Traditional Morning Bake

Name: Traditional Morning Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 8 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1 lb breakfast sausage, crumbled; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 loaf day-old bread, cubed; 1/2 cup diced bell peppers; 1/2 cup diced onions; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 45 min

🍽 Serves: 8

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Welcome to the world of comfort food with this delightful Traditional Morning Bake! Perfect for a cozy family breakfast or brunch gathering, this dish combines hearty ingredients to kick-start your day with warmth and flavor.

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Ingredients for Traditional Morning Bake

Eggs are the base, binding the ingredients together into a savory custard. They provide richness and protein. Whole milk adds creaminess and helps the eggs set without becoming too dense. Breakfast sausage brings a savory, spiced flavor, and using crumbled pieces ensures even distribution. Cheddar cheese melts beautifully, adding a sharp, tangy finish that complements the sausage. Day-old bread acts as the foundation, soaking up the egg mixture for a soft, slightly chewy texture. Bell peppers and onions add a fresh, sweet bite and a touch of color. Finally, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder enhance all the flavors without overpowering them.

Tips & Tricks

Use a serrated knife to cut the bread for cleaner, easier slicing.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms or spinach.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this morning bake with a fresh fruit salad or a side of crispy hash browns. For a festive brunch, consider serving alongside a mimosa or a freshly brewed pot of tea to balance the richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this dish the night before?: Yes, you can assemble it the night before and refrigerate it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.
Can I use a different type of cheese?: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for a different flavor profile.

Traditional Morning Bake Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), giving it ample time to warm up as you prep the dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until it's browned and crumbly. Once done, drain any excess fat to keep the bake from becoming greasy.

Next, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This mixture will be the heart of your bake, so ensure everything is well combined.

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom. This will act as the base layer that soaks up all the wonderful flavors.

Layer the cooked sausage, bell peppers, and onions over the bread cubes. This step ensures each bite is packed with flavor and texture.

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top, allowing it to seep into the layers below. Finish with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese, which will melt into a bubbly, golden crust.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This initial covered bake helps the custard set without overbrowning the top. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to achieve that inviting, golden-brown finish. Let it cool slightly before serving to allow the bake to set up nicely.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and straightforward prep, making it perfect for busy mornings.
Great for using up leftover bread that's on the verge of going stale.
A versatile dish that can be easily customized with your favorite veggies or cheeses.
Feeds a crowd, making it ideal for gatherings or potlucks.

Ingredients

8 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1 lb breakfast sausage, crumbled

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 loaf day-old bread, cubed

1/2 cup diced bell peppers

1/2 cup diced onions

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat.

3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

4. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread the cubed bread evenly at the bottom.

5. Layer cooked sausage, bell peppers, and onions over the bread cubes.

6. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers.

7. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.

8. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

9. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

10. Let cool slightly before serving.

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