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Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 8 reviews

This Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. Featuring crusty bread, seasoned ground pork sausage, fresh vegetables, eggs, and melted cheddar cheese, it can be prepared a day in advance and baked fresh when needed, saving time without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Base

  • 4 cups (175g or 6 oz) cubes of crusty bread
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil

Sausage and Vegetables

  • 1 pound ground pork sausage, casings removed
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or Italian seasoning (optional)
  • 3/4 cup (100g) chopped yellow onion (1/2 of a large onion)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups (275g or 9–10 oz) chopped bell peppers
  • 1 cup (100g or 3 oz) sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup roughly chopped fresh spinach

Egg Mixture

  • 12 large eggs
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2/3 cup (160ml) milk or half-and-half
  • 1 cup (100g or 3.5 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Garnish

  • Green onion and/or chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dish: Grease a 9×13-inch or any 3–4-quart oven-safe dish. Arrange the bread cubes in an even layer at the bottom of the pan to create the casserole base.
  2. Cook the sausage and vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground pork sausage along with the rosemary or Italian seasoning, if using. Break up the sausage with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula as it cooks. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, and chopped spinach. Cook for about 5–6 minutes until the sausage is mostly cooked and the vegetables have softened slightly.
  3. Layer the meat and vegetables: Remove the skillet from heat and evenly spread the sausage and vegetable mixture over the bread cubes in the casserole dish.
  4. Mix eggs and seasonings: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, black pepper, milk or half-and-half, and shredded cheddar cheese until fully combined.
  5. Combine layers: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and vegetable layer. Sprinkle a little more salt and pepper on top if desired.
  6. Chill before baking: Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours. Before baking, allow it to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes while the oven preheats.
  7. Bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, the edges are crisp, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes to set. Slice into portions and garnish with green onions or chopped parsley if desired before serving.
  9. Store leftovers: Refrigerate any leftover casserole for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave to enjoy warm leftovers.

Notes

  • The crusty bread should be stale or day-old to better absorb the egg mixture without becoming soggy.
  • You can substitute the ground pork sausage with turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage for a different flavor or dietary preference.
  • For a creamier texture, use half-and-half instead of milk in the egg mixture.
  • Chilling the casserole overnight enhances the flavors and allows the bread to soak up the custard fully.
  • Add different vegetables such as zucchini or tomatoes to customize your casserole.
  • Use a non-stick or well-greased dish to prevent sticking during baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, make-ahead casserole, sausage breakfast bake, easy brunch recipe, egg and sausage casserole

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/easy-make-ahead-breakfast-casserole-recipe/