Breakfast Casserole With Eggs And Cheese
Highlighted under: Easy Meal Solutions
I love starting my day with a hearty breakfast, and this Breakfast Casserole with Eggs and Cheese never disappoints. It’s a delightful blend of creamy eggs, melty cheese, and whatever vegetables I have on hand. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole is both satisfying and simple to make. Plus, the bonus of assembling it the night before means that I can enjoy a leisurely weekend morning without the rush. It truly transforms my breakfast routine into a special occasion!
When I first made this casserole, I was amazed at how versatile it is. I remember throwing in leftover veggies and whatever cheese I had, and the result was a perfectly balanced dish. The key is to let it rest for a few minutes after baking so that it sets nicely, making it easy to slice and serve.
Over time, I've adapted the recipe to include seasonal ingredients, adding seasonal herbs or even some spicy sausage for an extra kick. Each variation has been a hit with family and friends, and I love how everyone can customize it to their taste!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation for busy mornings
- Versatile ingredients for endless customization
- Great for leftovers or meal prep
- Perfectly cheesy and satisfying every time
Choosing the Right Ingredients
The success of this breakfast casserole lies in your choice of ingredients. Using stale bread not only helps absorb the egg mixture better but also contributes to a delightful texture that retains some structure. If you only have fresh bread, leaving it out to dry for an hour or two before cubing can yield similar results. Additionally, opting for high-quality cheese, like sharp cheddar, enhances the flavor profile, creating that gooey, melty texture everyone loves.
Vegetables are another key component. While bell peppers and onions add great flavor, feel free to experiment with seasonal veggies like zucchini or mushrooms. For a twist, try adding cooked sausage or bacon to elevate the dish further. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can reduce the cheese or replace some of the milk with a plant-based alternative.
Tips for Baking and Serving
When baking the casserole, keep an eye on the edges for a golden brown color, which indicates it’s cooked to perfection. If the center wobbles slightly, that’s okay; it will firm up as it cools. To prevent over-baking, consider checking for doneness a few minutes early. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when it’s done.
Allowing the casserole to rest for ten minutes after baking is crucial. This brief cooling period helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to cut into neat squares without it falling apart. It's perfect to pair with a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of salsa on the side to balance out the richness.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 4 cups cubed bread (stale is best)
- 1 cup chopped vegetables (bell peppers, onions, or spinach)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Make sure to adjust the vegetables based on what's in season or what you have available!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your casserole:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Mix the Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
Combine Ingredients
Add the cubed bread, chopped vegetables, and shredded cheese to the egg mixture. Stir gently to combine.
Pour into Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the egg is set and the top is golden brown.
Serve
Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Feel free to serve with salsa or hot sauce for added flavor!
Pro Tips
- For a richer flavor, try adding cooked bacon or sausage. You can also experiment with different types of cheese for unique twists!
Make-Ahead and Storage
One of the greatest advantages of this breakfast casserole is its make-ahead potential. To prepare it the night before, simply follow the steps up to pouring it into the baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. In the morning, remove it from the fridge while you preheat the oven, allowing it to come closer to room temperature for even cooking.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, cut individual portions and place them in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until warmed through, ensuring each serving maintains its delicious texture.
Scaling Up or Down
This recipe is highly adaptable for serving sizes. If you're cooking for a larger group, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. Adjust the baking time slightly, as a thicker casserole may need an additional 5-10 minutes in the oven. Just be sure to keep an eye on the color and texture as it cooks.
Conversely, if you're making a smaller batch, halving the ingredients works beautifully too. Use an 8x8-inch baking dish and reduce the baking time by a few minutes. Either way, you'll enjoy the same creamy, cheesy goodness, making it easy to cater to your needs.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make the casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it the night before, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time in the morning.
→ Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! The casserole can be frozen in individual portions for easy reheating later.
→ What vegetables can I use?
You can use any vegetables you prefer. Some great options include spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or even leftover roasted vegetables.
→ How can I make it vegetarian?
Simply omit any meat ingredients and load it up with your favorite vegetables and cheese!
Breakfast Casserole With Eggs And Cheese
I love starting my day with a hearty breakfast, and this Breakfast Casserole with Eggs and Cheese never disappoints. It’s a delightful blend of creamy eggs, melty cheese, and whatever vegetables I have on hand. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole is both satisfying and simple to make. Plus, the bonus of assembling it the night before means that I can enjoy a leisurely weekend morning without the rush. It truly transforms my breakfast routine into a special occasion!
Created by: Rowan Tate
Recipe Type: Easy Meal Solutions
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 4 cups cubed bread (stale is best)
- 1 cup chopped vegetables (bell peppers, onions, or spinach)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
Add the cubed bread, chopped vegetables, and shredded cheese to the egg mixture. Stir gently to combine.
Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the egg is set and the top is golden brown.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For a richer flavor, try adding cooked bacon or sausage. You can also experiment with different types of cheese for unique twists!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 18g