Description

This Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole is the perfect solution for a delicious, stress-free morning meal. Loaded with savory sausage, eggs, veggies, and melty cheddar cheese, all baked together with crusty bread, this casserole offers the comfort of a hearty breakfast without the hassle of cooking each item separately. It’s an ideal dish for busy mornings, brunches, or family gatherings. Plus, it can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning, making it a real time-saver!

Ingredients

4 cups (175g or 6 oz) cubes of crusty bread

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 teaspoon dried rosemary or Italian seasoning, optional

3/4 cup (100g) chopped yellow onion (about 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

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

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Instructions

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.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and rosemary or Italian seasoning, if using. Break up the sausage into bite-sized pieces as it begins to cook. Once the sausage is nearly cooked through, add the onion, garlic, bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. Cook for about 5–6 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened slightly, and the sausage is mostly cooked through. Remove from heat and spread the sausage-vegetable mixture evenly on top of the bread cubes.
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, pepper, milk (or half-and-half), and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and vegetable mixture in the casserole dish. Add a little more salt and pepper to the top for extra seasoning.
Cover the casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes while the oven preheats.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C). Uncover the casserole and bake it for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden, the edges are crisp, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the casserole for about 10 minutes, then slice and serve. Garnish with green onions or chopped parsley, if desired.

Notes

For an extra protein boost, add cooked bacon or turkey sausage to the casserole.
For a meat-free version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or a meat substitute such as tempeh or seitan.
To make the tacos spicier, add a chopped jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to the egg mixture.
Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or feta to change the flavor profile.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 17 g
Cholesterol: 160 mg