Ah, busy mornings! They can feel like a whirlwind, right? That’s why I absolutely adore my *make ahead breakfast casserole*. It’s a lifesaver when I want something warm and hearty without the fuss of cooking in the morning. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering—everyone was raving about it! The combination of flavors, the comforting warmth, and the melted cheese always makes it a hit. Plus, you can prepare it the night before and just pop it in the oven the next day. Trust me, it’ll become your go-to for brunches, holidays, and those hectic weekday mornings!
Ingredients List
- 8 slices of bread, cubed into bite-sized pieces
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese (I love using a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1 pound cooked sausage, crumbled into small pieces
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color you like adds a beautiful touch!)
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
How to Prepare a Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step, so don’t skip it!
- While the oven is warming up, grab a large bowl and combine your cubed bread, crumbled sausage, diced bell peppers, and diced onions. Give it a good mix to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until it’s all frothy and combined. This is where the magic happens, so make sure it’s well blended!
- Now, pour that beautiful egg mixture over your bread mixture and stir gently until everything is coated. You want those bread cubes to soak up all that eggy goodness!
- Time to add the shredded cheese! Fold it in carefully, so it’s mixed in but not overly squished.
- Next, transfer your mixture into a greased baking dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly so it bakes nicely.
- Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s set in the middle and golden brown on top. Oh, the aroma will be heavenly!
- Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This will help it hold its shape and make serving easier.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—just mix, pour, and bake!
- Perfect for meal prep; make it the night before and bake in the morning.
- Great for feeding a crowd; one casserole serves eight people comfortably!
- Customizable—add your favorite vegetables or swap in different meats.
- Deliciously comforting, with gooey cheese and savory sausage in every bite.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a fantastic option for busy weekdays.
- It’s a one-pan dish, which means less cleanup for you!
Tips for Success
To make your *make ahead breakfast casserole* truly shine, here are a few tips I swear by! First, use day-old bread for the best texture—it’s drier and absorbs the egg mixture beautifully. If you want to switch things up, try adding cooked bacon or ham for a different flavor profile. Just remember to adjust the seasoning if your meat is salty!
Also, don’t rush the baking process; every oven is different, so start checking around the 45-minute mark. You want it golden on top and set in the middle. Finally, let it cool for a bit after baking; this helps it firm up and makes slicing a breeze. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dive into the numbers—nutrition can vary quite a bit depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so take these values as a general guide rather than exact measurements.
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 300mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 15g
This casserole packs a good amount of protein and is quite filling, making it perfect for breakfast or brunch. Enjoy it guilt-free, knowing you’re starting your day with something hearty and wholesome!
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole without sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute the sausage with any cooked meat you like or even skip it altogether for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to add some extra veggies or beans for protein.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I freeze the breakfast casserole?
Yes! You can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing before baking, just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then pop it in the oven.
What can I serve with the casserole?
This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, a dollop of yogurt, or a light salad for a complete breakfast. You could also serve it with some hot sauce or salsa for an extra kick!
How long does it take to reheat?
Reheating individual slices in the microwave takes about 1-2 minutes, while the whole casserole in the oven will take around 20-25 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Just make sure it’s heated through before serving!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your *make ahead breakfast casserole*, I love to keep it simple yet delicious! Fresh fruit is always a fantastic choice—think juicy berries, sliced bananas, or a refreshing fruit salad to brighten up the plate. A dollop of creamy yogurt adds a nice touch of tanginess and pairs beautifully with the savory casserole. If you’re in the mood for a little extra zing, some hot sauce or salsa on the side can really elevate the flavors. And don’t forget a steaming cup of coffee or tea to round out your perfect breakfast spread!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *make ahead breakfast casserole* fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can also freeze it. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. It’ll last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to reheat, individual slices can be warmed in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes. If you’re reheating the whole casserole, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 20-25 minutes until heated through. Enjoy every bite!
Z nadrukami
Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole: 8 Comforting Flavors to Savor
- Całkowity Czas: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Ustępować: 8 servings 1x
- Dieta: Niskokaloryczne
Opis
A delicious make ahead breakfast casserole that is easy to prepare and perfect for busy mornings.
Składniki
- 8 slices of bread, cubed
- 12 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 pound cooked sausage, crumbled
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sausage, bell peppers, and onions.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread mixture and stir to combine.
- Add cheese and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until set and golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Uwagi
- This casserole can be prepared the night before and refrigerated.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or meats.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 50 minutes
- Kategoria: Breakfast
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 300
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 20g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 8g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 20g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 15g
- Cholesterol: 300mg
Słowa kluczowe: make ahead breakfast casserole
