole

Use bell peppers, onions, spinach, tomatoes, and mushrooms. Top with mozzarella for a veggie-rich, colorful bake.

Southwest-Style Breakfast Casserole

Use pepper jack cheese, add diced green chiles, red bell peppers, and onions. Serve with salsa and avocado.

Protein-Packed Morning Casserole

Use turkey sausage or diced chicken sausage, extra cheese, and add more eggs (up to 14). This makes a firmer, more filling dish.

Mediterranean-Inspired Version

Add spinach, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese. Top with parsley before serving.

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Make-Ahead Instructions

Assemble the Night Before

Prepare everything, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate up to 12 hours. In the morning, bake as directed, adding 10 minutes to the cooking time if it goes straight from the refrigerator to the oven.

Freeze for Later

You can freeze the baked casserole:

1. Let it cool completely.

2. Slice into squares, wrap tightly, and freeze individually for quick breakfasts.

3. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

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Serving Suggestions

For a Complete Breakfast Spread

Pair this casserole with fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, whole-grain toast, muffins, or smoothies. It also works beautifully alongside a simple green salad for brunch gatherings.

For Guests with Dietary Preferences

• Dairy-light version: reduce cheese or use a lighter blend.

• Gluten-free option: this casserole is naturally gluten-free as long as your sausage and seasonings are confirmed gluten-free.

• Vegetarian version: avoid sausage and load up on vegetables.

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Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheating

• Microwave: Heat on medium power until warmed through.

• Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 minutes.

• Air Fryer: Heat slices at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes for a slightly crisp top.

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FAQs

Can I use shredded hash browns instead of diced potatoes?

Yes. Shredded hash browns result in a slightly softer texture, while diced potatoes offer more bite. Both work great in this recipe.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes. Use dairy-free shredded cheese and a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Keep in mind the texture may be slightly lighter.

What if I don’t have enough eggs?

You can stretch the custard by adding additional milk and cheese. The casserole will be softer but still delicious.

How do I keep the casserole from being watery?

Make sure your vegetables are cooked and drained, your potatoes are thawed, and the casserole is baked until the center is fully set.

Can I bake this in a different size pan?

A larger pan will make a thinner casserole and bake faster. A smaller or deeper dish will require extra baking time. Always check the center to ensure it’s cooked.

Does this freeze well before baking?

It can, but the texture is more dependable if you freeze after baking. Freezing before baking may cause liquid separation.

Can I add cheese on top at the end for more browning?

Absolutely. If you want extra browning, add a handful of cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking.

How many people does this casserole feed?

A standard 9×13 dish serves about 10–12 portions, depending on serving size.

Can I substitute milk with cream?

Yes. Using cream or half-and-half will make the casserole richer and more custard-like.

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Final Thoughts

This Easy Breakfast Casserole for a Crowd is more than just a recipe—it’s a dependable morning essential. It saves time, adapts to preferences, and fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of potatoes, eggs, and cheese baking to golden perfection. Whether you’re preparing for a bustling morning or hosting a leisurely weekend brunch, this casserole ensures everyone gets a warm, satisfying meal without extra stress.

With endless variations, make-ahead options, and a guaranteed crowd-pleasing flavor, this dish is sure to become a staple in your breakfast rotation. Enjoy every cozy, cheesy bite!