Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This easy breakfast casserole is a comforting and versatile dish perfect for busy mornings or leisurely brunches. Packed with eggs, cheese, bread, and your choice of savory additions, it bakes into a hearty meal that satisfies the whole family.

Ingredients

• 6 to 10 large eggs
• 2 to 3 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 6 slices day-old bread, cut into 3/4-inch to 1-inch-wide cubes
• 2 cups milk
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 cup corn kernels, cooked or frozen (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped broccoli, cooked or raw (optional)
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional)
• 1 cup cubed ham and/or cooked Italian sausage (optional)
• 3 slices cooked bacon, chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Herbes de Provence or other dried herbs, or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped herbs such as basil, rosemary, or thyme (optional)
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cumin or curry powder (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly. Stir in the milk and grated cheddar cheese until combined.
3. Step 3: Add the bread cubes to the egg mixture and gently stir until all the bread is moistened. Be careful not to overmix to prevent the bread from breaking apart.
4. Step 4: Add salt and pepper to taste. If you are using Italian sausage, you can skip additional salt. If including many add-ins, consider adding 1 or 2 more eggs with 2 tablespoons of milk per egg to keep the casserole moist.
5. Step 5: Fold in any optional additions such as corn, broccoli, mushrooms, green onions, ham, sausage, bacon, and herbs until evenly distributed.
6. Step 6: Butter a 9×13-inch casserole dish and pour the mixture into it. You can bake immediately or cover and refrigerate overnight to bake later.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes to 1 hour, until the top is golden brown and the center springs back when lightly pressed.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old bread for better texture; fresh bread can become too soggy.
• Mix and match your favorite vegetables and meats to customize the casserole.
• Add fresh herbs at the end of baking for a bright flavor.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and omit cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
• If you like a spicy kick, sprinkle some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the egg mixture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This casserole can also be frozen before baking; thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the casserole the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and makes morning prep easier. Just bake it fresh in the morning.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! Cheddar works well, but feel free to use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a sharp white cheese to suit your taste preferences.

Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 72 reviews

This Easy Breakfast Casserole is a versatile and hearty dish perfect for a morning meal or brunch. Combining eggs, cheese, bread, and an assortment of optional add-ins like vegetables and meats, it bakes to a golden, fluffy perfection that can be customized to your taste.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes to 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Breakfast Casserole Base

• 6 to 10 large eggs
• 2 to 3 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 6 slices day-old bread, cut into 3/4-inch to 1-inch-wide cubes
• 2 cups milk
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Optional Additions

• 1 cup corn kernels, cooked or frozen
• 1/2 cup chopped broccoli, cooked or raw
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• 1 cup cubed ham and/or cooked Italian sausage
• 3 slices cooked bacon, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Herbes de Provence or other dried herbs (or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil, rosemary, or thyme)
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cumin or curry powder

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Make the Casserole Base: In a large bowl, beat 6 to 10 large eggs. Mix in 2 cups of milk and 2 to 3 cups of grated cheddar cheese until well combined.
3. Add Bread Cubes: Gently fold in 6 slices of day-old bread, cut into 3/4-inch to 1-inch cubes. Stir carefully to ensure all bread pieces are moistened without overmixing to avoid disintegration.
4. Add Optional Ingredients: Add salt and pepper to taste (note: skip salt if using Italian sausage). Incorporate any desired optional additions such as corn kernels, broccoli, mushrooms, green onions, ham, sausage, bacon, herbs, and spices. If adding many additional ingredients, consider whisking in extra eggs with 2 tablespoons of milk per additional egg to ensure adequate binding.
5. Prepare Baking Dish: Butter a 9×13-inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
6. Assemble and Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. You can bake immediately or refrigerate overnight to bake the next day.
7. Bake Until Set: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour. Bake until the top is browned and the center springs back when lightly touched.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• You can customize the casserole with a variety of vegetables, meats, and herbs to suit your preferences.
• Using day-old bread helps the bread absorb the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
• If using many add-ins, increase the number of eggs and milk slightly to maintain the custard texture.
• This casserole can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
• For a crunchier texture, use raw broccoli; for softer, use cooked.

Keywords: breakfast casserole, egg casserole, baked eggs, brunch recipe, easy breakfast, cheese casserole