Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Breakfast Casserole Recipe

This hearty breakfast casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time and bake in the morning, making it a great option for brunch gatherings or busy weekday mornings.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage (or your choice of protein)
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 4 cups diced bread (cubed, day-old works best)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cups spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Sausage:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In the same skillet, add the diced bell pepper and onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until they are softened. If using spinach, add it and cook for an additional minute until wilted. Remove from heat.
4. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Layer half of the cubed bread in the prepared baking dish.
   • Add half of the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and half of the cheese.
   • Repeat the layers with the remaining bread, sausage, veggies, and cheese.
   • Pour the egg mixture evenly over the entire casserole, pressing down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
6. Bake:
   • Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
7. Serve:
   • Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips:

• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.
• Customization: Feel free to add other ingredients like cooked bacon, diced tomatoes, or different vegetables based on your preferences.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.

Enjoy your delicious Breakfast Casserole!