Amish cuisine is always a delight when a dish can bring back fond memories of family gatherings and leisurely weekend mornings. This Amish Breakfast Casserole is one such recipe that has found a special place in our family tradition. I remember the first time I tasted this casserole was during a visit to Pennsylvania Dutch country with my family. We stayed at a charming bed and breakfast where the hostess served this dish, and it was love at first bite.
This casserole is not just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, perfect for a Sunday brunch with friends or a holiday breakfast with the family. What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily tweak it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. For instance, if you’re not a fan of Swiss cheese, you can substitute it with mozzarella or even pepper jack for a bit of a kick. Adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach can give it a healthy twist, making it a bit more colorful and nutritious.
The combination of crispy hash browns, savory sausage, smoky bacon, and melty cheeses creates a comforting, rich flavor profile that is hard to resist. The eggs and cottage cheese mixture adds a wonderful creaminess that binds everything together beautifully. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for those mornings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re making it for a family breakfast or a potluck, this Amish Breakfast Casserole is sure to be a hit. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do. It’s these little culinary traditions that make every meal a celebration of togetherness and love.
How to Make Amish Breakfast Casserole
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Ingredients
- 4 cups hash brown potatoes (frozen, shredded)
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 pound bacon (sliced, chopped)
- 2 cups Swiss cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 9 eggs (large)
- 1/2 pound sausage
- 1.5 cups cottage cheese (small curd)
Directions
- Set your oven to 350ºF to preheat. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon and sausage until fully cooked. Drain the fat and set aside.
- Blend the eggs and cottage cheese in a food processor or blender until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine the hash brown potatoes, Cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, cooked bacon, sausage, garlic powder, and the blended egg mixture.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown on top.
FAQs:
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Simply shred them and squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing them with the other ingredients. This helps to ensure the casserole isn’t too watery.
What type of sausage works best for this casserole?
Any type of sausage can be used, but breakfast sausage or Italian sausage are popular choices. You can also use turkey sausage for a leaner option.
Is there a substitute for cottage cheese in this recipe?
If you don’t have cottage cheese, you can use ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt as a substitute. Both will provide a similar texture and moisture to the casserole.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply bake it as directed. This makes it a convenient option for busy mornings or holiday breakfasts.
How can I tell if the casserole is fully cooked?
The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the center is set. You can insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the casserole is fully cooked. Additionally, the internal temperature should reach 160°F.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the casserole. Sauté them first to remove excess moisture and then mix them in with the other ingredients before baking.
Amish Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- ½ lb sausage
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 9 large eggs
- 1½ cups small curd cottage cheese
- 1 lb sliced bacon chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon and sausage until fully cooked. Drain the fat and set aside.
- Blend the eggs and cottage cheese in a food processor or blender until smooth.
- In a big bowl, mix together the hash brown potatoes, cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, cooked bacon, sausage, garlic powder, and the blended egg mixture.
- Pour everything into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, until the casserole is set and golden brown on top.
