The smell of warm cheese and ranch makes my kitchen feel bright and cozy. Each bite is soft, creamy, and a little bit savory, like morning comfort on a plate.
I made this one weekend when I wanted a simple breakfast that felt special. My family loved it so much that it became our little morning treat.
Come with me, and I’ll show you how to make this easy bake. It’s cheesy, warm, and perfect for starting the day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Reader Favorite: Home cooks consistently praise this breakfast bake for its ease and impressive results. One reader noted, “This is now my go-to for weekend breakfast.”
Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of sausage, bacon, creamy eggs, and sharp cheddar cheese creates a rich, filling dish that keeps you satisfied through the morning.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the casserole the night before and bake it fresh in the morning. This saves time and stress during busy schedules.
Perfect for Crowds: This recipe easily feeds a family or group of friends, making it ideal for brunch entertaining.
Simple Ingredients: Using common pantry staples and breakfast proteins, you likely have most ingredients on hand already.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
- Servings: This recipe serves 8-10 people
- Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners but impressive for experienced cooks
Required Kitchen Tools
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Skillet (for browning meat)
- Oven
Ingredients for Cheesy Ranch Breakfast Bake
For the Casserole Base:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups frozen hash browns
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Variations for Cheesy Ranch Breakfast Bake
Add Vegetables: Stir in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
Use Different Meats: Substitute sausage with ground ham or omit meat entirely for a vegetarian version.
Change the Cheese: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
Herb Boost: Add fresh chives, parsley, or dill to the egg mixture for brightness.
Spice It Up: Include diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
Dairy Alternatives: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or almond milk in place of whole milk.
How to Make Cheesy Ranch Breakfast Bake
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Meat
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breakfast sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 8 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. In the same skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy (about 5 minutes). Remove and drain on paper towels.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread the frozen hash browns evenly across the bottom of the dish. Scatter the cooked sausage and bacon over the hash browns.
3. Make the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Whisk until smooth and well blended. Add the whole milk and whisk again until the mixture is creamy with no lumps. In a separate bowl, crack the 8 eggs and beat them together. Pour the beaten eggs into the cream cheese mixture and whisk until combined.
4. Add Seasonings
Stir the ranch seasoning mix, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the egg mixture. Whisk until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout.
5. Combine and Assemble
Pour the egg mixture over the hash browns, sausage, and bacon in the baking dish. Stir gently to combine, making sure the ingredients are evenly distributed. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The casserole is done when the eggs are set but still slightly creamy in the center and the top is lightly golden. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a slight amount of egg.
7. Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before cutting into squares. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
How to Serve Cheesy Ranch Breakfast Bake
This breakfast casserole works well on its own or paired with simple sides:
With Toast: Serve alongside buttered toast or fresh biscuits for a complete breakfast.
With Fresh Fruit: Add a side of fresh berries, melon, or citrus to balance the richness.
With Salad: For brunch, pair with a light mixed green salad with vinaigrette.
With Beverages: Offer fresh orange juice, coffee, or tea alongside servings.
As Leftovers: Cut into portions and reheat individual pieces for quick breakfasts throughout the week.
Storing Cheesy Ranch Breakfast Bake
In the Refrigerator: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil if storing in the dish itself.
In the Freezer: This casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap portions individually in foil or place in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Warm in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole completely the night before. Cover and refrigerate. In the morning, simply bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Tips and Tricks for Success
Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh eggs and real cheddar cheese make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps it set and makes serving cleaner.
Cook the Meat First: Browning the sausage and bacon before adding ensures they cook through and flavor the casserole evenly.
Soften the Cream Cheese: Room temperature cream cheese blends smoothly into the egg mixture without lumps.
Prevent Overcooking: Check for doneness at 45 minutes. Overbaking can result in a rubbery texture.
Add Mix-Ins Strategically: If using vegetables, use drained canned or thawed frozen varieties to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Double the Recipe: This casserole doubles well if you need to feed a larger group. Use a 9×13 dish for each batch or split between two dishes.
Season to Taste: Adjust salt and pepper after cooking if needed, as ranch seasoning already contains salt.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/10 of recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 385 |
| Protein | 22g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
| Cholesterol | 215mg |
Note: Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on specific ingredients used and preparation methods.
PrintCheesy Ranch Breakfast Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups frozen hash browns
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook breakfast sausage until browned and set aside. Cook bacon until crispy, then drain on paper towels.
Step 2: Prepare the Dish Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer frozen hash browns, then cooked sausage and bacon.
Step 3: Make Egg Mixture In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Add milk and mix well. In another bowl, beat eggs, then combine with cream cheese mixture.
Step 4: Add Seasonings Stir ranch seasoning mix, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into egg mixture. Whisk until evenly combined.
Step 5: Assemble Pour egg mixture over hash browns and meat. Gently stir to combine. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Bake Bake for 45-50 minutes until eggs are set and top is lightly golden.
Step 7: Rest and Serve Let rest 5 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
Cheesy Ranch Breakfast Bake FAQs
Yes. Assemble the casserole completely, cover, and refrigerate. Bake the next morning, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Yes. Freeze unbaked or baked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Make your own blend using dried parsley, chives, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to taste.
Yes, but squeeze out excess moisture first to prevent a watery casserole.
The casserole is done when the eggs are set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean or nearly clean.
Yes. Try ground ham, Italian sausage, or omit meat entirely for a vegetarian version.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free when using certified gluten-free ranch seasoning mix.
Conclusion
Cheesy Ranch Breakfast Bake is a reliable, crowd-pleasing breakfast option that brings together simple ingredients into a satisfying morning meal. Whether you are preparing breakfast for your family, hosting a brunch gathering, or looking for make-ahead options for busy weekdays, this casserole delivers consistent results and genuine flavor. The combination of creamy eggs, savory breakfast meats, hash browns, and melted cheese creates a dish that feels special without requiring complicated techniques. Once you have made this recipe, it will likely become a regular addition to your breakfast rotation.
