Ah, Thanksgiving mornings! There’s something so magical about waking up to the aroma of delicious food wafting through the house. The excitement in the air as family gathers, and the day of feasting begins. This year, I’m all about starting the day with a hearty *breakfast thanksgiving* casserole that not only fills bellies but also sets a cheerful tone for the festivities ahead. Imagine a warm, cheesy dish filled with eggs, sausage, and bread, all baked to perfection—it’s like a hug in a baking dish! Trust me, this breakfast will have everyone swooning before they even hit the dinner table. Let’s make your holiday morning unforgettable!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delightful *breakfast thanksgiving* casserole. Trust me, it’s super simple and comes together quickly!
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% for creaminess)
- 2 cups diced bread (day-old works best for soaking up all that goodness!)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I love cheddar for its melty goodness)
- 1/2 cup cooked sausage, crumbled (use your favorite kind—spicy or mild!)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for a fresh bite)
- Salt to taste (don’t be shy, but taste as you go!)
- Pepper to taste (freshly cracked is always the best!)
Feel free to get creative! You can easily add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for an extra pop of flavor and color. Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Let’s dive into making this scrumptious *breakfast thanksgiving* casserole! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll love how easy it is to whip up.
Prepping Your Ingredients
First things first, we need to get our ingredients ready. Start by dicing your bread into cubes—about an inch is perfect. This helps it soak up all that eggy goodness. Next, take your cooked sausage and crumble it up; you want those tasty bits evenly spread throughout the casserole. Finally, chop up those green onions for a fresh, vibrant kick. Set everything aside while we get to mixing!
Mixing the Breakfast Casserole
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until they’re well combined—this is where the magic begins! Once you’ve got a nice, frothy mixture, gently fold in your diced bread, shredded cheese, crumbled sausage, and chopped green onions. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to your liking. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is evenly coated; it’ll look so colorful and delicious!
Baking the Casserole
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish (I usually use a 9×13 inch) to prevent sticking. Pour your delightful mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is beautifully golden. You can peek in after 25 minutes to check on it, but resist the urge to open the oven door too soon! Trust me; it’ll be worth the wait when that delicious aroma fills your kitchen!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *breakfast thanksgiving* casserole turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips that I swear by!
- Use Stale Bread: If you have day-old bread, great! It soaks up the egg mixture better and creates a fluffier texture. Fresh bread can get too mushy.
- Don’t Overmix: When you’re combining the ingredients, be gentle. You want everything mixed just enough to combine, but be careful not to overdo it, or the casserole can become dense.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on it as it bakes! At around 30 minutes, give it a gentle shake. If it jiggles a lot, it needs more time. If it’s mostly set but slightly jiggly in the center, it’s perfect!
- Customize It: Feel free to play with flavors! Add in your favorite veggies or swap out sausage for bacon or even a vegetarian option. This dish is super versatile!
- Let It Rest: After baking, let the casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up a bit, making it easier to slice and serve.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a delicious and memorable breakfast that kicks off your Thanksgiving celebration in style!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This *breakfast thanksgiving* casserole is not just a meal; it’s an experience! Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore it:
- Quick Prep Time: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can kickstart your holiday morning without any hassle!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cheesy goodness, savory sausage, and fresh green onions creates a mouthwatering flavor that everyone will love.
- Festive Appeal: It’s a great way to gather family around the table and kick off your Thanksgiving celebrations with a hearty and satisfying dish.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare it the night before and simply pop it in the oven in the morning, making your day smoother!
- Crowd-Pleaser: This casserole is sure to impress guests of all ages, and it’s easy to customize to suit different tastes.
Trust me, you’re going to want this recipe at your Thanksgiving table every year! It’s the perfect start to a day filled with love, laughter, and gratitude.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional values of your food can really help you enjoy your meals while keeping an eye on your dietary goals. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information for one serving of this delightful *breakfast thanksgiving* casserole:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 12g
These values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands of ingredients used or any modifications you make. So, feel free to adjust based on your preferences! Enjoy this delicious start to your Thanksgiving day without any guilt—it’s all about balance, right?
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this *breakfast thanksgiving* casserole is that you can prepare it the night before. Just mix all your ingredients, pour them into a greased baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge. In the morning, all you have to do is preheat your oven and bake it for 30-35 minutes. It’s a fantastic time-saver that lets you enjoy a more relaxed Thanksgiving morning!
What can I substitute for the sausage?
If sausage isn’t your thing, no worries! You can swap it out for crumbled bacon, diced ham, or even cooked turkey sausage for a lighter option. For a vegetarian spin, try adding in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach, or even black beans for a hearty protein boost. The best part? You can mix and match based on what you love!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. It’s just as delicious the second time around!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got this amazing *breakfast thanksgiving* casserole ready to go, let’s talk about some delicious sides that will complement it perfectly! These additions will elevate your breakfast spread and make it truly special.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and cranberries can add a refreshing touch to your meal. The sweetness of the fruit balances the savory casserole beautifully!
- Holiday Syrup: Drizzling a bit of maple syrup or a spiced cranberry syrup over individual servings can add a delightful sweetness. It’s a fun twist that everyone will love!
- Crispy Bacon or Sausage Links: For those who can’t get enough protein, serving some crispy bacon or extra sausage links on the side is always a hit. It adds that classic breakfast feel!
- Yogurt Parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and fruit in small cups can create a lovely contrast to the casserole. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate some probiotics into your morning!
- Warm Biscuits: Baking up a batch of fluffy biscuits to serve alongside this casserole is a must! They can be slathered with butter or even used to mop up any leftover cheese sauce.
With these serving suggestions, your Thanksgiving breakfast will not only be delicious but also a feast for the eyes! It’s all about creating an inviting table where everyone can gather and savor the start of the holiday together. Enjoy!
Print
Breakfast Thanksgiving Casserole: 5 Reasons You’ll Love It
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious breakfast option for Thanksgiving day.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups diced bread
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked sausage, crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Add the diced bread, cheese, sausage, and green onions to the egg mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the eggs are set and the top is golden.
Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
- Can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning.
- Serve with fresh fruit or holiday syrup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: breakfast thanksgiving
