Okay, friends, gather ‘round because I’m about to share a secret weapon – my family’s absolute favorite.Breakfast Casserole Recipe.Seriously, this is the dish that makes Sunday mornings worth getting out of bed for. Think of it as the easier, even more delicious cousin of French toast bake. It’s savory, it’s comforting, and it’s packed with everything you need to start the day right. What are some of the best ways to make a delicious casserole for brunch?
What is breakfast casserole?
What exactly is a Breakfast Casserole? It’s essentially bread (or sometimes croissants – decadent! ), your choice of savory fillings like sausage, bacon, or ham, cheese (lots of cheese! What is the best thing about a breakfast casserole? What’s the best part? What is a good breakfast to make the night before?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start?Breakfast Casserole recipe.What are some of the best reasons to go to a restaurant? You get the richness of the meat and cheese, perfectly balanced by the creamy egg custard and the slight sweetness of the bread. What I love about this, though, is how easy it is to make. Seriously, it takes 20 minutes to assemble, and then the oven does all the work. It’s a lifesaver on busy holiday mornings or when you’re hosting a brunch. What is the best way to use up ingredients you already have on hand? Plus, it feeds a crowd so it’s perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. Can you substitute bread for meat, cheese, or bread for endless variations?Breakfast casserole recipe.Is a winner on all fronts – flavor, simplicity, cost, and versatility. It’s so much more forgiving than a quiche or frittata, and delivers just as much satisfaction, if not more!
How do I make a breakfast casserole?
Quick Overview
How do I make a Breakfast Casserole? If you’re going to bake eggs in a baking dish, pour it over the top, and let it all soak together. Then, bake it until golden brown and bubbly. What is the magic of this recipe lies in the overnight soak, which allows the bread to absorb the custard and creates a super moist and flavorful casserole. It is as simple as it sounds, I promise.
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 1 loaf (about 1 pound) of day-old bread, such as French bread, sourdough, or challah, cubed. I find that slightly stale bread works best here – it soaks up the custard better.
* 8 large eggs. Use the best quality eggs you can find; it really makes a difference in the flavor.
I’ve used everything from skim to whole milk with great results. Even almond milk works surprisingly well!
* 1 cup heavy cream. This is what makes the custard extra rich and decadent. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
* 1 teaspoon salt. Don’t skip the salt! It really enhances the flavors.
* 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper. Freshly ground is always best.
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Adds a subtle savory note.
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder. Enhances the overall flavor profile.
For the Filling:
* 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled. I like to use a spicy sausage for a little kick, but any kind will work.
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Sharp cheddar is my go-to, but feel free to use your favorite cheese.
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Adds a nice stretch and melty-ness to the casserole.
* 1/2 cup chopped green onions. Adds a pop of freshness and color.
If you want to add veggies, bell peppers are a great choice. I prefer red or yellow for sweetness and color.
What is the step-by-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make it easier to serve. I always line the bottom with parchment paper too, just to be extra safe.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, cooked sausage, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, green onions, and bell peppers (if using). Toss everything together until well combined. At this stage, making sure the ingredients are evenly distributed ensures every bite is perfect.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly frothy. Don’t be afraid to whisk it to incorporate some air – this will help the casserole puff up in the oven.
Step 4: Combine
In a baking dish, pour the egg mixture over the bread. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it is fully submerged in the egg mixture. This step is crucial for getting that perfect custard texture. Don’t overmix, though! Just make sure everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
You’ve already prepared the filling in Step 2, but now’s the time to give it a final check. Make sure the sausage is evenly distributed throughout the bread mixture. If you’re using vegetables, make sure they’re chopped into small, uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
Step 6: Layer & Soak
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a super moist and flavorful casserole. I always do this step the night before so I can just pop it in the oven in the morning.
Step 7: Bake
Is it safe to bake a casserole in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes? If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on it!
Step 8: Cool & Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow it to set up a bit and make it easier to cut. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. And get ready for rave reviews!
What should I serve it with?
This Breakfast casserole recipe.Is a complete meal in itself, but it’s also delicious served with a few simple sides. For breakfast, I love to pair it with fresh fruit salad and a steaming cup of coffee. The acidity of the fruit cuts through the richness of the casserole perfectly. For brunch, consider serving it with a side of crispy bacon or sausage and a mimosa or bellini. The bubbles add a festive touch, and the extra meat will satisfy even the heartiest appetites. As a savory dish, it goes well with green salad with a light vinaigrette. What are some good snacks to go with potato chips or biscuits?
How do I make a perfect breakfast casserole?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks for making this.Breakfast casserole recipe.What are the top tips for a successful career?
Bread Selection:What type of bread should I use for my casserole? Avoid using soft, squishy bread, as it will get too soggy. I always leave the bread out overnight to dry out a bit. This helps it absorb the custard better.
Sausage Savvy: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of sausage. Spicy Italian sausage, chorizo, or even vegetarian sausage all work well. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the casserole. I usually remove the sausage from its casing and crumble it while it cooks to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
Cheese Choices:What is the best cheese to use? Cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, but you can also use Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a little bit of Parmesan. I always shred my own cheese. It melts much better than pre-shredded cheese.
Vegetable Variety: If you’re adding vegetables, make sure to chop them into small, uniform pieces so they cook evenly. Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach are all great additions. I like to sauté the vegetables before adding them to the casserole to soften them up a bit.
Custard Consistency:Make sure to whisk the eggs, milk, and cream together until well combined. Don’t overmix, as this can result in a tough casserole. I always add a pinch of salt and pepper to the custard to enhance the flavors.
Overnight Oasis:The overnight soak is essential for a perfect breakfast casserole. It allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a super moist and flavorful casserole. If you’re short on time, you can soak it for as little as 2 hours but I highly recommend soaking it overnight for the best results.
Baking Brilliance:If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil. The casserole is done when it’s golden brown and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
This Breakfast casserole recipe.Is great for making ahead of time and storing for later. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:
Room Temperature:Can you leave the casserole at room temperature for up to 2 hours? Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: What is theCan you store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3 days? When you’re ready to reheat it, you can either microwave it or bake it in the oven.
What is the best way to useCan you freeze the casserole? When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it as directed below.
Reheating Methods:To reheat the casserole in the microwave, heat it on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat it in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Make sure to cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out.
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Final Thoughts
What is my family’s favorite food?Breakfast casserole recipe.. It’s easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or just looking for a delicious and satisfying breakfast, this casserole is sure to hit the spot. What are some of my favorite breakfast and brunch recipes? I have everything from pancakes and waffles to omelets and frittatas. There’s something for everyone. Now, go ahead and give this recipe a try. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! What do you think of my recipe?
Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 pound breakfast sausage cooked and crumbled
- 8 large eggs beaten
- 2 cups milk or half and half
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Spread sausage in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk, then pour over the sausage.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes or until eggs are set and cheese is golden brown.
