Hearty Farmhouse Breakfast Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 40 min
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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There's something incredibly comforting about starting your day with a Hearty Farmhouse Breakfast Casserole. This dish brings together savory sausage, colorful bell peppers, and golden, melted cheese in a delightful harmony. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a cozy breakfast, it's sure to win over anyone at the table.

Ingredients for Hearty Farmhouse Breakfast Casserole

The backbone of this casserole is the eggs, which bind everything together and provide a fluffy texture. Whole milk adds creaminess, balancing the richness of the breakfast sausage. Using a mix of red bell pepper and green bell pepper not only adds vibrant color but also a sweet, slightly tangy flavor. Shredded cheddar cheese melts into gooey, golden goodness, while green onions add a fresh, mild bite. Cubed day-old bread soaks up all the flavors, making every bite satisfying. Lastly, unsalted butter is used to grease the baking dish, ensuring your casserole doesn't stick. Season with salt and pepper to enhance all these wonderful flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a serrated knife to cut the bread into cubes; it makes the process easier and cleaner.
  • If your bread isn't quite stale, toast it lightly to mimic day-old bread's texture.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh fruit salad for a balanced meal. If you're serving brunch, consider adding a side of crispy bacon or hash browns for extra indulgence. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can also add a nice touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble it the night before. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake it fresh in the morning.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Absolutely! Monterey Jack or pepper jack would work well if you want something with a bit more spice.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Hearty Farmhouse Breakfast Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter. This is important because it prevents the casserole from sticking, making cleanup a breeze.

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it's nicely browned. Break it up into small pieces as you go. Once cooked, drain the fat – this keeps the casserole from becoming too greasy.

Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the sausage in the skillet. Cook them together until the peppers are softened, about 5 minutes. This step enhances the flavor and ensures the peppers aren't crunchy in the final dish.

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. This mixture is your casserole's base, and it should be well combined for a uniform texture.

Add the cubed bread, cooked sausage, peppers, 3/4 of the cheddar cheese, and half of the green onions to the bowl. Mix everything until the bread is completely coated. This ensures every bite is full of flavor.

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and green onions on top for that extra touch of flavor and color.

Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. You'll know it's done when the center is set and the top is a beautiful golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving – this allows the casserole to set further, making it easier to slice and serve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to assemble the night before for a no-fuss morning.
  • A crowd-pleaser with a blend of textures and flavors.
  • Customizable to suit your family's preferences.
  • Great way to use up day-old bread and reduce waste.

Ingredients

6 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1 lb breakfast sausage
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped green onions
4 cups cubed day-old bread
2 tbsp unsalted butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned, breaking it up into small pieces, then drain the fat.
3. Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the sausage in the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the cubed bread, cooked sausage, peppers, 3/4 of the cheddar cheese, and half of the green onions to the bowl and mix until the bread is completely coated.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese and green onions on top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

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