The Cheesy Veggie Breakfast Casserole is a cozy, savory dish perfect for gatherings or lazy weekend brunches. It features golden roasted Yukon Gold potatoes, sautéed bell peppers and spinach, fluffy eggs, and melted cheddar cheese all layered in a single comforting bake.
This dish is designed for ease—prepare it ahead the night before, then bake fresh in the morning. The result is a hearty and nourishing breakfast that satisfies both vegetarians and cheese lovers alike. Pair it with fresh fruit or a crisp green salad, and you’ve got a full brunch spread with minimal effort.
Full Recipe:
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3 Yukon Gold potatoes, chopped into ¼-inch cubes
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1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
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½ teaspoon sea salt
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Freshly ground black pepper
For the casserole:
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12 large eggs
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1 cup milk (any unsweetened variety)
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1¼ teaspoons sea salt
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2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for greasing the dish)
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½ medium yellow onion, chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 red bell pepper, chopped
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1 green bell pepper, chopped
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1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
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4 green onions, chopped
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1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss chopped potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and tender.
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Lower oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion with 1 teaspoon salt and pepper for 5–8 minutes until soft.
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Add garlic, red and green bell peppers. Cook for 2 more minutes.
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Stir in spinach and half the green onions. Cook until spinach wilts slightly.
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Layer roasted potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Top with 1 cup cheddar cheese, followed by sautéed vegetables.
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Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top. Sprinkle with remaining ½ cup cheese and reserved green onions.
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Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set.
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Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Prep Time: 15 minutes / Cooking Time: 45 minutes / Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 290 kcal per serving / Servings: 12 servings
What Is a Breakfast Casserole and Why It Works So Well
A breakfast casserole is the ultimate make-ahead dish that combines convenience, flavor, and nourishment in one easy-to-bake format. What sets it apart is its versatility — it allows home cooks to layer ingredients like vegetables, proteins, and cheeses over a starchy base (typically potatoes or bread), then bind everything together with a rich egg mixture. This hearty dish is baked until golden and bubbly, delivering a balanced meal that’s both filling and flavorful.
The Cheesy Veggie Breakfast Casserole is a beautiful example of this dish done right. It brings together a symphony of textures and colors: crispy golden potatoes, sautéed fresh vegetables, fluffy eggs, and perfectly melted cheddar cheese. Not only does it taste amazing, but it also presents beautifully on a brunch table — which makes it perfect for entertaining, family breakfasts, or even casual weekend meals.
Origins and Family Tradition
Many families have their own take on breakfast casseroles, often handed down through generations. This specific version draws inspiration from classic holiday brunches, particularly on Easter or Christmas morning when a dish that can feed many — and be prepped the night before — is an absolute lifesaver. It’s a modern take on a traditional breakfast bake, refined for flavor balance and visual appeal while staying true to its comforting roots.
This recipe is not just practical; it’s nostalgic. The roasted potatoes offer a rustic foundation, echoing Sunday breakfasts at Grandma’s, while the colorful peppers and spinach brighten the flavor and add a fresh, modern twist. Cheddar cheese adds a familiar richness that ties all the elements together into one soul-satisfying dish.
Why This Recipe Is So Popular
The popularity of the Cheesy Veggie Breakfast Casserole can be attributed to its well-rounded appeal. First, it’s crowd-friendly — you can feed up to 12 people with a single 9×13-inch dish. That makes it a go-to for brunch parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. Second, it’s customizable. You can easily swap or add ingredients based on dietary preferences or seasonal availability. Third, it offers a nutrient-rich start to the day, loaded with protein, fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats.
It also aligns with a variety of eating styles. While it includes eggs and cheese, vegetarians can enjoy it without modification. And with a few smart ingredient swaps — such as dairy-free cheese or almond milk — it can easily become dairy-free. The use of real, whole foods also makes it more appealing to health-conscious eaters who prefer fewer processed ingredients in their meals.
The Role of Vegetables in the Dish
Vegetables play a starring role in this breakfast casserole, not just as filler, but as essential contributors to flavor, texture, and nutrition. Bell peppers bring a subtle sweetness and vibrant color. Spinach adds a touch of earthiness and boosts the dish with iron and folate. Green onions lend a mild sharpness that balances the richness of eggs and cheese.
One of the joys of this dish is how it highlights the natural flavors of each vegetable while creating a cohesive taste experience. Sautéing the veggies before layering them into the casserole ensures they’re tender and flavorful, with no raw or watery bits. This step also allows the ingredients to absorb seasonings like garlic, salt, and pepper, enhancing their depth.
How Roasted Potatoes Elevate the Casserole
Many breakfast casseroles use bread as the starchy base, but this one opts for roasted Yukon Gold potatoes — and the results are incredible. Roasting the potatoes in advance ensures a crispy, caramelized texture that contrasts beautifully with the softer elements of the dish. Yukon Golds are especially well-suited because of their naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture.
The potatoes act as a foundation, adding structure and heartiness to the casserole. Their golden edges provide subtle crunch, while the tender interiors soak up the egg mixture, infusing them with even more flavor. It’s the kind of satisfying bite that makes people come back for seconds.
The Power of Cheese in Breakfast Dishes
Let’s be honest — cheese makes everything better. In this recipe, cheddar cheese adds a layer of salty richness that perfectly complements the vegetables and eggs. The choice to use shredded cheddar provides even melt and coverage, ensuring every forkful delivers a cheesy payoff.
You can also play with different cheeses depending on your flavor preferences. Pepper jack adds a spicy kick, mozzarella brings a milder creaminess, and a blend of cheeses can give the casserole a more complex flavor profile. No matter what you choose, cheese ties all the components together, giving the casserole its signature comfort-food appeal.
Make-Ahead Magic
One of the most practical features of this dish is its ability to be made in advance. You can assemble the full casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. The next morning, just pop it into the oven — no morning mess, no stress. This make-ahead convenience is a game-changer for busy hosts or early risers who want to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee while brunch takes care of itself.
Alternatively, you can prep the individual components ahead of time (roast the potatoes and sauté the veggies), then assemble and bake fresh in the morning. Either method works beautifully and delivers the same great flavor.
Perfect Pairings for Serving
While the Cheesy Veggie Breakfast Casserole is absolutely satisfying on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a few sides and beverages to create a complete brunch spread. Some great accompaniments include:
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A bowl of fresh seasonal fruit or fruit salad
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Toasted sourdough or crusty bread with butter and jam
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Freshly squeezed orange juice or a mimosa bar
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A side of yogurt and granola for lighter eaters
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For extra indulgence, a sweet option like cinnamon rolls or banana bread
The versatility of this casserole allows you to keep things simple or go all out — depending on the occasion.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftovers from this casserole are a blessing. Not only does the flavor hold up beautifully, but it reheats like a dream. You can store slices in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop a portion into the microwave or warm it in the oven at 300°F until heated through.
This casserole also freezes well. Wrap individual slices in foil or place them in freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as needed. This makes it ideal for meal prep or for saving leftovers from a weekend brunch to enjoy during the week.
Variations and Substitutions to Try
Another reason this breakfast casserole remains a household favorite is how easy it is to customize. Here are some popular variations:
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Add protein: Crumbled breakfast sausage, bacon bits, or even vegetarian sausage crumbles can be added for extra protein.
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Switch up the veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli, or even kale make excellent additions.
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Change the base: Try using sweet potatoes instead of Yukon Gold for a sweeter, earthier twist.
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Go spicy: Add jalapeños or use a spicy cheese blend like habanero jack.
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Herb it up: Fresh herbs like thyme, chives, or parsley can be sprinkled in for an herbal boost.
The adaptability makes this dish not just a recipe, but a reliable kitchen staple you can tweak based on what’s in season or in your fridge.
Conclusion: A Brunch Staple Worth Repeating
Whether you’re hosting a crowd for a festive brunch or just need a satisfying, no-fuss breakfast to get you through the week, the Cheesy Veggie Breakfast Casserole delivers on every front. It’s colorful, comforting, packed with real food, and endlessly adaptable to your tastes. With its balance of ease and elegance, this dish belongs in every home cook’s repertoire.
The next time you’re searching for the perfect brunch centerpiece or a make-ahead breakfast that will keep the whole family full and happy, turn to this hearty, cheesy, veggie-packed casserole. It’s not just a meal — it’s a warm hug on a plate.
