Picture this: it’s a chilly morning, the scent of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the air, and your oven is bubbling away with a hearty breakfast casserole that took minimal effort to prepare. That’s the magic of this dish—it brings comfort, ease, and a touch of tradition to your table.
This recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for holidays, family brunches, or even a quiet weekend morning when you just want something special without too much fuss. It’s adaptable, cozy, and packed with familiar flavors that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
One of the best parts? You can prepare everything the night before. This means less scrambling in the morning and more time savoring those moments with family and friends—plus, no one’s left out of the fun because they’re stuck cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Make-Ahead Perfection: Save time and stress by prepping it the night before. All you need to do is pop it in the oven the next day.
- Customizable: Use your favorite veggies, proteins, and cheeses to make it truly your own.
- Crowd-Friendly: It’s filling and serves a crowd, making it ideal for holidays, brunch parties, or potlucks.
- Balanced and Nutritious: Packed with protein, carbs, and vegetables, it’s a wholesome, all-in-one breakfast.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 3 cups cubed day-old bread (sturdy options like sourdough or ciabatta work best)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 1 cup diced turkey ham
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled beef sausage
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
How to Make Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prep Your Ingredients:
Start by gathering and prepping all your ingredients. Dice the turkey ham, cook the beef sausage, and chop your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. For the bread, use slightly stale cubes—they absorb the egg mixture better for a fluffy casserole. - Whisk the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried parsley. This forms the base of your casserole and ensures everything is flavorful and moist. - Layer the Casserole:
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the bread cubes, followed by half the turkey ham, beef sausage, bell peppers, onions, and shredded cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients. - Pour the Egg Mixture:
Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered casserole. Use a spatula to gently press everything down, making sure the bread absorbs the liquid. - Chill Overnight:
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it overnight. This step allows the flavors to meld together while the bread soaks up the egg mixture. - Bake the Casserole:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes while the oven heats up. Bake, uncovered, for 40–50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. - Cool and Serve:
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch, and serve warm.
Helpful Tips:
- Choose the Right Bread: Avoid overly soft bread; day-old, crusty varieties work best to maintain structure and soak up the egg mixture.
- Add Some Greens: Spinach or kale are excellent additions if you want to boost the veggie content. Simply sauté them before layering.
- Cheese Swaps: Experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even pepper jack for a little kick.
- Make It Vegetarian: Skip the meat and double up on veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or tomatoes.
Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ overnight chilling)
- Cook Time: 40–50 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Customizable
Notes:
- This casserole can be prepped up to 24 hours in advance.
- Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick breakfast.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: ~16g
- Carbohydrates: ~22g
- Fat: ~18g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! After baking, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Can I use gluten-free bread?
Absolutely. Swap regular bread for your favorite gluten-free variety to make this dish gluten-free.
Can I make this without dairy?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk and use dairy-free cheese.
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Conclusion:
There’s something so satisfying about serving a warm, bubbling breakfast casserole that feels both hearty and homey. Whether you’re hosting a brunch gathering or just treating your family to a comforting meal, this Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole is guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. Prep it today, bake it tomorrow, and enjoy a stress-free morning filled with delicious bites and happy faces!
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Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole
Description
Picture this: it’s a chilly morning, the scent of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the air, and your oven is bubbling away with a hearty breakfast casserole that took minimal effort to prepare. That’s the magic of this dish—it brings comfort, ease, and a touch of tradition to your table.
This recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for holidays, family brunches, or even a quiet weekend morning when you just want something special without too much fuss. It’s adaptable, cozy, and packed with familiar flavors that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
One of the best parts? You can prepare everything the night before. This means less scrambling in the morning and more time savoring those moments with family and friends—plus, no one’s left out of the fun because they’re stuck cooking!
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 3 cups cubed day-old bread (sturdy options like sourdough or ciabatta work best)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 1 cup diced turkey ham
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled beef sausage
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients:
Start by gathering and prepping all your ingredients. Dice the turkey ham, cook the beef sausage, and chop your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. For the bread, use slightly stale cubes—they absorb the egg mixture better for a fluffy casserole. - Whisk the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried parsley. This forms the base of your casserole and ensures everything is flavorful and moist. - Layer the Casserole:
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the bread cubes, followed by half the turkey ham, beef sausage, bell peppers, onions, and shredded cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients. - Pour the Egg Mixture:
Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered casserole. Use a spatula to gently press everything down, making sure the bread absorbs the liquid. - Chill Overnight:
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it overnight. This step allows the flavors to meld together while the bread soaks up the egg mixture. - Bake the Casserole:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes while the oven heats up. Bake, uncovered, for 40–50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. - Cool and Serve:
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch, and serve warm.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepped up to 24 hours in advance.
- Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick breakfast.