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Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole

This hearty breakfast casserole combines crusty bread, sausage, vegetables and cheese in a savory egg base. Make it the night before and bake in the morning.

Featured in Morning meals for weekdays and weekends.

A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Fri, 03 Jan 2025 01:20:42 GMT
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A close-up of a baked casserole featuring sausage, red peppers, cheese, and herbs, with a portion removed to reveal its layered contents. Save it
A close-up of a baked casserole featuring sausage, red peppers, cheese, and herbs, with a portion removed to reveal its layered contents. | myhomemaderecipe.com

When I first started making breakfast casseroles they completely changed my morning routine. This recipe has saved countless busy mornings and become my go-to for family brunches. It's like having your favorite breakfast spot right in your kitchen combines everything you love about breakfast into one cozy dish. The best part? You can prep it ahead and wake up to something amazing.

Why I Love This Recipe

Every time I make this casserole it's slightly different and that's what makes it so special. Some mornings I load it up with veggies other times it's all about the cheese and sausage. It's perfect for feeding a crowd and somehow tastes even better the next day. The way all those flavors come together while it bakes creates something truly magical.

Everything You'll Need

  • Eggs: Make sure they're room temperature they'll blend better and give you the fluffiest results.
  • Milk: I always use whole milk or half-and-half it makes everything so creamy.
  • Cheese: This is where you can have fun. Sharp cheddar is my go-to but sometimes I mix in pepper jack for a kick.
  • Vegetables: Bell peppers spinach and mushrooms are my favorites they add such great color and flavor.
  • Meat: Sausage bacon or turkey all work beautifully pick your favorite.
  • Bread: Slightly stale sourdough is amazing here or try hash browns for a gluten-free twist.
  • Seasonings: Fresh garlic and herbs make everything taste homemade.

Let's Start Cooking

Building Your Base
First things first grab your favorite baking dish and give it a good coating of butter. I love using my deep 9x13 dish it makes the perfect layers. When you're laying down that bread or hash brown base make sure it's nice and even.
Getting Those Flavors Going
Next comes my favorite part cooking up all those delicious ingredients. I get my skillet nice and hot for the meat letting it brown until it's perfect. Then those veggies go in with garlic and herbs until everything smells amazing.
The Egg Mixture
This is where the magic happens. Whisk those eggs until they're super smooth then add your milk and cheese. Don't forget a pinch of salt and pepper they make all the difference.
Putting It All Together
Layer everything just like you're building a lasagna. That seasoned meat and veggie mix goes over your base then pour that egg mixture all over making sure it seeps into every nook and cranny.
Time to Rest
Here's my secret - letting it rest in the fridge makes it even better. The bread soaks up all those flavors while you get some sleep.
The Final Touch
Once it's baked to golden perfection let it rest for a few minutes. I love adding fresh herbs and maybe some avocado slices on top.

Mix It Up

Over the years I've created so many different versions of this casserole. Sometimes I go all vegetarian with extra zucchini and kale it's surprisingly hearty. When I'm feeling spicy I add jalapeños and pepper jack cheese. During the holidays I love adding cranberries and sage it feels so festive. The possibilities are endless and that's what makes this recipe so fun.

Make It Easy on Yourself

The real beauty of this casserole is how it fits into your schedule. I usually put it together after dinner while I'm cleaning up the kitchen. Cover it up pop it in the fridge and forget about it until morning. It actually gets better overnight as all those flavors mingle together. Talk about making your morning self happy!

Serving Up Your Creation

When it comes to serving this casserole I love creating a whole breakfast spread. A bowl of fresh berries on the side adds such beautiful color. If I'm hosting brunch I'll put out some warm muffins or croissants alongside. My family's favorite toppings are fresh salsa and sliced avocado but hot sauce and sour cream are always on the table too. Sometimes I'll even set up a little topping bar so everyone can customize their piece.

A close-up of a baked casserole dish filled with pieces of sausage, spinach, red peppers, and melted cheese. Save it
A close-up of a baked casserole dish filled with pieces of sausage, spinach, red peppers, and melted cheese. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How far ahead can I make this casserole?
You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours before baking and store it covered in the fridge. The sausage and vegetable mixture can also be prepared 24 hours in advance.
→ Can I freeze this breakfast casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it either before or after baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
→ What can I substitute for the bread?
You can use about 3 cups of frozen hash brown potatoes instead of bread. Fresh potatoes work too, but need to be pre-cooked for 10 minutes.
→ Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the meat and add an extra cup of your favorite vegetables. The eggs and cheese provide plenty of protein.
→ What's the best bread to use?
Crusty, sturdy breads like sourdough work best. If using fresh bread, toast the cubes in the oven for 10 minutes to dry them out slightly.

Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole

A versatile breakfast casserole loaded with sausage, vegetables and cheese that you can prepare ahead. Perfect for busy mornings or brunches.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Breakfast & Brunch

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (1 9x13-inch casserole)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 Crusty bread, cubed (4 cups).
02 Olive oil (1 teaspoon).
03 Ground pork sausage (1 pound).
04 Dried rosemary or Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon).
05 Yellow onion, chopped (3/4 cup).
06 Fresh garlic, minced (2 cloves).
07 Bell peppers, chopped (2 cups).
08 Fresh mushrooms, sliced (1 cup).
09 Fresh spinach, roughly chopped (1 cup).
10 Large eggs (12).
11 Salt (1/4 teaspoon).
12 Black pepper (1/8 teaspoon).
13 Milk or half-and-half (2/3 cup).
14 Cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup).

Instructions

Step 01

Grease 9x13 baking dish and spread bread cubes in even layer.

Step 02

Brown sausage with seasonings in skillet over medium heat.

Step 03

Mix in onion, garlic, peppers, mushrooms and spinach until softened.

Step 04

Spread sausage mixture over bread cubes.

Step 05

Whisk eggs, milk, cheese, salt and pepper until well combined.

Step 06

Pour egg mixture evenly over sausage layer.

Step 07

Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes or overnight.

Step 08

Cook uncovered at 375°F for 40-45 minutes until golden and set.

Notes

  1. Can prep up to 24 hours ahead.
  2. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
  3. Can substitute hash browns for bread.
  4. Adaptable to different meats and vegetables.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Large skillet.
  • Mixing bowls.
  • Whisk.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Milk.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 285
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 22 g