Mornings can be hectic, but that doesn’t mean you have to skimp on a hearty, delicious breakfast. Enter the breakfast casserole—loaded with all your favorite breakfast ingredients and baked to perfection. This casserole is the ultimate comfort food: warm, cheesy, and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or looking for an easy breakfast option that you can prep the night before, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll be hooked!
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Why You’ll Love Breakfast Casserole
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating those perfect breakfast moments. Whether you’re cooking for a lazy weekend morning, a family gathering, or prepping for the busy workweek ahead, this casserole is a game-changer. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: You can easily customize this casserole to fit your tastes and dietary needs. Swap out ingredients based on what you have in your fridge, or make it vegetarian or gluten-free—this casserole is flexible!
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients, this dish is easy on the wallet, and you can often use what’s already in your pantry and fridge.
Quick and Easy: While the cooking time might take a bit longer, the prep is simple. Just assemble everything in one dish and pop it in the oven. It’s perfect for those mornings when you want a no-fuss meal.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving it for brunch or breakfast, this casserole is sure to impress. It’s a dish that everyone can enjoy, and it’s always a hit with kids and adults alike.
Make-Ahead: One of the best parts of this recipe is how easy it is to prepare ahead of time. You can assemble the casserole the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning. It’s perfect for busy mornings or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious breakfast casserole:
Eggs: The base of this casserole, providing that soft, custardy texture.
Milk: Adds richness and moisture to the casserole.
Bread: Use cubed bread (preferably a day or two old). It soaks up the egg mixture and gives the casserole structure.
Cheese: A blend of your favorite cheeses—cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment with other varieties like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra gooey goodness.
Breakfast Meat: Crumbled breakfast sausage, bacon, or ham. These add a savory, meaty flavor to the casserole.
Veggies: Onions, bell peppers, and spinach are great additions, adding color and flavor to the dish.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other seasonings you love. You can also add a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or oregano.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get started with this comforting breakfast casserole:
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking and helps the casserole set just right.
Cook the Meat: If you’re using sausage or bacon, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat, and set it aside to cool.
Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, sauté your diced onion, bell peppers, and any other veggies you’re using until softened. This step brings out their sweetness and adds flavor to the casserole.
Assemble the Casserole: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and seasonings. Add the cubed bread, cooked meat, sautéed veggies, and cheese. Stir gently to combine.
Pour into Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Make sure the bread is well-soaked in the egg mixture.
Bake: Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown on top. You can test for doneness by inserting a knife into the center—it should come out clean.
Cool Slightly: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut into slices.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, and enjoy the perfect breakfast or brunch dish. This casserole is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or a side of crispy bacon.
How to Serve Breakfast Casserole
This breakfast casserole is perfect on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out your meal:
Fresh Fruit: Serve with a bowl of mixed fresh fruit for a light, refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
Side Salad: A simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette makes a nice balance to the casserole’s richness.
Crispy Bacon or Sausage: If you’re craving even more savory goodness, add a side of crispy bacon or sausage.
Toast: A slice of buttered toast is always a great choice, especially if you want to scoop up any of the casserole’s cheesy goodness.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you make this casserole the best it can be:
Prep Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven to bake.
Make it Veggie-Friendly: Skip the meat and load up on extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes for a delicious vegetarian version.
Swap the Bread: Try using croissants, bagels, or sourdough bread instead of plain white bread for a different texture and flavor.
Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Freeze It: You can freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as usual.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can assemble it the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Then just bake it in the morning.
Q2: Can I use a different type of bread?
A2: Absolutely! Feel free to use whole wheat, sourdough, or even croissants for a unique twist.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?
A4: Yes! Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Q5: Can I make this casserole without meat?
A5: Of course! Simply skip the sausage or bacon and load up on extra veggies for a delicious vegetarian version.
Q6: Can I add more cheese?
A6: Yes! You can never go wrong with extra cheese. Add as much as you like, or try a blend of different cheeses for variety.
Q7: Can I use egg whites instead of whole eggs?
A7: Yes, you can! Just use 6-8 egg whites to replace the whole eggs for a lighter version.
Q8: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A8: Absolutely! Frozen vegetables work well in this casserole—just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.
Q9: How do I know when the casserole is done?
A9: The casserole should be golden brown on top and firm in the center. A knife inserted into the middle should come out clean.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! Simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish, or make two casseroles. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
Conclusion
This breakfast casserole is a total crowd-pleaser and the perfect way to start the day. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, it’s comforting, filling, and super easy to make. Plus, the possibilities are endless—swap ingredients to make it your own! Enjoy every bite!
Print
Breakfast Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and satisfying breakfast casserole perfect for feeding a crowd. This recipe combines flavorful pork sausage, bell peppers, sharp Cheddar, pepper Jack cheese, and crispy hash browns in a creamy egg mixture for a comforting, easy-to-make dish that’s sure to please. Serve it for breakfast, brunch, or any occasion that calls for a filling, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1 (1-lb.) pork breakfast sausage roll
- 1 (8-oz.) green bell pepper, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 2 tsp. garlic salt, divided
- 1 tsp. black pepper, divided
- 8 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
- 8 oz. pepper Jack cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
- 24 oz. frozen shredded hash browns (about 10 cups, from 1 [30-oz.] bag)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions (1 large scallion)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Lightly coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add sausage, and cook, stirring often, until browned (about 7 minutes).
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Do not wipe the skillet clean.
- Cook the Bell Pepper:
- Add the chopped bell pepper to the skillet, cooking over medium heat, stirring often, until tender (about 3–4 minutes).
- Transfer to the plate with the sausage.
- Make the Egg Mixture:
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, onion powder, 1 tsp of garlic salt, and 1/2 tsp of black pepper until fully combined.
- Stir in the cooked sausage, bell pepper, Cheddar cheese, and pepper Jack cheese.
- Prepare the Hash Browns:
- Toss the frozen hash browns with the remaining 1 tsp of garlic salt and 1/2 tsp of black pepper.
- Spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the egg mixture over the hash browns, pressing lightly to ensure the hash browns are fully submerged.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, until the eggs are set in the center and the hash browns are golden brown.
- Let stand for 15–20 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced scallions.
Notes
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to ensure it holds its shape.
- You can prep the casserole the night before and refrigerate it to bake in the morning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 230mg