Okay, friend, let’s chat about this Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings – the kind of dish that turns grumpy morning faces into smiles. I can almost smell the savory sausage and melted cheese wafting through the air as I think about it!
I remember the first time I attempted a Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings. It was Christmas morning, I was trying to be the super-mom, and the oven decided to have a meltdown. Talk about a disaster! The top was burnt to a crisp, and the inside was still cold. Thankfully, my family has a great sense of humor, and we ended up ordering pizza. But I swore I’d conquer the Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings!
That’s how this recipe was born. Over the years, I’ve tweaked and perfected it, and now it’s a family tradition. This Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings is requested for every holiday, potluck, and even those “I don’t feel like cooking” nights. The beauty of this Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings is that you can prep it the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and boom – a delicious, hot breakfast is ready.
It’s more than just a meal; it’s a memory-maker. And trust me, this Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings is so easy, even you can’t mess it up! So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get cooking! You’re going to love this Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings.
INGREDIENTS:
Here’s what you’ll need for this crowd-pleasing Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 6 slices of bread, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For my Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings, I always use a good quality breakfast sausage. Jimmy Dean is my go-to, but feel free to use your favorite! And for the bread, I like to use a hearty Italian loaf. It soaks up the egg mixture perfectly for this Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings.
When it comes to cheese, the more, the merrier! I’m kidding…sort of. The cheddar gives this Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings a nice sharp flavor, while the mozzarella adds that lovely, gooey texture. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add a sprinkle of Gruyere. Don’t tell anyone!
You can easily adapt this Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings to your family’s preferences. My son, Timmy, hates sausage, so I sometimes make a vegetarian version with mushrooms and spinach. I’ve also used different kinds of bread, like croissants or even leftover dinner rolls. It’s still delicious as a cheesy breakfast bake either way! My mom always said the best recipes are the ones you can personalize, and this easy breakfast casserole definitely fits the bill.
How to Make – Step by Step
Alright, let’s get down to business and make this fantastic Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings!
- First, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Trust me, you don’t want this cheesy breakfast bake sticking to the bottom!
- Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared dish. This is the base of our breakfast casserole recipe, so make sure it’s nicely distributed.
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the bread. If you’re using other veggies, like onions or peppers, now’s the time to add them. A friend of mine recommended this tasty cheesy breakfast casserole recipe – Fully Loaded Cheesy Breakfast Casserole Breakfast Idea Recipe and I was not disappointed.
- Add 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top of the sausage. Remember, cheese is life!
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined. This egg mixture is what binds everything together in this breakfast casserole recipe. I’ve accidentally forgotten the mustard before and the flavor was definitely missing.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese. Gently press down on the bread to make sure it’s all soaked.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to soak up all the delicious flavors and is what makes this such a great make-ahead breakfast casserole. I usually prep it before I start dinner so that it’s ready to go for the next morning!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees, but I always double check.
- Let the Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings cool for a few minutes before serving. I know it’s tempting to dig right in, but trust me, it’s worth the wait. I burned my tongue one year I was too impatient and it took away from enjoying this easy breakfast casserole. While waiting, you can check out this other casserole, https://kierasrecipes.com/easy-sausage-breakfast-casserole
See? It’s really that easy to make a Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings.
SERVING & ENJOYING:
Now for the best part – serving and enjoying this Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings!
My family likes to top this cheesy breakfast casserole with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives. It adds a nice bit of tang and freshness. You can serve this easy breakfast casserole with a side of fruit salad or a simple green salad to balance out the richness.
I usually make this Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings for special occasions like Christmas morning, Easter brunch, or even just a lazy Sunday breakfast. It’s also great for potlucks or bringing to a friend who just had a baby. Everyone always raves about how delicious this cheesy breakfast bake is! This Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings is always a crowd-pleaser, whether it’s for breakfast or brunch!
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), they can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven until warmed through. My kids actually love eating this Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings cold straight from the fridge!
My neighbor, Sarah, makes a delicious breakfast casserole | – Tastes Better From Scratch that she serves with a homemade salsa. That might be something worth trying.
FAQs:
I get a lot of questions about this Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings, so I thought I’d answer some of the most common ones here.
Can I make this Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings ahead of time? Absolutely! That’s one of the best things about this recipe. You can assemble it the night before, refrigerate it, and then bake it in the morning. The longer it sits, the better the flavors meld together in this cheesy breakfast casserole.
Can I use different types of cheese in this Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings? Of course! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. Gruyere, pepper jack, or even a smoked Gouda would be delicious in this cheesy breakfast bake.
Can I add vegetables to this Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings? Yes, definitely! Sautéed onions, peppers, mushrooms, or spinach would all be great additions to this breakfast casserole recipe.
Can I use a different type of bread for this Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings? Sure! I’ve used croissants, brioche, and even leftover dinner rolls in this easy breakfast casserole. Just make sure the bread is cubed and slightly stale so it can soak up the egg mixture properly.
Can I freeze this Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings? I don’t recommend freezing the assembled casserole, as the texture can change. However, you can freeze the cooked and crumbled sausage for up to 2 months. But honestly, it’s so easy to make this breakfast casserole recipe fresh, I rarely bother freezing it.
What if my Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings is too dry? If you find that your casserole is too dry, you can add a little extra milk to the egg mixture. Also, be careful not to overbake it. I would follow sallysbakingaddiction.com’s tips for making an easy make-ahead breakfast casserole.
What if my Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings is too soggy? On the other hand, if your casserole is too soggy, make sure you’re using slightly stale bread and that you’re not adding too much milk to the egg mixture. You can also try baking it for a few extra minutes to help it set up.
CLOSING:
This Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients; it’s a symbol of family, love, and shared memories. Every time I make it, I think of those chaotic Christmas mornings, the laughter around the breakfast table, and the joy of creating something delicious for the people I love. It’s the perfect centerpiece dish for celebrations.
My Personal Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings Tips:
- Don’t skip the overnight soak! It really makes a difference in the texture and flavor of the casserole.
- Use a good quality breakfast sausage. It’s worth the extra money to get a sausage that you really enjoy.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and vegetables. Make this recipe your own!
Over the years, I’ve tried a few variations of this Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings. I’ve made a Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole for special occasions, and everyone raved about it. My daughter, Emily, loves it with ham and Swiss cheese, while my son, David, prefers it with bacon and cheddar. I think I’ll try my hand at some Cheesy Italian Burgers with Pizza Toppings next!
I hope you’ll give this Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings a try and create your own family memories around it. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own! Cooking should be fun, and this recipe is a great place to start. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to make a delicious Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings that your family will love. Happy cooking, friend!
Baked Breakfast Casserole with Cheesy Toppings
This cheesy baked breakfast casserole is the perfect make-ahead meal for a weekend brunch or holiday gathering. Loaded with eggs, sausage, cheese, and vegetables, it’s a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 slices bread, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Optional: Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until browned, crumbling as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. Add bell pepper and onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked sausage and vegetables to the egg mixture. Stir in the cubed bread and 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of Monterey Jack cheese.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of hot sauce before serving.