What is this breakfast Casserole Recipe? Is it the kind of dish that instantly transports me back to Sunday mornings at my grandma’s. The whole house would smell incredible, and everyone would be buzzing with anticipation. Is it warm, comforting, and seriously delicious? I know there are tons of recipes out there, but this one? Think of it as a savory bread pudding meets frittata, only way easier to throw together than either. One, and perfect for feeding a crowd, or just having leftovers for the week. What are some of the best variations on a recipe?

What is breakfast casserole?

What is a breakfast casserole? What is a baked dish? Bread, eggs, cheese, and your favorite breakfast meats. Think of it as a deconstructed breakfast sandwich, all baked together in one glorious pan. Is it the perfect way to feed a crowd? What are some of the best breakfasts without fuss? Some people call it a strata, some call them breakfast bake… What you call it, it’s delicious! What are some of the best things about this app? What is breakfast free for all?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Honestly, where do I even begin? What I love most about this breakfast Casserole Recipe is its sheer versatility. You can throw in practically anything you have in the fridge – leftover ham, cooked sausage, crumbled bacon, spinach, peppers, onions… the possibilities are endless! The flavor is amazing, too. The savory bread soaks up all the eggy goodness, and the cheese melts into a gooey, delicious blanket. My family devours this every single time I make it.

But beyond the flavor and flexibility, this recipe is a total lifesaver on busy mornings. You can assemble it the night before, pop it in the oven when you wake up, and have a hot, delicious breakfast ready in about an hour. And let’s not forget about the cost-efficiency! Eggs, bread, and cheese are all relatively inexpensive ingredients, so you can feed a crowd without breaking the bank. We all love that, right? It’s also just SO much easier than making individual breakfasts for everyone. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never go back to scrambled eggs again.

How do I make a breakfast casserole?

Quick Overview

What is a good breakfast casserole recipe? What are some of the best ways to serve bread cubes in a baking dish? If you have a filling, pour an egg and milk mixture over everything, and bake until golden brown and puffy. What is the list of ingredients? What is ease of use? What is the best part? You can customize it to your liking. How do you soak bread well?

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:
* 6 large eggs – I always use organic, free-range eggs for the best flavor and texture.
* 2 cups milk – Whole milk will give you the richest flavor, but you can use 2% or even almond milk if you prefer. I’ve tried it with both, and honestly, almond milk gives it a slightly sweeter taste that I really enjoy.
* 1 teaspoon salt – Don’t skip the salt! It really brings out the flavors of all the other ingredients.
* ½ teaspoon Black Pepper – Freshly ground is always best, but pre-ground works just fine too.
* ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a nice savory note.
* ½ teaspoon onion powder – Same as the garlic powder – adds depth of flavor.
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – This is my secret ingredient! It adds a little tang and helps to emulsify the egg mixture.

For the Filling:
* 1 loaf (1 pound) of bread, cubed – I like to use a crusty sourdough or Italian bread, but any sturdy bread will work. Day-old bread is best, as it will soak up the egg mixture without getting too soggy.
* 1 pound cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled – You can use any kind of sausage you like – mild, hot, or even Italian sausage. If you’re using Italian sausage, make sure to remove the casings before cooking.
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Feel free to use any kind of cheese you like – Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses.
* ½ cup chopped onion – Yellow or white onion works best.
* ½ cup chopped bell pepper – I like to use a combination of red and green bell peppers for color, but you can use any color you like.
* Optional: ½ cup chopped mushrooms, ½ cup chopped spinach, ½ cup chopped tomatoes

How do I follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use a cooking spray with flour in it to prevent sticking, but butter or oil will work just fine too. Making sure the pan is well-greased is key to easy cleanup later!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and Dijon mustard. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined. You want a nice, even mixture so that every bite of the casserole is flavorful. I always give it a good whisk for at least 1 minute!

Step 3: Prepare Filling

If you haven’t already, cook your breakfast sausage and crumble it. Chop your onion and bell pepper. If you’re using other vegetables, chop them as well. You want everything to be roughly the same size so that it cooks evenly in the casserole.

Step 4: Combine

In the prepared baking dish, layer the cubed bread. Top with the cooked sausage, chopped onion, bell pepper, and any other vegetables you’re using. Sprinkle with the shredded cheese. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and fillings. Make sure all the bread is soaked – you may need to press it down gently with a spoon. This is where the magic happens!

Step 5: Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20-30 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown. When a knife is inserted into the center of the knife, it comes out clean. What is the timing of your oven? If it starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it with foil again.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. How do you cut a potato?

What should I serve it with?

This breakfast casserole recipe is pretty amazing on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right sides!

For Breakfast:What is the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee? What are some good side dishes to serve with a side of fresh fruit? I love mimosas with this casserole too – it’s the perfect touch for a special occasion.
For Brunch:If you’re serving this for brunch, consider adding a side salad with olive oil. The acidity of the salad will help to cut through the richness of a casserole. And don’t forget the mimosas and bellinis!
As a Snack:I know breakfast is a snack. What are some examples? If you’re craving something savory and comforting, a slice of this casserole hits the spot. What is the best way to serve hot sauce with Sour Cream?

What are some of the best ways to make a delicious breakfast casserole?

Okay, let’s talk tips. I’ve made this breakfast casserole recipe more times than I can count, so I’ve learned a few tricks along the way.

Bread Prep:Why is it important to use day-old bread? I like to cube bread the night before and let it sit out to dry even more. The drier the bread, the better it will soak up the egg mixture.
Sausage Selection: WhatWhat are some good breakfast sausage recipes? I usually go for a mild or maple-flavored sausage, but you can use whatever you like. If you’re using Italian sausage, make sure to remove the casings before cooking.
What are the best cheese Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for this casserole, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other cheeses. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses would all be delicious. If you want a little kick, try using pepper jack cheese.

Vegetable VariationsWhat are some good vegetables to add to this casserole? Onions and bell peppers are a classic combination, but mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, or even even kale are all good combinations. What are some good zucchini recipes? Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly.
Egg Mixture Magic: What is theDon’t skimp on the egg mixture! If all the bread is soaked, you want to make sure that the casserole is dry. If you’re using a lot of fillings, you may need to add Ice Cream to the egg mixture. What is the secret of Dijon mustard? What is your favorite recipe for a casserole?
Baking BrillianceIs it necessary to cover a baking dish with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking? How do you steam a casserole to prevent it from browning too quickly? Removing the foil for the last 20-30 minutes allows the top to get golden brown and puffy. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil again.

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

What are some great breakfast casserole recipes to make ahead of time?Room Temperature:Can you store baked casserole at room temperature for up to 2 hours? After that, it should be refrigerated.
Refrigerator Storage: WhatHow can I store baked casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days? Can you assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight? Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
How do I useFor longer storage, you can freeze the baked casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Is it safe to store it in the freezer for up to 3 months? To thaw, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating Advice: To reheat the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use gluten-free bread. I’ve used several different brands of gluten-free bread with great success. You might need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly, as gluten-free bread can sometimes be a little drier. Start with the amount specified in the recipe and add more milk, a tablespoon at a time, if needed.

Do I need to peel the onion?

I recommend peeling the onion before chopping it. The outer layers can be a bit tough and papery, and peeling it ensures a more consistent texture throughout the casserole.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

Yes, you can! Grease a 12-cup muffin tin. Divide the bread mixture evenly among the muffin cups. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. This is a great option for portion control or for a grab-and-go breakfast.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

The breakfast casserole recipe as is, isn’t too sweet! But if you’d like a little sweetness you can add a drizzle of maple syrup after baking.

What can I use instead of the breakfast sausage?

You can use cooked and crumbled bacon, ham, or even vegetarian sausage crumbles. The options are endless! Just make sure whatever you use is cooked before adding it to the casserole.

Final Thoughts

Seriously, this breakfast casserole recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday brunch, a weekend breakfast, or a simple weeknight dinner (yes, we’ve had it for dinner!), it’s sure to be a hit. I hope you and your family love it as much as we do! If you enjoyed this breakfast casserole recipe, be sure to check out my other breakfast recipes – you might just find your next favorite! Happy baking, and please let me know in the comments how yours turns out!

No ratings yet