Oh, let me tell you, nothing quite says “good morning” like a hearty breakfast casserole! Seriously, this dish is a total game-changer when it comes to feeding a crowd or just making sure everyone starts their day with a smile. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or just looking for a cozy family meal, this breakfast casserole is your go-to. It’s so versatile; you can mix and match ingredients to suit everyone’s tastes. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be whipping it up on repeat!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious breakfast casserole. I promise, it’s super simple and you probably have most of these ingredients on hand!
- 8 slices of bread, cubed: Any kind will do! I love using sourdough or whole grain for extra flavor.
- 1 pound of breakfast sausage: You can choose spicy or mild based on your preference. Just make sure it’s cooked before adding!
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese: Go for sharp cheddar for that extra kick, but any cheese you love will work.
- 6 large eggs: The heart of the casserole! They’ll help bind everything together beautifully.
- 2 cups of milk: Whole milk makes it rich and creamy, but feel free to use whatever you have.
- 1 teaspoon of salt: Just enough to enhance all those lovely flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper: A little spice to wake up your taste buds!
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika: This adds a nice color and a subtle warmth to the dish.
Gather these goodies and let’s get cooking! You won’t regret it!
How to Prepare a Breakfast Casserole
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness of making this breakfast casserole! I’m so excited for you to get started. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a hearty dish that everyone will love!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps your casserole cook evenly and rise beautifully. Don’t skip this step—trust me, your breakfast casserole will thank you!
Cook the Sausage
Next up, let’s get that sausage cooked! In a skillet over medium heat, add your 1 pound of breakfast sausage. Cook it until it’s browned and crumbled, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir it around a bit so it cooks evenly. Once it’s nice and golden, drain any excess fat. This keeps your casserole from getting greasy, and we definitely want to avoid that!
Prepare the Bread and Cheese Mixture
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and toss in your cubed bread and the cooked sausage. Then, sprinkle in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. I like to give this a gentle mix with my hands to make sure that everything is well combined and the cheese is evenly distributed. It’s the perfect blend of flavors just waiting to come together!
Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. You want this mixture to be nice and frothy. The eggs are the magic that holds everything together, so give it a good whisk—this will help incorporate air and make your casserole fluffy!
Combine and Transfer
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Pour that delicious egg mixture over your bread and sausage blend. Use a spatula or a big spoon to gently stir everything together until the bread is well-coated in that eggy goodness. Once it’s nicely mixed, transfer it all to a greased baking dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly so it bakes just right!
Baking Instructions
Time to bake! Pop your casserole into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the center is set. If you gently shake the dish, it should wiggle just a little—that’s a sign it’s ready! Let it cool for a few minutes before diving in, and then serve it up hot!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers! This breakfast casserole is not only delicious but also filling. Here’s a quick look at the nutritional info per serving:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I’ve provided a general idea, your own casserole might look a little different—especially if you decide to get creative with add-ins! Enjoy every bite, and don’t stress too much about the numbers; it’s all about the joy of cooking and sharing delicious meals!
Why You’ll Love This Breakfast Casserole
- Hearty and Filling: This casserole is packed with protein and carbs, making it the perfect start to your day or a great brunch option for gatherings.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have this dish in the oven in no time. It’s a no-fuss way to feed a crowd!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or even swap out the sausage for bacon or ham. The options are endless!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning, which is a total lifesaver for busy days!
- Everyone Will Love It: Seriously, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Kids and adults alike will be going back for seconds!
- Great for Leftovers: If you happen to have any left, it reheats beautifully for a quick breakfast throughout the week.
Tips for Success
Alright, my friend, let’s make sure your breakfast casserole turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some pro tips that I’ve learned through trial and plenty of error. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will enhance the flavor and ensure everything comes together beautifully!
- Stale Bread Works Wonders: If you have any leftover bread that’s gone a bit stale, don’t toss it! Using day-old bread helps the casserole absorb the egg mixture better, leading to a fluffier texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Dish: While it’s tempting to pack in all the ingredients, try to stick to the measurements. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, and nobody wants a soggy casserole!
- Season Your Sausage: If you’re using plain sausage, add some extra flavor! A sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of hot sauce while cooking can elevate the taste significantly.
- Mix It Up: Don’t be afraid to customize! Throw in some sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to sneak in some veggies. Just be sure to cook them beforehand to avoid excess moisture.
- Let It Rest: After baking, let your casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help it set up a bit more, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Experiment with Cheeses: While cheddar is a classic, mixing in other cheeses like pepper jack for a bit of heat or mozzarella for a gooey texture can create a flavor explosion!
- Check for Doneness: If you’re unsure if it’s fully cooked, use a toothpick or knife to poke the center. It should come out clean when it’s ready!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to whip up a breakfast casserole that will wow everyone at the table. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to savor every delicious bite!
Variations on Breakfast Casserole
Let’s get creative! One of the best things about this breakfast casserole is how adaptable it is. You can totally switch things up to keep everyone guessing and excited for breakfast. Here are some fun variations that I love to make:
- Veggie Delight: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers, onions, and spinach for a colorful, nutritious twist. You could even add diced tomatoes or mushrooms if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Meat Lovers: If you’re a fan of hearty breakfasts, why not mix in cooked bacon or ham along with the sausage? You’ll get that smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the eggs and cheese.
- Cheese Overload: Don’t stop at cheddar! Try a blend of mozzarella and gouda for a melty, gooey experience. Or go bold with blue cheese or feta for a tangy kick!
- Southwestern Style: Spice things up with some diced jalapeños, black beans, and corn. Top it off with a sprinkle of cilantro and serve with salsa on the side. Yum!
- Italian Inspiration: Swap out the sausage for Italian sausage and add some diced tomatoes, basil, and oregano. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top will make it irresistible!
- Sweet and Savory: For a unique twist, consider adding some diced apples or pears along with cinnamon for a hint of sweetness. Pair it with sausage for that perfect balance!
- Gluten-Free Goodness: Use gluten-free bread for a fantastic option that everyone can enjoy. Just make sure your sausage and other ingredients are also gluten-free!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas based on what you have in your fridge or what you’re craving. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this breakfast casserole so much fun to make and share!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to store those delicious leftovers! If you happen to have any of this scrumptious breakfast casserole left (which is a big ‚if‘ in my house!), you’ll want to make sure it stays fresh and tasty for the next day. Here’s how I do it:
- Storing Leftovers: Once your casserole has cooled completely, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. This helps keep it nice and moist. You can also cover it tightly with plastic wrap if you don’t have a container handy. It’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing for Later: If you want to save some for a later date, you can freeze your breakfast casserole! Just slice it into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It should last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. Just remember to label it so you don’t forget what it is!
Now, when you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, here’s how to reheat them:
- Reheating in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method keeps the casserole nice and fluffy!
- Microwaving: If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave. Just pop a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for about 1-2 minutes, checking to make sure it’s warmed all the way through. It’s quick and easy, but you might lose a bit of that crispiness on top!
With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to savor every last bite of your breakfast casserole. Enjoy it again and again, because trust me, it’s just as good the second time around!
Drucken
Breakfast Casserole: 7 Reasons You’ll Love This Dish
- Gesamtzeit: 50 minutes
- Ertrag: 8 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
A hearty breakfast casserole perfect for feeding a crowd.
Zutaten
- 8 slices of bread, cubed
- 1 pound of breakfast sausage
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
Anweisungen
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the sausage in a skillet until browned; drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, mix the bread, cooked sausage, and cheese.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread mixture; stir to combine.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until set and golden on top.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning.
- Customize with your favorite vegetables or meats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 35 minutes
- Kategorie: Breakfast
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 320
- Zucker: 3g
- Natrium: 600mg
- Fett: 20g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 8g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 18g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterin: 150mg
Keywords: breakfast casserole, egg casserole, sausage casserole











