Oh, those busy mornings can be a real whirlwind, right? I mean, who has time to whip up a gourmet breakfast when you’re rushing out the door? That’s where my *make ahead breakfast casserole* comes to the rescue! This dish is a lifesaver, allowing you to prepare a hearty breakfast the night before, so all you have to do in the morning is pop it in the oven and enjoy the delicious aroma wafting through your home. Trust me, there’s nothing like the satisfaction of knowing a warm, cheesy, and savory breakfast is just minutes away! I’ve made this casserole countless times for family brunches and it’s always a hit. It’s so versatile too—feel free to toss in your favorite veggies or meats! Let’s dive into how you can make this breakfast miracle happen.
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a delicious *make ahead breakfast casserole*! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 slices of bread: I like to use a hearty loaf, cubed into bite-sized pieces. This gives the casserole a nice, chewy texture.
- 12 eggs: These are the backbone of the dish, so fresh eggs will give you the best flavor and fluffiness.
- 2 cups of milk: Whole milk adds creaminess, but feel free to use your favorite type—almond or oat milk works too!
- 2 cups of shredded cheese: I love combining cheddar and Monterey Jack for a melty, gooey goodness.
- 1 pound of cooked sausage: Crumbled and seasoned sausage adds that savory kick; you can use turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- 1 cup of diced bell peppers: Any color will do, adding a nice crunch and a pop of color.
- 1 cup of diced onions: They provide sweetness and depth; I usually go for yellow onions.
- 1 teaspoon of salt: Just the right amount to enhance all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon of pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a little zing!
How to Prepare Instructions
Getting your *make ahead breakfast casserole* ready is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish that’s perfect for busy mornings.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your casserole cooks evenly and turns golden brown. While the oven warms up, you’ll have time to get everything else ready!
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the cubed bread, crumbled sausage, diced bell peppers, and onions. Make sure everything is mixed well! This combo is the foundation of your casserole, and trust me, the flavors meld beautifully.
Prepare the Egg Mixture
In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. You want that mixture to be nice and fluffy! This is what binds everything together, giving you that dreamy, custardy texture.
Assemble the Casserole
Now, pour the egg mixture over the bread and sausage mixture. Gently stir to combine, making sure the bread is soaked in that egg goodness. Then, add in the shredded cheese and mix again. Transfer everything to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Baking the Casserole
Pop the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. It’s done when the top is golden brown and the center is set. Just let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy the deliciousness!
Tips for Success
To make your *make ahead breakfast casserole* truly shine, here are some of my top tips! First, always use fresh ingredients—quality eggs and good bread make a world of difference in flavor. If you want to switch things up, feel free to add in your favorite veggies like spinach or mushrooms, or even swap the sausage for bacon or ham for a different twist. If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider using egg whites and low-fat cheese. And remember, letting the casserole sit in the fridge overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully, so don’t skip that step!
Nutritional Information
For each serving of this *make ahead breakfast casserole*, you can expect around 300 calories, 20g of fat, 15g of protein, and 20g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal to kickstart your day!
FAQ Section
Here are some common questions I get about making this *make ahead breakfast casserole*:
Can I use stale bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! Stale bread actually works great because it soaks up the egg mixture without becoming mushy.
How long can I store leftovers?
You can keep any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven for the best results!
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes! You can freeze it before baking. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before popping it in the oven.
What other ingredients can I add?
Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies or cheeses! Spinach, mushrooms, or even diced tomatoes can add a delicious twist.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free bread, and you’re good to go!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy mornings!
- Deliciously cheesy and savory flavor that everyone loves.
- Versatile—customize with your favorite veggies and meats.
- Make it ahead of time for a hassle-free breakfast.
- Feeds a crowd, making it ideal for family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *make ahead breakfast casserole* is super simple! Once it’s cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, just preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and pop it in for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through. If you want to reheat individual portions, the microwave works too—just be sure to cover them to avoid drying out. Enjoy that warm, comforting goodness all over again!
Print
Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole: 5 Tips for Busy Mornings
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A delicious make ahead breakfast casserole that is easy to prepare and perfect for busy mornings.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
- 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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 300mg
Keywords: make ahead breakfast casserole
