Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole
Introduction
Start your mornings off right with a delicious breakfast that’s easy to prepare! The Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole is perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends. With a mix of hearty ingredients and cheesy goodness, this breakfast dish will keep everyone satisfied. Plus, you can prepare it in advance, making your mornings stress-free.
Why make this recipe
Making the Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole is a smart choice for many reasons. First, it’s versatile and packed with nutritious ingredients like vegetables and protein. Second, you can customize it to fit your family’s tastes. Skip the takeout and enjoy a warm, homemade breakfast. Finally, this dish is perfect for serving a crowd or for meal prep. You can make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!
How to prepare Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole
Preparing this casserole is a breeze and takes just a few simple steps. You will layer flavors and textures, creating a satisfying breakfast that everyone will love. Here’s how to do it!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups (175g) crusty bread, cubed
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground pork sausage, casings removed
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or Italian seasoning (optional)
- 3/4 cup (100g) chopped yellow onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups (275g) chopped bell peppers
- 1 cup (100g) sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 12 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 2/3 cup (160ml) milk or half-and-half
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional garnish: green onions or chopped parsley
Steps:
- Grease a 9×13-inch or 3–4-quart baking dish. Layer the cubed bread in the bottom.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and seasoning, breaking it into pieces as it cooks.
- Add onion, garlic, peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. Cook until vegetables are softened and the sausage is cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.
- Spread the sausage and vegetable mixture evenly over the bread.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, salt, pepper, milk, and cheese. Pour this mixture over the sausage and vegetable mixture in the dish. Sprinkle with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C). Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
How to serve Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole
Serving this casserole is simple. Slice it into squares and place it on plates. You can garnish it with green onions or chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve it with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a side of your favorite breakfast pastry.
How to store Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just reheat in the oven or microwave before serving!
Tips to make Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole perfectly
- Use day-old bread for the best texture. It will soak up the egg mixture nicely.
- Don’t rush the cooking time; make sure the sausage is fully cooked for food safety.
- Feel free to mix and match your favorite veggies based on what you have on hand.
Variations
You can easily change up this recipe:
- Replace pork sausage with turkey sausage or use breakfast bacon for a different flavor.
- Add different vegetables like zucchini, kale, or corn.
- Swap the cheddar cheese for mozzarella or feta for a different taste.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this casserole without meat?
A: Yes! You can skip the sausage and add more vegetables or some beans for protein.
Q: Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
A: Absolutely! Just assemble it and place it in the refrigerator overnight. Then bake it in the morning.
Q: How can I reheat leftovers?
A: You can reheat individual slices in the microwave or put the whole casserole back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Enjoy this delightful and easy breakfast casserole that brings everyone together!
Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole
Start your mornings off right with a delicious breakfast that’s easy to prepare! This make-ahead casserole is packed with hearty ingredients and cheesy goodness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Omnivore
Ingredients
- 4 cups (175g) crusty bread, cubed
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground pork sausage, casings removed
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or Italian seasoning (optional)
- 3/4 cup (100g) chopped yellow onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups (275g) chopped bell peppers
- 1 cup (100g) sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 12 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 2/3 cup (160ml) milk or half-and-half
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional garnish: green onions or chopped parsley
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch or 3–4-quart baking dish. Layer the cubed bread in the bottom.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and seasoning, breaking it into pieces as it cooks.
- Add onion, garlic, peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. Cook until vegetables are softened and the sausage is cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.
- Spread the sausage and vegetable mixture evenly over the bread.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, salt, pepper, milk, and cheese. Pour this mixture over the sausage and vegetable mixture in the dish. Sprinkle with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C). Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Perfect for meal prep and families. Use day-old bread for the best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 300mg
Keywords: breakfast, casserole, make-ahead, easy, family meal