Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Irresistibly Cheesy Breakfast Casserole Recipe for Cozy Mornings

My mom’s legendary breakfast casserole recipe transforms ordinary morning meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Mornings sparkle with unexpected delight when hearty ingredients mingle together.

Warm, comforting layers promise satisfaction that lingers beyond the first bite.

Crisp edges and soft centers create a harmonious texture that surprises you.

Eggs, cheese, and savory meats dance together in a delicious symphony.

Simple ingredients become something magical with minimal preparation effort.

Discover why this recipe will become your new weekend breakfast obsession.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of cheese in this breakfast casserole?

Yes, you can easily swap out the cheese. Cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss work great and can add unique flavor profiles to the dish.

  • Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook.

  • How can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Simply replace the breakfast sausage with plant-based sausage, crumbled tofu, or add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to maintain protein and flavor.

  • What bread works best for this recipe?

Day-old bread or slightly stale bread is perfect because it absorbs the egg mixture better. French bread, sourdough, or white sandwich bread all work wonderfully in this breakfast casserole.

Top Reasons To Whip Up Breakfast Casserole From A Tin Project

  • Quick Morning Lifesaver: This breakfast casserole whips up in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families needing a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with classic breakfast ingredients like eggs, cheese, and ham, this dish satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its familiar, delicious flavors.
  • Versatile Meal Option: Easily customizable with different meats, vegetables, or cheese, this casserole works brilliantly for breakfast, brunch, or even a lazy dinner.
  • Minimal Prep Delight: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, home cooks of all skill levels can confidently create this crowd-pleasing breakfast marvel.

Breakfast Casserole (Recipe Tin Project) Ingredients

Main Protein Components:
  • Eggs: The foundation of the breakfast casserole, providing structure and richness.
  • Bacon or Sausage: Adds savory flavor and hearty protein to the dish.
Bread and Starch Base:
  • White Bread or Sourdough: Creates a soft, custardy texture and helps bind the casserole together. Day-old bread works best for absorbing moisture.
  • Hash Browns or Frozen Potato Cubes: Adds starchy substance and crispy texture to the breakfast dish.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Milk or Heavy Cream: Ensures a creamy, smooth consistency throughout the casserole.
  • Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella, or Monterey Jack: Provides melty, rich flavor and adds creamy texture. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged.
Additional Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onions: Brings subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • Bell Peppers: Adds color and a slight crunch to the casserole.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing overall taste.
  • Dried Herbs or Green Onions: Optional garnish for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Breakfast Casserole Recipe Tin Method

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C).

Grab your favorite 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish and give it a generous coating of butter or a quick spritz of nonstick spray to ensure nothing sticks.

Step 2: Whip Up the Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, crack open your eggs and whisk them into a smooth, creamy blend.

Then add in:
  • Milk
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Dried herbs (like thyme or parsley)

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks light and fluffy.

Step 3: Layer the Delicious Base

Spread out your bread cubes evenly across the greased baking dish.

Next, scatter your chosen proteins and veggies over the bread:
  • Cooked breakfast sausage or bacon
  • Diced ham
  • Chopped bell peppers
  • Sliced onions

Step 4: Pour and Sprinkle

Gently pour the egg mixture over the bread and toppings, making sure everything gets a nice, even coating.

Sprinkle shredded cheese all over the top for that irresistible golden, melty finish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 35-45 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the center is set and slightly puffy.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.

This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to slice.

Serve hot and enjoy your hearty breakfast creation!

Breakfast Casserole Tips to Try

  • Select day-old or slightly stale bread for better moisture absorption and texture in your casserole.
  • Avoid over-mixing eggs to prevent a rubbery consistency and maintain a soft, creamy texture.
  • Swap breakfast meats like bacon or sausage with vegetarian alternatives such as plant-based sausage or extra vegetables for dietary preferences.
  • Distribute cheese, meats, and vegetables evenly to ensure balanced flavor in every bite.
  • Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making morning preparation quick and easy.

Breakfast Casserole Storage Tips

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the casserole is completely cooled before sealing.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until heated through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Cut individual portions and microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Breakfast Casserole Matches That Work

  • Savor Cheesy Wine Companion: Pair this hearty breakfast casserole with a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay that cuts through the richness and complements the egg and cheese flavors.
  • Boost Morning Juice Match: Serve alongside fresh orange juice or a zesty grapefruit juice to balance the savory breakfast casserole with a bright, citrusy punch.
  • Elevate Coffee Combination: Choose a medium roast coffee with subtle nutty undertones to enhance the casserole's complex flavors and provide a warm morning start.
  • Create Fresh Side Harmony: Add a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to contrast the casserole's creamy texture and provide a refreshing counterpoint.

Breakfast Casserole With New Morning Touches

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular bread with gluten-free bread cubes or use hash browns as a base for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegetarian Swap: Substitute sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers for protein and flavor.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower rice instead of bread cubes and swap out regular cheese for full-fat, low-moisture options to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Replace milk and cheese with unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives, ensuring individuals with lactose intolerance can enjoy the casserole.
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Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Breakfast Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty breakfast casserole blends savory sausage, eggs, and cheese into a comforting morning delight. Crispy edges and melted layers promise a satisfying start that will energize you through the day’s first moments.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 lb (450 g) breakfast sausage (or bacon, cooked and crumbled)

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)

Potato and Seasonings:

  • 3 cups (450 g) frozen hash browns (shredded or diced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a smoky kick)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to a toasty 375°F, creating the perfect environment for a delectable morning feast.
  2. Generously coat a spacious rectangular baking vessel with a slick layer of butter or nonstick spray, ensuring effortless release after cooking.
  3. Layer cubed bread across the bottom of the dish, creating a sturdy foundation for the upcoming flavor explosion.
  4. Scatter crispy bacon bits and sautéed onions evenly over the bread base, distributing savory elements throughout the casserole.
  5. Whisk eggs, milk, mustard, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl until the mixture transforms into a smooth, pale yellow liquid with a consistent texture.
  6. Gently pour the egg mixture over the bread, bacon, and onion layers, allowing the liquid to seep into every crevice and create a unified base.
  7. Sprinkle shredded cheese across the top, ensuring complete coverage for maximum melty goodness.
  8. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and a firm, set center.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes, allowing the ingredients to settle and flavors to meld together before serving.
  10. Slice into generous portions and serve warm, revealing the layers of breakfast brilliance.

Notes

  • Swap traditional bread with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or coconut bread to accommodate gluten-sensitive diners.
  • Customize protein options by using turkey bacon, plant-based sausage, or diced ham for varied flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
  • Enhance vegetable nutrition by adding spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra vitamins and texture complexity.
  • Prepare the casserole night before and refrigerate to streamline morning cooking, allowing flavors to meld and ensuring a stress-free breakfast preparation.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 452
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 870 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 290 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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