Breakfast Casserole
A versatile and hearty breakfast casserole made with eggs, cheese, and vegetables, perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Ingredients
Essential Base Ingredients
- 12 large eggs Farm-fresh preferred for richer color and taste
- 2 cups whole milk Creates creamy, custard-like texture
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled Or substitute with smoked sausage for deeper flavor
- 8 cups day-old bread, cubed French bread or sourdough work beautifully
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Reserve ½ cup for topping
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded Adds nutty complexity
Vegetable Medley
- 1 large bell pepper, diced Red or yellow for sweetness
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped Sweet onion preferred
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped Or substitute with kale
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced Cremini or button mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic essential for aromatic depth
Seasoning Blend
- 1 teaspoon salt Kosher or sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme Or 1 tablespoon fresh
- ½ teaspoon paprika Adds subtle warmth
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg Secret ingredient for richness
Instructions
Preparation
- Arrange bread cubes in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook breakfast sausage for 8-10 minutes until browned.
- Distribute cooked sausage evenly over bread cubes.
Creating the Vegetable Layer
- Sauté diced onions over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add diced bell peppers and sliced mushrooms, cooking for 5-6 minutes until softened.
- Add chopped spinach and cook just until wilted, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Distribute the vegetable mixture over the sausage and bread layer.
Crafting the Perfect Egg Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs until smooth.
- Gradually add whole milk, whisking to create a homogeneous mixture.
- Season the egg mixture with salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg.
- Pour the egg mixture over the assembled ingredients, ensuring even distribution.
Cheese Integration and Assembly Finishing
- Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of combined cheddar and Swiss cheeses over the mixture.
- Press the entire mixture down to ensure even integration.
- Cover with plastic wrap if preparing ahead, refrigerate for 2-8 hours.
- Add the reserved ½ cup cheddar cheese before baking.
Baking to Perfection
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for 15-25 minutes until golden-brown.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
This breakfast casserole can be prepared the night before for improved flavor. Sauté vegetables to manage moisture.