Are you tired of scrambling to make breakfast in the morning? Look no further! This easy egg breakfast casserole is the solution you've been waiting for. Not only is each slice thick, flavorful, and satisfying, but the recipe is also incredibly convenient since it can be made ahead of time. Plus, it's infinitely adaptable to suit your preferences.
A Crowd-Pleasing Superhero Meal
Breakfast casserole is the ultimate hearty meal that ticks all the boxes. It can be made ahead of time, feeds a crowd, reheats well, and even makes great leftovers. I can attest that my family simply devours it. In fact, I've made this recipe nearly 100 times! It's perfect for breakfast, brunch, and even dinner. I also highly recommend serving it on Easter brunch, as it's become one of my favorite dishes to prepare each year.
This Easy Breakfast Casserole Is:
- Adaptable to whatever vegetables, meats, cheeses, and herbs you have on hand.
- Easy to prepare in advance.
- Quick to throw together when you're in a rush.
- Suitable for both quick weekday meals and lavish weekend or holiday brunches.
- Excellent for entertaining a crowd.
- Made with bread to soak up moisture, but potatoes can be used as well.
- Ready for your favorite egg toppings.
Endless Flavor Options and Add-ins
When preparing this recipe, think of it as having four separate components that you can customize:
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Vegetables: Choose your favorite vegetables to include in the dish. My top recommendations are bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms, but you can get creative with your own combinations.
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Meat or Extra Vegetables: If you prefer a meaty casserole, add sausage, ground turkey, chopped bacon, ground beef, or ground chicken. However, you can also skip the meat and focus on adding more vegetables to enhance the flavor.
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Starch for Soaking Up Moisture: Crusty sourdough bread is fantastic for this recipe, but you can also use other options like homemade artisan bread, whole wheat bread, French bread, biscuits, bagels, or day-old croissants. If you prefer a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread or potatoes.
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Egg, Cheese & Milk Mixture: Whisk together eggs, milk, and your choice of shredded cheese. Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations, such as sharp cheddar, pepper jack, feta, or smoked gouda.
Potatoes as an Alternative
If you're not a fan of bread or want to switch things up, you can replace the bread with diced hash brown potatoes. This version has received rave reviews from guests. Simply use about 3 cups of hash browns in place of the bread. Alternatively, you can peel and dice fresh potatoes, but make sure to quickly cook them on the skillet for 10 minutes before using in the dish. Another option with fresh potatoes is a ham and potato casserole that is egg-free but equally delicious.
The Importance of Bread in the Casserole
You may be wondering why bread is a necessary ingredient. Besides eggs, bread plays a crucial role in providing structure to the casserole. It soaks up excess liquid released by the eggs during baking, resulting in a chunky and textured dish rather than a wet and flat one. It's like the English muffin that perfectly complements eggs benedict, helping to absorb all the flavorful juices. However, if you prefer a dish without bread, alternatives like crustless vegetable quiche or an easy frittata are great options to explore.
How to Prepare Breakfast Casserole
To prepare this delicious breakfast casserole , start by placing the bread or potatoes in the bottom of a greased oven-safe dish. Next, pre-cook your vegetables and meat in a skillet while whisking the eggs, milk, and cheese together. Once ready, assemble the casserole by layering the vegetables and meat mixture on top of the bread or potatoes, followed by pouring the egg mixture over it all. At this point, you can either bake it right away or refrigerate the casserole overnight for even better flavor development. When it's time to serve, bake until the edges are golden brown and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Serve and Enjoy!
Your brunch guests will be beyond satisfied with this mouthwatering breakfast casserole. Whether it's a weekend gathering or a weekday treat, this make-ahead dish will save you time and effort in the kitchen. So go ahead and get creative with your favorite add-ins and flavor combinations. Breakfast has never been easier or more delicious!
Cooked sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach in a large skillet. 
Egg mixture in a glass dish. 
Pouring egg mixture over sausage, vegetables, and bread in a red casserole dish. 
Egg, vegetables, cheese, sausage, and bread combination in a casserole dish on a marble counter. 
Baked egg, cheese, and sausage breakfast casserole in a red casserole dish.
Remember, this breakfast casserole is all about convenience and taste. So gather your favorite ingredients, prepare it in advance, and savor the delightful flavors with your loved ones. Enjoy!
