Name: Cheesy Italian Egg Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 20 oz. (about 2½ cups) Yukon gold potatoes, cut into ½-1 inch cubes; 1 lb. hot Italian sausage; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 medium white onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 12 eggs; 1 cup milk; ⅔ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained & chopped; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes; 1-1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh basil, thinly sliced, for garnish

There’s nothing quite like a cozy morning with the aroma of sausage, roasted peppers, and melted cheese filling your kitchen. Enter this Cheesy Italian Egg Casserole—a breakfast (or brunch!) dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress. With golden Yukon gold potatoes, spicy Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and a luscious egg mixture studded with sun-dried tomatoes and melted mozzarella, every bite is a symphony of flavors. Trust me, this one’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings, holiday brunches, or even meal-prep breakfasts during the week.

Casseroles have long been a staple in Italian-American kitchens, celebrated for their ease and versatility. This Cheesy Italian Egg Casserole borrows from classic Italian ingredients like Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and mozzarella, while embracing the American love for breakfast casseroles. The combination of potatoes and eggs makes it filling and comforting, while the Italian seasonings and fresh basil give it a sophisticated, vibrant flavor.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Large skillet or frying pan
Medium mixing bowl
Whisk or fork
9×13 baking dish
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Oven mitts
Spatula or serving spoon

This recipe isn’t just about tossing ingredients together—it’s about creating a dish that’s comforting, versatile, and downright irresistible. Here’s why it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Versatile: Enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. Pair with a side salad for a quick meal or serve it as the centerpiece of a brunch spread.
Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike love the combination of cheesy, savory sausage with tender potatoes and a fluffy egg base.
Quick and Easy: While it may look impressive, this casserole comes together in under an hour with straightforward steps.
Customizable: Swap the Italian sausage for chicken sausage or turkey, change up the cheese, or add vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning for an effortless start to your day.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Cut the potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
Sauté the sausage and vegetables first to release their flavors and avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Beat the eggs well and season generously to enhance the overall flavor.
Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for maximum flavor; drain and chop finely.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.

Ingredients in Cheesy Italian Egg Casserole

Here’s what makes this dish shine:

Yukon Gold Potatoes: Tender, creamy, and perfect for absorbing all the savory flavors.
Italian Sausage: Spicy and savory, it adds a robust flavor that pairs beautifully with eggs and cheese.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness, color, and a subtle crunch.
White Onion: Provides depth and balances the richness of the sausage and cheese.
Garlic: Adds aromatic warmth and enhances the Italian flavors.
Eggs: The heart of the casserole, providing structure and a creamy, custard-like texture.
Milk: Lightens the egg mixture for a fluffy, tender result.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intensely flavorful, adding a slightly sweet, tangy punch.
Italian Seasoning & Red Pepper Flakes: Adds classic Italian herbs with a hint of heat.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating pockets of gooey, cheesy goodness.
Fresh Basil: Added at the end for a fresh, aromatic finish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Prep the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cube the Yukon gold potatoes into uniform pieces. Dice the red bell pepper and white onion, and mince the garlic.
Cook the Sausage and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Remove excess fat if needed. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant.
Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
Assemble the Casserole: In a greased 9×13 baking dish, layer the cubed potatoes, cooked sausage mixture, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously across the surface.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with thinly sliced fresh basil before serving.
Serve and Enjoy: Cut into squares or scoops and serve warm, perhaps with a side of fresh fruit, salad, or crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6–8
Calories per serving: ~400–450

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Italian Egg Casserole

As a Hearty Breakfast or Brunch: Serve with fresh fruit, orange juice, or a light salad.
For Dinner: Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Party-Ready: Cut into small squares or wedges for a brunch buffet or potluck.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Prep Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning or reheat later.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.

Variations to Try

Vegetable Boost: Add spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or asparagus.
Cheese Swap: Use cheddar, provolone, or a mix of cheeses for different flavors.
Meat Options: Swap Italian sausage for turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or cooked bacon.
Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for mild or spicy casseroles.
Herb Variations: Add fresh oregano, thyme, or rosemary for extra Italian flavor.

Additional Tips

Even Cooking: Cut potatoes into uniform cubes to ensure even baking.
Sautéing: Cooking the sausage and vegetables first prevents excess moisture from making the casserole soggy.
Egg Mixture: Beat thoroughly for a fluffy texture.
Cheese Distribution: Sprinkle evenly to ensure every bite has melted, gooey cheese.
Resting Time: Let the casserole rest a few minutes before cutting to help it set.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen potatoes?
A1: Yes, but thaw and pat them dry first to avoid excess moisture.
Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
A2: Swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a plant-based sausage alternative.
Q3: Can I prepare this the night before?
A3: Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate. Bake the next morning.
Q4: Can I use different cheeses?
A4: Yes! Cheddar, provolone, or a mix works wonderfully.
Q5: Can I make it spicier?
A5: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
Q6: Can I freeze leftovers?
A6: Yes, cut into portions and freeze in airtight containers. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Q7: What sides pair well with this casserole?
A7: Fresh fruit, green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread complement it perfectly.
Q8: Can I make it gluten-free?
A8: Ensure the sausage and any additional ingredients are gluten-free.
Q9: Can I use other types of potatoes?
A9: Yukon golds are best for their creamy texture, but red potatoes or russets also work.
Q10: How do I store and reheat individual portions?
A10: Store in the fridge and microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes until warm, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven.

Conclusion

Cheesy Italian Egg Casserole is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any meal of the day. With layers of tender potatoes, savory sausage, colorful vegetables, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella, it’s both comforting and impressive. Whether you’re cooking for a family breakfast, a brunch gathering, or prepping meals ahead of time, this casserole is easy, delicious, and endlessly adaptable. Serve warm, garnish with fresh basil, and savor every cheesy, flavorful bite.

Cheesy Italian Egg Casserole

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need