Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipe | Hearty Make-Ahead Breakfast

Breakfast Casserole Recipe – Few dishes are as comforting and versatile as a hearty breakfast casserole. Whether you’re preparing a weekend brunch, a holiday gathering, or simply want an easy make-ahead breakfast for the week, a casserole delivers flavor, convenience, and satisfaction. This Breakfast Casserole Recipe combines eggs, bread, cheese, and savory add-ins like sausage and vegetables to create a filling dish that’s both crowd-pleasing and customizable.

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Credit @simplyrecipes from Instagram

Recipe Overview

  • Cuisines: American

  • Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Main Dish

  • Servings: 8 servings

  • Calories: 320 kcal per serving

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Active Time (Baking): 45 minutes

  • Resting Time: 10 minutes

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Equipment Needed

  • 9×13-inch baking dish

  • Large mixing bowl

  • Whisk

  • Spatula

  • Skillet (if cooking sausage, bacon, or veggies beforehand)

  • Aluminum foil (optional for covering during baking)

Ingredients

  • 8 large eggs

  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)

  • 6 slices of day-old bread, cubed (French bread, sourdough, or sandwich bread)

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and Monterey Jack)

  • 1 lb breakfast sausage (cooked, crumbled; substitute bacon, ham, or plant-based sausage if preferred)

  • 1 cup diced vegetables (onions, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms)

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

  • 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the dish)

Nutrition

Nutrient Amount
Calories 320 kcal
Carbohydrates 14 g
Protein 18 g
Fat 22 g
Saturated Fat 9 g
Cholesterol 210 mg
Sodium 580 mg
Fiber 1 g
Sugar 4 g

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

  • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and add a rich flavor base.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Vegetables

  • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and crumbly. Drain excess grease.

  • If using vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, sauté them lightly in the same skillet until softened.

Step 3: Assemble the Bread Layer

  • Place cubed bread evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This layer will soak up the egg mixture and give the casserole structure.

Step 4: Add the Fillings

  • Spread the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables evenly over the bread cubes.

  • Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top.

Step 5: Prepare the Egg Mixture

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until well blended.

  • Pour the mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and veggies in the baking dish. Press lightly with a spatula to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.

Step 6: Top with Cheese

  • Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

  • Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. If the casserole browns too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

  • Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

  • Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs, salsa, or hot sauce if desired.

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Credit @thecozycook from Instagram

Tips for the Best Breakfast Casserole

  1. Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better without becoming soggy.

  2. Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.

  3. Customizable Fillings: Swap sausage with ham, bacon, turkey, or plant-based protein. Add spinach, zucchini, or even roasted sweet potatoes for variety.

  4. Cheese Options: Mix cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack for depth of flavor.

  5. Freezer Friendly: Bake, cool, and freeze individual portions. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick breakfast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Hearty & Filling: Packed with protein and flavor to keep you full all morning.

  • Perfect for a Crowd: Ideal for brunch gatherings, holidays, or meal prepping.

  • Versatile & Customizable: Endless ingredient combinations to match your preferences.

  • Make-Ahead Convenience: Assemble in advance and bake when needed.

Conclusion

This Breakfast Casserole Recipe is the perfect solution for busy mornings, family brunches, or special holiday gatherings. With its fluffy egg base, savory sausage, melty cheese, and hearty bread, every bite is comforting and satisfying. The best part? It’s customizable to fit your taste and can be made ahead of time for convenience.

Whether you serve it fresh from the oven with a side of fruit or reheat it during the week for a quick grab-and-go meal, this casserole will quickly become a household favorite. Try different variations with seasonal vegetables, alternative proteins, or unique cheeses to keep things exciting

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