Classic Morning Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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Welcome to the world of comfort breakfasts with this Classic Morning Casserole! It's the perfect dish to start your day, combining savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheese into a single, satisfying bake. Ideal for feeding a family or impressing brunch guests, this casserole is a morning masterpiece.

Ingredients for Classic Morning Casserole

Breakfast sausage: Adds a delicious savory kick and a hearty texture. Choose your favorite type or try a spicy version for extra flavor.

Eggs: The base of the casserole, providing structure and richness. They bind all the ingredients together beautifully.

Whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps keep the casserole moist. Feel free to substitute with any milk you prefer.

Cheddar cheese: Provides a gooey, cheesy layer. Cheddar is classic, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack.

Day-old bread: Absorbs the egg mixture, adding body and texture. Slightly stale bread works best for this dish.

Green onions: Offer a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color. They balance the richness of the casserole nicely.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you're short on time in the morning, assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
  • For a vegetarian version, swap the sausage for sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
  • Use a serrated knife to cut the bread cubes for cleaner cuts and easier mixing.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad for a balanced breakfast. If you're hosting a brunch, consider serving it alongside a refreshing mimosa or a warm cup of herbal tea. A side of crispy bacon or a simple green salad can also complement this dish nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese. Gouda, mozzarella, or Swiss could be delightful alternatives.
How long does this casserole keep?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven before serving.
Is it possible to freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it either before baking or after. If you freeze it before, just add a bit more time in the oven when you’re ready to bake.

Classic Morning Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

First, let's get your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’ll be ready for your casserole once you’ve assembled everything. While the oven is warming up, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage and cook it until it’s browned and crumbly. Be sure to drain off any excess grease to avoid a greasy casserole.

Next, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until they're well combined. The eggs should look a bit frothy, which means they're ready. Add your cooked sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, cubed day-old bread, and chopped green onions to the egg mixture. Stir it all together until everything is well coated and mixed.

Now, take a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and pour in your mixture. Spread it out evenly with a spoon or spatula to ensure it bakes uniformly. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 40-45 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the center is set and the top is a lovely golden brown. Once done, let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before you dig in. This helps it set a little more and makes serving easier.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy mornings.
  • Uses simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have.
  • Customizable to suit your taste or dietary needs.
  • Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients

1 lb breakfast sausage
8 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 cups cubed day-old bread
1/4 cup chopped green onions

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain excess grease.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cooked sausage, cheese, bread cubes, and green onions to the egg mixture and stir to combine.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
7. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

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