Breakfast Casserole With Eggs And Cheese
Highlighted under: Feel-Good Food
I absolutely love starting my day with a warm, hearty breakfast, and this Breakfast Casserole with Eggs and Cheese has become a staple in my kitchen. The combination of fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and savory ingredients creates a dish that is both satisfying and delicious. Plus, it’s so easy to prepare ahead of time, making busy mornings a breeze. I enjoy experimenting with different veggies and meats, tailoring it to my family's preferences, which makes this casserole a versatile winner every time!
When I first made this Breakfast Casserole with Eggs and Cheese, I was amazed at how simple it was to throw everything together. The key is to whisk the eggs well and let the mixture rest for a few minutes before baking, allowing flavors to meld beautifully. I remember the first time my friends joined for brunch, the aroma filled the house, and I could barely wait for it to finish cooking!
One tip I’ve learned is to use a mix of cheeses for added flavor. Cheddar pairs well with creamy mozzarella or tangy feta. Last Sunday, I experimented by adding spinach and diced bell peppers—such a delicious twist! Every time I make it, I discover new ways to enhance it, and it never disappoints.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Cheesy, creamy goodness that satisfies every palate
- Easily customizable with your favorite ingredients
- Perfect for brunch gatherings or family breakfasts
Mastering the Breakfast Casserole
A breakfast casserole is all about balance—combining the right ingredients ensures optimal flavor and texture. The use of eggs serves as the base, providing a rich, custard-like texture. When combined with milk, they become fluffy as they cook. Stirring in a good amount of cheese not only adds creaminess but also a delightful stringy texture when pulled from the dish. Remember to choose a mix of cheeses; cheddar and mozzarella give both flavor and stretch that will elevate every bite.
Resting the mixture before baking is crucial. This allows the cubed bread to soak up the egg and milk mixture thoroughly, imparting moisture and ensuring that the dish holds together well once baked. A good rest period is about 10 minutes, which allows the flavors to meld together and the bread to soften, thus enhancing the overall mouthfeel of your casserole.
Ingredient Customization
This casserole is incredibly flexible; you can easily swap out the meats and veggies based on your family's preferences. For a lighter version, consider using turkey sausage or smoked salmon. You can also incorporate different vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini if bell peppers and spinach aren't your favorites. Just be sure to keep the total volume consistent to maintain the casserole’s structure; too much moisture can lead to a soggy dish.
Cheese choices can also vary. For a spicier kick, try using pepper jack cheese or adding diced jalapeños to the mix. Additionally, if you prefer a dairy-free option, almond or soy milk can be substituted for regular milk, and a dairy-free cheese can take the place of the shredded cheese. Just keep an eye on the baking time as non-dairy ingredients may alter the cooking time slightly.
Ingredients
Breakfast Casserole Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup cooked sausage or bacon, diced
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
Instructions
Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked sausage or bacon, bell peppers, spinach, and half the cheese.
Add the Bread
Fold in the cubed bread until well combined. Let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes.
Bake
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cheese. Bake for 30-40 minutes until the casserole is set and the top is golden.
Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Pro Tips
- Feel free to add any vegetables or leftover meats you have on hand. It’s a great way to clean out your fridge while creating a delicious meal!
Make-Ahead and Storage
One of the best things about this Breakfast Casserole is that it can be prepared ahead of time, making busy mornings more manageable. You can assemble the dish the night before and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, make sure to allow the casserole to come to room temperature before putting it in the oven—about 30 minutes out of the fridge should suffice, ensuring even cooking.
If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop individual portions into the microwave or place the whole casserole back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or extra cheese on top before reheating can refresh the flavors beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This Breakfast Casserole pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad, adding a refreshing texture contrast. Additionally, it’s perfect for brunch gatherings; consider serving it alongside mimosas or coffee for a complete experience. To add more protein, serve with a side of Greek yogurt topped with honey and berries.
You can also make mini versions in muffin tins for a fun and portable option! Adjust the baking time to about 20-25 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick—the centers should be firm and the tops slightly golden. These bite-sized treats are not only great for brunch but also perfect for meal prep throughout the week.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
→ What kind of cheese works best?
A mix of cheddar and mozzarella gives the casserole a great flavor and texture combination. Feel free to experiment with others like gouda or feta!
→ Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! You can freeze any leftovers. Just let it cool completely and wrap it tightly before freezing. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
→ Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! You can customize it with any veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or tomatoes to enhance the flavor and nutrition.
Breakfast Casserole With Eggs And Cheese
I absolutely love starting my day with a warm, hearty breakfast, and this Breakfast Casserole with Eggs and Cheese has become a staple in my kitchen. The combination of fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and savory ingredients creates a dish that is both satisfying and delicious. Plus, it’s so easy to prepare ahead of time, making busy mornings a breeze. I enjoy experimenting with different veggies and meats, tailoring it to my family's preferences, which makes this casserole a versatile winner every time!
Created by: Harriet Collins
Recipe Type: Feel-Good Food
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
Breakfast Casserole Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup cooked sausage or bacon, diced
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked sausage or bacon, bell peppers, spinach, and half the cheese.
Fold in the cubed bread until well combined. Let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cheese. Bake for 30-40 minutes until the casserole is set and the top is golden.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to add any vegetables or leftover meats you have on hand. It’s a great way to clean out your fridge while creating a delicious meal!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 260mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 18g