Name: Breakfast Casserole: The Ultimate Guide to Easy & Delicious Recipes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 8-12 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1/2 red onion, diced; 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry; 12 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 6 slices bread, cubed; 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for greasing the pan); Optional: Hot sauce, for serving

Breakfast Casserole: the ultimate morning comfort food, and today, I'm sharing my family's cherished recipe with you! Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese, all baked to golden perfection. This isn't just breakfast; it's an experience, a warm hug on a plate that sets the perfect tone for your day.

The beauty of a Breakfast Casserole lies in its versatility and convenience. While its exact origins are a bit hazy, similar baked egg dishes have been enjoyed for centuries across various cultures. Think of the Italian frittata or the Spanish tortilla – all cousins to our beloved casserole. What makes this dish so enduringly popular? It's simple: it's incredibly easy to prepare, feeds a crowd, and can be customized to suit any taste. Whether you're hosting a brunch, feeding a hungry family, or simply want a delicious and stress-free breakfast, this recipe is your answer. The combination of textures – the soft, creamy eggs, the savory meat, and the slightly crispy top – is simply irresistible. Plus, it's a fantastic way to use up leftover ingredients, making it both budget-friendly and environmentally conscious. So, let's get cooking and create a breakfast masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
1 green bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, diced
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
12 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
6 slices bread, cubed
2 tablespoons butter, melted (for greasing the pan)
Optional: Hot sauce, for serving

Preparing the Ingredients:

Cook the Sausage: Start by cooking your breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks until it's fully browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy casserole! Set the cooked sausage aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet (after wiping out any remaining grease), add the diced green bell pepper and red onion. Sauté them over medium heat until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step helps to bring out their sweetness and prevents them from being too crunchy in the final casserole.
Prepare the Spinach: This is a crucial step! Make sure your frozen spinach is completely thawed. The most important part is to squeeze out as much excess water as possible. I usually do this by placing the thawed spinach in a clean kitchen towel and squeezing until no more water comes out. Excess water will make your casserole soggy, and we definitely don't want that.
Cube the Bread: Cut your bread slices into cubes, about 1-inch in size. You can use any type of bread you like – white, wheat, sourdough, or even a day-old baguette. The slightly stale bread works best because it soaks up the egg mixture without becoming too mushy.
Grate the Cheese: If you're using a block of cheddar cheese, go ahead and shred it now. Pre-shredded cheese works too, but freshly grated cheese melts much better and has a better flavor.

Making the Egg Mixture:

Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, crack all 12 eggs. Whisk them vigorously until they are light and frothy. This will help create a light and airy casserole.
Add Dairy and Seasonings: Pour in the milk and heavy cream. The heavy cream adds richness and helps to create a creamy texture. Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk everything together until well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick!

Assembling the Casserole:

Grease the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is preheating, grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with the melted butter. Make sure to coat the bottom and sides of the dish evenly to prevent the casserole from sticking.
Layer the Ingredients: Now it's time to assemble the casserole. Start by spreading the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
Add the Sausage and Vegetables: Sprinkle the cooked sausage, sautéed bell peppers, and red onion over the bread cubes. Distribute them evenly.
Add the Spinach: Scatter the squeezed-dry spinach over the sausage and vegetables. Try to spread it out so that it's not all clumped together.
Pour the Egg Mixture: Slowly pour the egg mixture over the layers of bread, sausage, vegetables, and spinach. Make sure the egg mixture evenly coats all the ingredients. Gently press down on the bread cubes with a spoon to ensure they are submerged in the egg mixture.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a golden-brown and bubbly crust.

Baking the Casserole:

Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown. To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center of the casserole. If the knife comes out clean, the casserole is ready. If not, continue baking for a few more minutes.
Let it Rest: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set up a bit more and makes it easier to slice.

Serving Suggestions:

Slice and Serve: Cut the casserole into squares and serve warm.
Optional Toppings: Offer hot sauce, sour cream, salsa, or chopped green onions as optional toppings.
Make Ahead: This breakfast casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. You can assemble it the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the refrigerator.
Storage: Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Tips and Variations:

Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or pepper jack would all be delicious.
Meat Variations: Instead of breakfast sausage, you can use cooked bacon, ham, or even chorizo.
Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables like mushrooms, diced tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
Bread Variations: Use croissants or brioche for a richer flavor.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicier casserole.
Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk or soy milk instead of milk and heavy cream. You can also use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread.

Enjoy your delicious breakfast casserole! It's perfect for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or any time you want a hearty and satisfying breakfast.

Conclusion:

This isn't just another breakfast recipe; it's a breakfast game-changer! Seriously, if you're looking for a dish that's easy to prepare, feeds a crowd, and tastes absolutely amazing, then this Breakfast Casserole is an absolute must-try. The combination of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). But what truly sets this casserole apart is its versatility. While I've shared my go-to version, the possibilities are truly endless. Feeling adventurous? Try swapping out the sausage for diced ham or crumbled bacon. Vegetarian? No problem! Load it up with your favorite veggies like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. And if you're looking to lighten things up, you can use egg whites instead of whole eggs and opt for a lower-fat cheese. Beyond the ingredients, you can also play around with the serving suggestions. This casserole is fantastic on its own, but it's also delicious served with a side of fresh fruit, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of chopped chives. For a brunch gathering, consider offering a variety of toppings so your guests can customize their own slices. Think salsa, guacamole, hot sauce, and even a drizzle of maple syrup for those who like a sweet and savory combination. I've made this Breakfast Casserole countless times for family gatherings, holiday brunches, and even just a simple weekend breakfast, and it's always a hit. It's the kind of recipe that becomes a tradition, a dish that everyone looks forward to. And the best part? It's so easy to make ahead of time, which means you can actually relax and enjoy your morning instead of spending it slaving away in the kitchen. Simply assemble the casserole the night before, store it in the refrigerator, and then pop it in the oven when you're ready to bake. I truly believe that this recipe has the potential to become a staple in your own kitchen. It's a crowd-pleaser, it's customizable, and it's incredibly delicious. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the joy of a truly amazing breakfast casserole. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! And I'm even more excited to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What were your favorite toppings? What did your family and friends think? Please, please, please share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I love seeing your creations and hearing your feedback. Your comments not only help me improve my recipes, but they also inspire other readers to try them out. So don't be shy – let me know what you think! Happy cooking, and I hope you enjoy this Breakfast Casserole as much as I do!