There’s something magical about breakfast gatherings, don’t you think? I can still picture those cozy mornings spent with family, everyone gathered around the table, plates piled high with delicious food. One dish that always steals the show is my hearty breakfast casserole. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, packed with eggs, cheese, and vibrant veggies that make every bite comforting and satisfying. The beauty of this casserole is its versatility—you can toss in whatever veggies you have on hand, and it’s easy to whip up ahead of time! Whether it’s a holiday brunch or just a lazy Sunday, this dish always brings a smile to everyone’s face. Trust me, you’ll want to make it a regular in your breakfast rotation!
Ingredients for Breakfast Casserole
Before we dive into the cooking, let’s gather our ingredients. Trust me, having everything ready to go makes the process so much smoother! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2% for creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite blend)
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color you like for that pop of color)
- 1 cup diced onions (sweet or yellow are great)
- 4 cups cubed bread (any bread works, but day-old is perfect for soaking up all that goodness)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or more if you like a little kick)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for that extra flavor punch)
Feel free to get creative with your veggie choices if you want to switch things up! You can mix in some spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini—whatever tickles your fancy!
How to Prepare Breakfast Casserole
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s jump into the fun part—making this delicious breakfast casserole! It’s really quite simple, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro by the end. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your casserole cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden top. So, go ahead and set that temperature while you prepare the rest!
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Next, grab your 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it up! You can use cooking spray or a bit of butter—just make sure it’s well-coated to prevent sticking. This will help your casserole slide right out when it’s time to serve, which is always a win!
Step 3: Mix the Egg Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together those 8 beaten eggs and 2 cups of milk until you’ve got a nice, frothy mixture. I like to use a big bowl here because it gives you plenty of room to whisk without making a mess. This egg base is the heart of your casserole, so give it a good mix!
Step 4: Add Ingredients to the Mixture
Now, it’s time to add in the fun stuff! Toss in the shredded cheese, diced bell peppers, onions, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the egg mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly until it’s well combined. You want those flavors to mingle and dance together—yum!
Step 5: Incorporate the Bread
Gently fold in the cubed bread. I like to use a spatula for this part—just be careful not to break up the bread too much. You want those lovely chunks to soak up all the egg goodness without turning to mush. It’s all about that texture!
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and pop it in the oven! Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Ah, the smell will be heavenly!
Step 7: Serving the Dish
Once it’s out of the oven, let your casserole cool for about 5 minutes before cutting into it. This little resting time helps everything settle and makes serving easier. Trust me, the wait will be worth it when you dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in under an hour!
- Hearty ingredients that keep you full and satisfied.
- Perfect for meal prep—make it ahead and enjoy throughout the week!
- Customizable with various vegetables to suit your taste and fridge leftovers.
- A crowd-pleaser that’s great for brunch or family gatherings.
- Simple to make, even for beginner cooks—just mix, bake, and serve!
Tips for Success
To take your breakfast casserole to the next level, here are a few tips I swear by! First, don’t hesitate to mix up the vegetables—try adding mushrooms, spinach, or even some cooked sausage for a heartier dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some spices like paprika or chili flakes for an extra kick! Also, using day-old bread is key; it soaks up the egg mixture beautifully without getting too soggy. If you like a crispy top, consider broiling it for the last few minutes, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. Lastly, letting it cool for a few minutes before serving helps with slicing, ensuring those perfect portions. Trust me, these little tweaks make a big difference!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this hearty breakfast casserole. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 12g
This casserole packs a punch of flavor while still being a nutritious option to kickstart your day. Enjoy every delicious bite knowing you’re fueling your body with wholesome ingredients!
FAQ Section
Can I make breakfast casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare your breakfast casserole the night before. Just assemble it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
What vegetables can I use in breakfast casserole?
The options are endless! Feel free to use whatever veggies you have on hand. Spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or even some cherry tomatoes work beautifully. Just remember to chop them into small pieces for even cooking!
How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat leftover casserole, simply place individual slices in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds or until warm. For a crispier texture, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Enjoy it just as delicious as when it was fresh!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your breakfast casserole fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds or until warmed through. If you prefer a crispy top, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This way, you can savor that delicious flavor all over again!
Print
Breakfast Casserole: 7 Hearty Ingredients for Joyful Mornings
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty breakfast casserole filled with eggs, cheese, and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup diced onions
- 4 cups cubed bread
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Add cheese, bell peppers, onions, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the egg mixture.
- Fold in the cubed bread until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the eggs are set.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Can substitute vegetables based on preference.
- Best served warm.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: breakfast casserole
