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Feeding a large group for breakfast can feel overwhelming, especially on a busy morning. Imagine the stress of juggling multiple pans and timing everything perfectly! We have the perfect solution: a hearty, make-ahead breakfast casserole. This dish simplifies entertaining, allowing you to relax and enjoy your guests. It is truly the ultimate breakfast idea for a crowd, saving you time and effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Stress-Free Entertaining: Prepare almost everything the night before. Wake up, bake, and serve with minimal morning fuss. This is one of the best breakfast ideas for a crowd because it removes pressure.
- Highly Customizable: Easily adapt ingredients to suit various tastes, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. Everyone finds something to love in this versatile dish.
- Delicious & Satisfying: Layers of savory bread, eggs, cheese, and your favorite add-ins create a truly comforting and hearty meal. It’s perfect for fueling a big gathering.
- Minimal Morning Effort: Simply pop your prepared casserole into the oven. This hands-off cooking method frees you up to enjoy coffee or chat with guests.
- Feeds Many Affordably: A single 9×13 inch casserole generously serves a large family or group without breaking the bank. It’s an economical breakfast idea for a crowd.
Ingredients
Gather your core components for this fantastic breakfast casserole. You’ll need 12 large eggs, 2 cups milk (whole milk or half-and-half works best for richness), and 8 slices of bread (day-old is ideal). Add 1.5 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend), 1 pound cooked breakfast meat (sausage, ham, or bacon), and 1 cup chopped vegetables (like bell peppers, onions, or spinach). Finally, season with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
Notes & Substitutions
For the bread, consider using stale challah, sourdough, or brioche for amazing texture and flavor. If you prefer a lighter casserole, use skim milk instead of whole milk or cream. For cheese, a Mexican blend or a sharp cheddar adds great character. Make this dish vegetarian by omitting meat and adding extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted sweet potatoes. For a spicy kick, include a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes in the egg mixture.
Equipment
You won’t need much specialized equipment for this amazing breakfast idea for a crowd. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish (glass or ceramic works well). You’ll also need two large mixing bowls for whisking and combining ingredients. A whisk, a cutting board, and a sharp knife are essential for prep. Finally, a large skillet is useful for browning your breakfast meat and sautéing vegetables.
Instructions
Making this breakfast casserole, one of our favorite breakfast ideas for a crowd, is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for a delicious, stress-free meal.
First, prepare your bread, meat, and vegetables. Tear or cube the bread into 1-inch pieces. Cook your breakfast meat in the skillet until browned, then drain any excess fat. Sauté chopped vegetables like onions and peppers in the same skillet until softened. If using spinach, simply wilt it.
Next, layer your ingredients in the baking dish. Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly across the bottom. Top the bread with half of the cooked meat and half of the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over these layers. Repeat with the remaining bread, meat, and vegetables.
Now, whisk your egg mixture thoroughly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and well-combined. This ensures even distribution of flavor and a consistent texture in your breakfast casserole.
Pour the egg mixture over the layers in the baking dish. Make sure the egg mixture saturates all the bread and other ingredients. Gently press down on the layers with a spatula if needed, to help the bread absorb the liquid. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This cheese will create a beautiful golden crust.
Finally, cover and refrigerate overnight. Tightly cover the baking dish with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, preventing a dry or crumbly texture and enhancing the overall flavor of your breakfast casserole.
On baking day, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take off some of the chill. Remove the plastic wrap. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top and set in the center. An inserted knife should come out clean. You may need to cover it loosely with foil for the last 15-20 minutes if the top browns too quickly.
Once baked, rest before serving. Let the breakfast casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps the casserole set further and makes for cleaner cuts. Serve warm and enjoy this ultimate breakfast idea for a crowd!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Prevent Soggy Casserole: Don’t over-soak your bread. Using day-old or slightly stale bread helps it absorb the egg mixture without becoming mushy. Avoid adding too many wet vegetables without draining them first.
The culinary science behind using stale bread in strata and casseroles shows that its drier structure allows for better liquid absorption without becoming mushy, creating a superior texture.
- Maximize Flavor: Pre-cook any meats and sauté firm vegetables like onions and peppers until tender. This step develops their flavor and removes excess moisture before they go into the casserole, contributing to a truly tasty breakfast idea for a crowd.
- Essential Chill Time: Allow the casserole to chill overnight. This crucial step lets the bread fully absorb the egg mixture, ensuring a cohesive and flavorful result. Don’t skip it!
- Even Browning: If the top browns too quickly, cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil during the last part of baking. This prevents over-browning while the inside finishes cooking.
- Check for Doneness: An internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) indicates doneness. You can also insert a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, your casserole is ready.
The USDA recommends cooking egg dishes like this casserole to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure food safety.
- Prevent Sticking: Generously grease your baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This simple step ensures easy removal and serving of your delicious breakfast casserole.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This breakfast casserole is a fantastic breakfast idea for a crowd, and incredibly versatile!
Serve your warm breakfast casserole with a side of fresh fruit salad, a dash of hot sauce, or a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. For storage, let any leftovers cool completely. Store them tightly covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions easily in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Boost the veggie content with sautéed mushrooms, diced zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, or even black beans. This creates a delicious and satisfying meatless breakfast idea for a crowd.
- Tex-Mex: Incorporate a can of diced green chiles, a cup of corn, and a generous sprinkle of taco seasoning into the egg mixture. Serve with salsa, avocado, and extra jalapeños. This Tex-Mex version is sure to impress.
- Mediterranean: Use crumbled feta cheese, pitted Kalamata olives, and fresh spinach. A sprinkle of oregano adds an authentic touch to this flavorful variation.
- Hearty Meat Lover’s: Amp up the protein with a mix of crispy bacon, cooked breakfast sausage, and diced ham. This version is sure to satisfy the biggest appetites.
Nutrition Information
Please remember that the nutritional values provided are estimates only. The actual values can vary significantly based on specific ingredients used, brands, and portion sizes. For precise nutritional information, especially if you have dietary restrictions, we recommend using an online nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients.
| Amount Per Serving | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Total Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 250mg |
| Sodium | 680mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 20g |
FAQ
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, absolutely! Prepare the entire casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. This makes it an ideal breakfast idea for a crowd on busy mornings.
- What if I don’t have a 9×13 dish? You can use two smaller 8×8 inch dishes instead. Adjust baking time as needed, typically a bit less for smaller portions.
- How do I prevent a watery casserole? Ensure you drain any cooked meats and sautéed vegetables thoroughly. Avoid adding ingredients with high water content directly, or consider pre-roasting them.
- Can I freeze this breakfast casserole? Yes, you can freeze both baked or unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil; it keeps for up to 3 months.
- How many people does this serve? This recipe typically serves 8-10 people generously. For larger groups, simply double the recipe and bake in two 9×13 inch dishes.
Conclusion
This ultimate breakfast casserole offers a perfect solution for effortlessly feeding a large group. Its easy preparation, make-ahead convenience, and delicious flavors make it a true winner. Say goodbye to morning stress and hello to relaxed entertaining with this hearty dish. Give this fantastic breakfast idea for a crowd a try, and enjoy more moments around the table with your loved ones!
The Ultimate Breakfast Casserole: Your Go-To Breakfast Idea For A Crowd
Notes
Sofia Ben Ali is a 34-year-old chef from Morocco who has a deep passion for cooking. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of her childhood in Tunis, she pursued her culinary studies in France, where she fell in love with French gastronomy. Today, Sofia runs a successful catering business known for her innovative dishes that beautifully blend Arabian and French flavors. Through cooking classes and social media, she shares her culinary journey, inspiring others to explore the joys of cooking while honoring her rich heritage.
