Cheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Bacon: Provides a savory and crispy element to the casserole.

Onion: Adds a sweet and aromatic flavor when cooked.

Eggs: Acts as a binding agent and adds richness to the dish.

Hash brown potatoes: Gives the casserole a hearty and filling base.

Cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp and tangy flavor.

Cottage cheese: Contributes a creamy texture and mild flavor.

Swiss cheese: Provides a nutty and slightly sweet taste.

When cooking the bacon and onion in the skillet, make sure to render the bacon fat slowly over medium heat. This will ensure the bacon becomes crispy without burning, and the onion will caramelize nicely, adding a depth of flavor to the casserole.

• diced bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner option and provides a similar smoky flavor.

• diced bacon - Substitute with vegetarian bacon: For a vegetarian option, vegetarian bacon offers a similar texture and flavor.

• chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and slightly sweeter taste compared to onions.

• 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 great for those who are vegan or have egg allergies.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water per egg as a vegan alternative.

• thawed frozen hash brown potatoes - Substitute with freshly grated potatoes: Freshly grated potatoes can be used if you prefer a fresher taste and texture.

• thawed frozen hash brown potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a different flavor profile and added nutrients.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella has a milder flavor and melts well.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with vegan cheddar cheese: For a dairy-free option, vegan cheddar cheese provides a similar taste and texture.

• cottage cheese - Substitute with ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese has a similar texture and can be used as a direct replacement.

• cottage cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and adds a tangy flavor.

• shredded swiss cheese - Substitute with gruyere cheese: Gruyere has a similar nutty flavor and melts well.

• shredded swiss cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone offers a mild flavor and good melting properties.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps to maintain the texture and flavor.
• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• If you prefer to store individual portions, cut the casserole into squares and place them in airtight containers. This makes for easy grab-and-go breakfasts.
• To freeze, wrap the entire casserole or individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil. This double wrapping helps to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the wrapped casserole with the date and contents before placing it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps to maintain the texture.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. For larger portions, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through.
• If reheating from frozen, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out hot. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the top to crisp up.
• To keep the casserole moist during reheating, you can add a splash of milk or cream before covering with foil.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

• For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Check and stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you prefer a crispy top, use a toaster oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C), place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, and heat for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning.

• For stovetop reheating, use a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the pan, place the casserole in the skillet, cover with a lid, and heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even warming.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the air fryer basket, making sure it's in a single layer, and heat for 5-7 minutes. This method will give you a nice, crispy texture.

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

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking the bacon and onion together until the bacon is crisp and the onion is tender.

• Large bowl: Needed to combine the beaten eggs, hash brown potatoes, cheeses, and the cooked bacon mixture.

• Greased 9x13 inch baking dish: The vessel in which the casserole is baked, ensuring it doesn't stick and cooks evenly.

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

• Spatula: Handy for stirring the ingredients together in the large bowl and transferring the mixture to the baking dish.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the ingredients like hash brown potatoes, cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, and Swiss cheese.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the onion and dicing the bacon.

• Mixing spoon: Useful for stirring the ingredients together in the large bowl.

• Paper towels: Used to drain excess fat from the bacon and onion mixture after cooking.

Pre-cook the bacon: Cook and dice the bacon the night before to save time in the morning.

Chop onions in advance: Chop the onions and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Buy pre-shredded cheddar and swiss cheese to skip the shredding step.

Thaw hash browns overnight: Place the frozen hash brown potatoes in the fridge to thaw overnight.

Mix ingredients ahead: Combine all ingredients except the bacon mixture the night before and store in the fridge.