Wake Up Casserole

If you are looking for a breakfast casserole to feed the whole family or serve to guests during the holidays, this one is a keeper.

It can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge overnight and will be ready to pop in the oven when you wake up.

This breakfast casserole has everything you expect, like hash browns, sausage, and cheese, and makes a filling breakfast to start your day.

So comforting and the perfect breakfast to wake up to during the holidays.

So good and family approved!

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why do I love Wake Up Casserole?

What’s not to love about a breakfast casserole that feeds the whole family? Here are some of the reasons I love it.

• Easy to adapt to individual tastes.
• Can be made ahead and baked when you get up.
• It only uses one pan.
• Quick and easy cleanup.

How do you fix a dry breakfast casserole?

If your breakfast casserole is too dry, you likely cooked it too long or uncovered. Try covering the pan with aluminum foil, especially if you made this ahead of time and it has been in the fridge overnight. This will help keep the casserole moist. Other reasons include using dry cottage cheese. Try using creamy cottage cheese or adding a dash of milk next time.

How do you keep breakfast casserole from falling down?

The eggs in your casserole need to set properly. If you remove it from the oven before the eggs are set, the casserole may fall or deflate. Check that the eggs are set by inserting a toothpick into the middle of the casserole. If it comes out clean, the eggs are set. If gooey egg clings to the toothpick, bake your casserole for a few more minutes and check again.

Why is my breakfast casserole soupy?

There are several reasons your casserole may be soup. The most common reason is that it is not fully cooked and the eggs have not set. For this recipe, as written, it could be from using cottage cheese that is too creamy. Otherwise, when making adaptations, adding watering veggies (like tomatoes) or not using enough cheese could make your casserole soupy. Let your casserole set for a few minutes before cutting it so that it can firm up.

How to serve Wake Up Casserole?

You can serve wake up casserole as a meal in itself or add a side of toasted muffins or bagels. Some prefer to drizzle the casserole with taco or picante sauce to spice it up a little.

Cooking Tips:

• Beat the eggs well so that no strings from the egg white remain.
• Drain the meat mixture before adding it to the casserole to remove excess fat.
• Mix all ingredients well.
• Bake in the center of the oven.

Variations:

• This wake-up casserole recipe is easy to adapt to individual tastes by varying the type of cheese, meat, and veggies.
• Substitute ham or bacon for the sausage.
• Try diced and sauteed peppers and fresh tomatoes to kick the flavor up a notch.
• Use pepper jack cheese to add a bit of heat, if preferred.

Ingredients:

• Frozen shredded hashbrowns
• Butter
• Breakfast sausage
• Onion
• Minced garlic
• Eggs
• Cottage cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped chives for garnish

How to make Wake Up Casserole:

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Step 2. Mix together the hashbrowns and butter, and place them into the bottom of a well-greased baking dish.

Adding the butter.

Adding the frozen shredded hashbrowns.

Step 3. Saute the sausage and onion in a skillet over medium-high heat on the stove until the meat is browned and the onions have softened.

Step 4. Add the garlic and saute for another 30 seconds.

Step 5. Mix together the eggs, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, meat mixture, and salt and pepper to taste until well blended.

Adding the cottage cheese.

Adding the cheddar cheese.

Adding the meat mixture.

Step 6. Pour the egg mixture over the potatoes into the baking dish.

Step 7. Bake for 1 hour or until the mixture has completely set.

Step 8. Garnish with freshly chopped chives before serving.

SAVE this recipe on Pinterest for later 🙂

How to store Wake Up Casserole?

Store left over wake up casserole in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and safe to eat for 3 to 4 days.

How to reheat Wake Up Casserole?

Reheat the leftover breakfast casserole in the microwave or oven until it is heated through.

How long does Wake Up Casserole last on the fridge?

Leftover wake up casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or frozen and stored for up to 3 months.

Can I make ahead Wake Up Casserole?

Yes! This casserole can be assembled the night before and stored in the fridge. Then, cover it with foil and bake as usual, allowing a little extra time for baking.

Related Recipes You Might Enjoy:

Meat and Cheese Croissant Overnight Breakfast Casserole – This breakfast casserole is packed with meat and cheese atop a bed of croissants. In addition, it features sausage, bacon, cheese, and egg, making it a hearty way to start the day.

Christmas Breakfast Casserole – This cheesy bread and egg casserole is quick and easy to make but is a big step from traditional French toast. Try this when you have a family to feed on a busy Christmas morning.

Farmer’s Healthy Breakfast Casserole Recipe – This breakfast casserole features reduced-fat cheese, ham, colored bell peppers, diced potatoes, and eggs. It can be easily adapted with bacon or sausage and with fresh herbs to create your desired flavor.