Cheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Bacon: Adds a savory and smoky flavor to the casserole.

Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.

Eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.

Hash browns: Forms the base of the casserole, adding texture and heartiness.

Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a sharp, tangy flavor.

Cottage cheese: Adds creaminess and a slight tang.

Swiss cheese: Adds a nutty and slightly sweet flavor.

When preparing the bacon, cook it until it's crispy but not overly done to ensure it adds a delightful crunch to the casserole. For the onions, sauté them until they are translucent to bring out their natural sweetness, which will complement the other ingredients. Make sure the hash browns are fully thawed and patted dry to prevent excess moisture from making the casserole soggy. When whisking the eggs, do so vigorously to incorporate air, which will help the casserole to rise and become fluffy. Finally, allow the casserole to rest for the full 10 minutes after baking; this will help it set and make it easier to cut into neat squares for serving.

• cooked and crumbled bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative that provides a similar smoky flavor and crispy texture.

• cooked and crumbled bacon - Substitute with vegetarian bacon: Vegetarian bacon offers a plant-based option that mimics the taste and texture of traditional bacon.

• chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions, making them a good alternative.

• chopped onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a subtle onion flavor and add a different texture to the dish.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with egg substitute: Egg substitutes are ideal for those who are vegan or have egg allergies, and they work well in binding the ingredients.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with silken tofu: Silken tofu can be blended to create a similar consistency to beaten eggs, suitable for a vegan option.

• thawed frozen hash browns - Substitute with freshly grated potatoes: Freshly grated potatoes can be used to achieve a similar texture and flavor as frozen hash browns.

• thawed frozen hash browns - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a different flavor profile and a touch of sweetness to the casserole.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella: Mozzarella provides a milder flavor and a gooey texture similar to cheddar.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with vegan cheddar cheese: Vegan cheddar cheese is a dairy-free alternative that mimics the taste and texture of regular cheddar.

• cottage cheese - Substitute with ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese has a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, making it a good substitute for cottage cheese.

• cottage cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a tangy flavor and creamy consistency, suitable for replacing cottage cheese.

• shredded swiss cheese - Substitute with gruyere cheese: Gruyere cheese has a similar nutty flavor and melts well, making it a great alternative to Swiss cheese.

• shredded swiss cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone provides a mild flavor and good melting properties, similar to Swiss cheese.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the hash browns soggy.
• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. The casserole will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, cut the casserole into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. This method helps maintain the cheese and bacon flavors.
• Label the freezer bags or containers with the date to keep track of freshness. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• To reheat refrigerated casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
• For frozen casserole, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
• For a quicker option, microwave individual portions. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until hot. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Always check the internal temperature of the reheated casserole to ensure it reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until it's warmed through. This method ensures that the cheese melts evenly and the hash browns regain their delightful texture.

• Microwave Method: For a quicker option, transfer a portion of the casserole to a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. This method is convenient but might not give you the same crispy edges as the oven.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or olive oil. Place a slice of the casserole in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it's heated through and the edges are slightly crispy. This method adds a delightful crunch to the reheated portion.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the air fryer basket, ensuring it's not overcrowded. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. This method gives a nice crispy texture to the hash browns and cheese.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole on a toaster oven-safe tray and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This method is perfect for smaller portions and gives a nice, even heat.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Large bowl: Used to combine the bacon, onions, hash browns, and cheeses.

• Medium bowl: Used to whisk the eggs before combining them with the hash brown mixture.

• Whisk: Used to beat the eggs until they are well combined.

• 9x13 inch baking dish: The container in which the casserole will be baked.

• Knife: Used to check if the casserole is done by inserting it near the center.

• Spatula: Used to stir the hash brown mixture and to transfer it to the baking dish.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the ingredients accurately.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to chop the onions.

• Skillet: Used to cook and crumble the bacon.

• Grease or cooking spray: Used to grease the baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.

Pre-cook ingredients: Cook and crumble the bacon and chop the onions the night before to save time in the morning.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheddar and swiss cheese to cut down on prep time.

Thaw hash browns overnight: Place the frozen hash browns in the refrigerator the night before to ensure they are ready to use.

Mix in advance: Combine all the ingredients except the eggs the night before. In the morning, just whisk the eggs and mix them in.

Grease the dish ahead: Prepare your baking dish the night before to streamline your morning routine.