Classic Quick Prep Breakfast Casserole
This classic breakfast casserole is perfect for a crowd with minimal morning prep. Assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning for a delicious and hearty start to your day.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- large bowl
- whisk
- spatula
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6-8 slices day-old bread (sourdough, brioche, or white bread), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk (any kind – whole, 2%, or even almond milk)
- 1 lb breakfast sausage cooked and crumbled (or bacon/ham, cooked and chopped)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chopped onion sautéed until tender
- ½ cup chopped bell pepper (any color), sautéed until tender
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch garlic powder
- hot sauce Dash
- fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook sausage, bacon, or ham until browned; drain excess fat. Sauté chopped onion and bell pepper until soft. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes.
- Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish, then spread half of the bread cubes evenly across the bottom.
- Layer half of the cooked meat, sautéed vegetables, and shredded cheese over the bread. Repeat the layering with the remaining ingredients.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layers in the baking dish, ensuring all bread is moistened, then gently press down.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably, overnight.
Baking
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and let the casserole sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove the cover and bake for 45-55 minutes until puffed, golden brown, and set in the center.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
For best results, prepare this casserole the night before and let it chill overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a more flavorful and cohesive breakfast dish.