Classic All-in-One Breakfast Casserole
This easy all-in-one breakfast casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd, featuring layers of bread, savory sausage, and cheese baked in a rich egg custard.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6-8 slices day-old bread (sourdough, brioche, or white bread), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb breakfast sausage cooked and crumbled (or bacon/ham)
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 1.5 cups milk (whole milk or 2%)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- Butter for greasing
Optional Veggies
- 0.5 cup chopped bell pepper
- 0.25 cup chopped onion
- 0.25 cup chopped spinach sautéed briefly if preferred
Instructions
Preparation
- If using sausage or bacon, cook it in a large skillet until browned and drain any excess grease; chop ham if using.
- Lightly butter a 9x13 inch baking dish, then spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle the cooked meat and any optional chopped vegetables over the bread, and top with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Assemble & Chill
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, meat, and cheese in the baking dish, gently pressing the bread to ensure it absorbs the liquid.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, for best flavor and absorption.
Bake & Serve
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), then remove the casserole from the refrigerator and uncover.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese over the top and bake for 45-55 minutes until set, puffed, and golden brown.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving to help it set properly.
Notes
For a richer flavor and texture, consider using brioche bread. If preparing ahead, chilling overnight allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a more cohesive casserole. You can customize the vegetables and protein to your liking!