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Busy mornings call for easy solutions, and this fantastic breakfast casserole recipe is your perfect answer. Imagine waking up to a savory, cheesy, and utterly delicious dish ready to bake with minimal effort. Ideal for feeding a crowd, holiday brunches, or simply enjoying a comforting classic, this recipe allows you to assemble everything the night before. Say goodbye to morning stress and hello to a warm, satisfying start to your day with one of the best breakfast casserole recipes around.
A well-balanced breakfast provides essential energy and nutrients for both children and adults, supporting cognitive function and overall well-being throughout the day. For more information on why breakfast is so important, see this resource from Johns Hopkins Medicine on the benefits of breakfast.
Why You’ll Love These Breakfast Casserole Recipes
These breakfast casserole recipes are a game-changer, simplifying your morning routine without sacrificing flavor. Here is why this particular recipe will quickly become a family favorite:
- Effortless Make-Ahead: Prepare this entire casserole the night before, then simply pop it in the oven the next morning. It is truly a stress-free experience.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe is perfect for feeding large groups, holiday gatherings, or weekend guests. It ensures everyone gets a hearty, satisfying meal.
- Rich & Flavorful: Enjoy the savory goodness of seasoned sausage combined with sharp cheddar cheese and perfectly cooked bread. Each bite is packed with delicious flavor.
- Golden Perfection: Baked until beautifully puffed and golden brown, this casserole looks as amazing as it tastes. It provides a delightful texture with a crispy top.
- Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs by swapping proteins, cheeses, or adding extra vegetables.
- Comforting: There is nothing quite like a warm, cheesy casserole to bring comfort and joy to any breakfast or brunch table.
Ingredients
To create one of the most beloved Breakfast Casserole Recipes, gather these simple ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of savory flavors and comforting textures.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 pound sweet or spicy pork sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 loaf (18 slices) white sandwich bread, such as Pepperidge Farm, crusts removed and cut into 1-inch (2.5-cm) cubes
- 2½ cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups half-and-half
- Scant teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adjust this recipe to fit your taste or what you have on hand. For the sausage, feel free to use chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based sausage alternative. If you do not have white sandwich bread, any sturdy, day-old bread like challah or brioche works wonderfully; just avoid overly soft types that might get soggy. Experiment with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a Colby Jack blend for varied flavor profiles. Whole milk can substitute half-and-half for a slightly lighter custard. For a delicious vegetarian twist, simply omit the meat and load up on sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers instead.
Equipment
Having the right tools makes preparing this amazing breakfast casserole a breeze. You likely have most of these items in your kitchen already.
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large nonstick skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium whisking bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Plastic wrap
Instructions
Creating this make-ahead breakfast casserole is straightforward with these step-by-step instructions. Follow along for a stress-free cooking experience that yields incredible results.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Start by generously greasing a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33-cm) baking dish with one tablespoon of the unsalted butter. Ensure the entire surface is coated to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage: In a large nonstick skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the pork sausage and cook, breaking it apart into small clumps with a wooden spoon, until it is thoroughly browned, which takes about 10 minutes. Transfer the cooked sausage to a large mixing bowl, leaving any rendered fat in the pan for the next step.
- Sauté Onions: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onions to the skillet with the remaining sausage fat. Cook the onions, stirring constantly, until they become soft and translucent, typically around 5 minutes. Add these softened onions to the mixing bowl with the cooked sausage, along with the bread cubes, grated cheddar cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Toss all these ingredients together thoroughly until well combined.
- Spread Mixture: Evenly distribute the sausage, onion, bread, cheese, and parsley mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure it forms a relatively flat and consistent layer.
- Whisk Custard: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the large eggs, half-and-half, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This is the flavorful custard that will bind your easy breakfast casserole together.
- Pour Over: Carefully pour the whisked egg mixture evenly over the bread and sausage mixture in the baking dish. Gently press down on any exposed bread cubes to ensure they absorb some of the custard.
- Chill Overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the casserole for a minimum of 2 hours, or ideally, overnight. This chilling time allows the bread to soak up the custard, resulting in a perfectly set casserole.
- Preheat Oven: When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position an oven rack in the middle. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator while the oven preheats.
- Bake Casserole: Bake the casserole, uncovered, for about one hour. It is ready when it is beautifully puffed, golden brown on top, and set in the center. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.
- Serve Immediately: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into squares and serving this delicious breakfast casserole hot.
Pro Tips for the Best Breakfast Casserole
Elevate your breakfast casserole game with these simple pro tips. They will help ensure your dish is perfectly cooked, flavorful, and a true crowd-pleaser every time.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the bread with other ingredients, be gentle. You want to keep the bread cubes light and airy, not compacted or squished.
- Room Temperature: If you are baking the casserole immediately instead of chilling it, note that the bake time might be slightly shorter. A chilled casserole typically bakes more evenly.
- Even Browning: For a beautifully golden-brown top, rotate your pan halfway through the baking process. This helps ensure consistent browning and even cooking.
- Avoid Soggy Bread: Use slightly stale or firm bread cubes. If your bread is very fresh and soft, you can lightly toast it first to prevent a soggy texture once the custard is added.
- Internal Temperature: For safety and optimal doneness, ensure the internal temperature of the casserole reaches 160°F (71°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer. The USDA recommends cooking egg dishes and casseroles to a minimum internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
This versatile breakfast casserole is a fantastic base for countless meals and customizations. Make it your own with these suggestions.
- Serving Ideas: Serve your warm casserole alongside a refreshing bowl of fresh fruit, some crispy bacon or sausage links, and a splash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick. A side of maple syrup or a dollop of sour cream also complements the savory flavors beautifully.
- Reheating: To reheat leftovers, cover individual portions with foil and warm in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual servings for a quick reheat.
- Storage: Store any leftover breakfast casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It makes for quick and easy weekday breakfasts.
- Freezing: You can freeze this casserole unbaked. Assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
- Additions: Enhance the flavor and texture by stirring in diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or mild green chiles with the onions. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
- Spice It Up: For those who love a little heat, use spicy pork sausage and consider adding finely diced jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat) to the mix.
Nutrition Information
Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious make-ahead breakfast casserole. These values are based on generic ingredients and may vary slightly depending on brands and specific substitutions.
| Nutrition | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 669 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 37 g |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Fat | 44 g |
| Saturated Fat | 20 g |
| Cholesterol | 251 mg |
| Sodium | 1098 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
Disclaimer: All nutrition information is an estimate based on generic ingredients. Individual results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Got questions about making the best breakfast casserole recipes? We have answers to help you perfect this dish.
- Can I use different types of bread? Yes, any sturdy, dense bread like challah, brioche, or sourdough works well to absorb the custard without becoming soggy. Avoid very soft, thin sliced bread.
- Can I make it with vegetarian sausage? Absolutely! You can substitute plant-based sausage or simply omit the meat and add extra cooked vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian strata.
- How long does it need to chill? A minimum of 2 hours is recommended, but chilling it overnight (8-12 hours) is ideal. This allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, leading to a better texture.
- Can I bake this immediately without chilling? Yes, you can bake it right away, but the texture might be slightly softer and less uniformly set. The chilling step significantly improves the final result.
- Can I double the recipe in one 9×13 pan? No, a single 9×13-inch pan cannot accommodate a double recipe. Use two separate 9×13-inch baking dishes if you wish to double the recipe.
- Is it possible to make this without cheese? While technically possible, it is not recommended for this particular recipe. The cheese adds essential flavor, moisture, and helps bind the casserole together.
Conclusion
Embrace the ultimate convenience and incredible flavor of these make-ahead breakfast casserole recipes. Perfect for busy families, holiday gatherings, or simply treating yourself to a hearty meal, this dish delivers every time. Enjoy stress-free mornings and a crowd-pleasing dish that is both comforting and customizable. Try this ultimate breakfast casserole today and make your mornings effortlessly delicious!
The Ultimate Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- large nonstick skillet
- wooden spoon
- large mixing bowl
- medium bowl
- whisk
- plastic wrap
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 1 pound sweet or spicy pork sausage casings removed
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 1 loaf white sandwich bread (18 slices), such as Pepperidge Farm, crusts removed and cut into 1-inch (2.5-cm) cubes
- 2½ cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups half-and-half
- Scant teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33-cm) baking dish with butter.
- In a large nonstick skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add sausage, cook until browned, breaking into small clumps, then transfer to a large mixing bowl, leaving fat in pan.
- Reduce heat to medium, add onions and remaining butter to the pan. Cook, stirring constantly, until soft and translucent, then add to the mixing bowl with sausage, bread cubes, cheese, and parsley. Toss well and spread evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread mixture. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) with a rack in the middle. Bake uncovered for about one hour until puffed and golden brown. Slice into squares and serve immediately.
Notes
A 40-year-old chef from Mexico City, has dedicated his life to perfecting the art of Mexican cuisine. Raised in a family with a deep passion for cooking, Carlos drew inspiration from the traditional recipes passed down by his grandmother. After studying culinary arts and gaining experience in top Mexican restaurants, he pursued his dream of opening his own restaurant, Sabor de Tradición. Here, he combines authentic Mexican flavors with modern culinary techniques. Carlos is renowned for his creativity and unwavering commitment to honoring his heritage while also pushing the boundaries of Mexican cuisine
