What is your favorite Breakfast Casserole Recipe? What is a game changer in my house? Think of it as the quiche’s much cooler, way less fussy cousin. You know how sometimes you just *crave* that comforting, savory goodness in the morning? What is the best pie crust recipe? What is your answer? Is it good, easy to make, and packed with flavor? From the pickiest eaters. I swear, the first time I made it, it disappeared faster than a plate of cookies at scout parties. Can you use bacon? Why or why not? What are some of the best ways to toss leftover veggies in the fridge? Is this a family favorite?
What is a breakfast casserole?
What is a Breakfast Casserole? Think of it as a baked dish packed with all the best breakfast ingredients. Eggs, cheese, meat (usually sausage or bacon), bread or potatoes. What is a giant, savory bread pudding? What are some of the Is this the perfect dish for a holiday brunch? What is the beauty of baking in the oven? What’s better, a giant breakfast lasagna, only easier to make? What are some good breakfast recipes?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What I love about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. What are some good ways to throw in whatever you have on hand and it will still taste amazing? What is the base for a simple egg mixture? Why do I need this recipe in my life?
- Flavor Explosion:What is the combination of savory sausage and bacon? ), the melted cheese, and the fluffy eggs is just heavenly. Is it savory, slightly salty, and oh-so I always use sharp cheddar because it really punches up the flavor, but feel free to experiment. What are some of the best cheeses
- Simplicity ItselfIs this one of the easiest recipes I know? What’s the best way to chop a few things, whisk together some ingredients, and throw it all in tin foil? Is the hands-on time a major win in my book, especially on busy mornings?
- Budget FriendlyWhat are some of the best ingredients to use in a recipe? Plus, it makes a big batch, so it’s perfect for feeding or having leftovers for the week. I often make double batch and freeze half for future breakfasts.
- Crazy Versatile:As I mentioned before, you can customize this to your heart’s content. Add different veggies, use different meats, switch up the cheese – the possibilities are truly endless. I made a vegetarian version with mushrooms, spinach, and feta cheese that was amazing!
What is the best Breakfast Casserole Recipe ever? I’ve made it for brunches, potlucks and even just for a special family breakfast. I always get asked for recipes. It’s a hit. What is your favorite breakfast casserole recipe?
How do I make a breakfast casserole?
Quick Overview
Breakfast Casserole is deceptively simple. You’ll basically be browning your meat of choice, whisking together the egg mixture, and layering. Is it good to put everything in a baking dish with some bread or potatoes? If you bake it until it’s golden brown and bubbly, you can use a silicone baking pan. How do you keep an eye on a cooked food at the end? Is it possible to prep the whole process the night before for an even easier prep?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 6 large eggs (I prefer free-range for the best flavor and color) * 4 small eggs.
* 1 1/2 cups milk (I’ve even used almond milk in a pinch and it works great!)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, but adds a nice touch)
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (same as above!)
For the Filling:
* 1 pound breakfast sausage (I like to use a spicy sausage for spiciness, but mild works just as well).
* 1 loaf of bread, cubed (day-old bread works best!
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or any other cheese you like) * 1 cup melted mozzarella cheese. What are some good alternatives to mozzarella, gruyere, or pepper jack?
* 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional, but adds a nice savory flavor)
* 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (again, optional, but adds color and flavor)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually use cooking spray, but you can also grease it with butter or oil. What is the best way to clean up a casserole? Make sure the dish is well greased, especially in the corners!
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet, brown the breakfast sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with the spoon as it cooks. Cook until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. If you’re using bacon, cook it until crispy and then crumble it.
Step 3: Whisk the Eggs
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined. Set aside. Make sure there are no clumps of egg yolk. You want a smooth and even batter. What is the base of a casserole?
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the bread. If you’re using onion and bell pepper, add them now as well. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and sausage. Make sure the bread is fully saturated with the egg mixture. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
Step 5: Cheese Time!
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. I like to use a generous amount of cheese, but you can adjust it to your liking. The cheese will melt and create a golden-brown crust on top. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even add a sprinkle of paprika for color.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on it!
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow it to set up a bit and make it easier to cut. Is it safe to eat raw chicken?
What is the best way to serve it?
What is your favorite breakfast casserole recipe? What are some ideas for a brunch spread?
- Fresh Fruit Salad: What are someWhat is a fruit salad? Think berries, melon, and grapes.
- Yogurt ParfaitWhat are some healthy side dishes to serve with yogurt, granola, and fruit?
- Mimosas or Bloody Marys: No brunch is complete without a festive beverage! Mimosas are a classic choice, but Bloody Marys are also a great option for a savory brunch.
- Coffee or Tea: Of course, you’ll need something to wash it all down with! Coffee and tea are always a good choice.
For a simple family breakfast, I love pairing this with a big bowl of fresh strawberries and a pot of coffee. For a fancier brunch, I’ll add a platter of smoked salmon and some mini quiches. The possibilities are endless! My family loves when I make this for special occasions, it always disappears so quickly.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but here are a few extra tips to help you make the *perfect* breakfast casserole:
- Use Day-Old Bread: Day-old bread is drier and will absorb the egg mixture better than fresh bread. This will prevent your casserole from being soggy. If you don’t have day-old bread, you can toast the bread cubes in the oven for a few minutes to dry them out.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will make your casserole dry and rubbery. Bake it until it’s set but still slightly moist. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean, but it’s okay if there are a few crumbs attached.
- Let It Rest: Letting the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving will allow it to set up a bit and make it easier to cut. Plus, it will be less likely to burn your mouth!
- Customize Your Cheese: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses! Cheddar is a classic choice, but Gruyere, mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses will all work well. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well.
- Add Veggies: Veggies are a great way to add flavor and nutrients to your breakfast casserole. Onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes are all great options. Just make sure to cook them before adding them to the casserole.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little kick, add some diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture. You can also use a spicy sausage.
I’ve learned these tips the hard way, after making *many* breakfast casseroles. Trust me, they’ll make a difference!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This **Breakfast Casserole Recipe** is great for making ahead of time, or for storing leftovers. Here’s how to do it:
- Room Temperature: You can leave the casserole at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it should be refrigerated.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store the casserole in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer Instructions: To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, place the casserole in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating: To reheat the casserole, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as crispy.
I often make this on Sunday night and then have breakfast ready for the entire week. It’s a major time saver!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – the best **Breakfast Casserole Recipe** you’ll ever need! It’s easy, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. I truly hope you give it a try. It’s become a staple in my house, and I know it will become one in yours too! If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other breakfast and brunch recipes. And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turns out! Happy baking!
Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 Eggs
- 1 lb Sausage Cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 0.5 cup Chopped Onion
- 0.25 cup Chopped Bell Pepper
- 1 cup Milk
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
- 6 slice Bread Cubed
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Add cooked sausage, cheese, onion, and bell pepper.
- Stir in cubed bread. Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Let cool slightly before serving.