Name: Breakfast Casserole: The Ultimate Guide to Easy & Delicious Recipes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper; 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup milk; 6 large eggs; 1 teaspoon dry mustard; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 6 slices bread, cubed; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Breakfast Casserole: the ultimate morning comfort food that’s as satisfying as it is simple to prepare! 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 embrace on a plate that sets the perfect tone for your day.

While the exact origins of the breakfast casserole are a bit hazy, its popularity soared in the mid-20th century alongside the rise of convenience cooking. It became a staple in households across America, particularly during holidays and family gatherings. The beauty of a breakfast casserole lies in its adaptability; it's a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. You can customize it with your favorite meats, cheeses, and vegetables, making it a dish that truly reflects your personal taste.

But why do people adore this dish so much? It's more than just the delicious combination of flavors and textures. It's the ease of preparation. You can assemble it the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and have a hot, hearty breakfast ready with minimal effort. The creamy, cheesy goodness, the savory meat, and the soft, yielding bread create a symphony of flavors that tantalize the taste buds. Whether you're feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself, a breakfast casserole is guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. So, let's dive into this classic recipe and create a breakfast masterpiece together!

Ingredients:

1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk
6 large eggs
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
6 slices bread, cubed
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparing the Sausage and Vegetables:

Okay, let's get started! First things first, we need to cook our sausage. I like to use a good quality breakfast sausage for this, it really makes a difference in the flavor. You can use mild, hot, or even maple-flavored sausage, depending on your preference.

Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until it's browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy casserole!
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step is important because it mellows out the onion and pepper, so they don't overpower the other flavors in the casserole.

Making the Egg Mixture:

Now, let's whip up the egg mixture. This is what binds everything together and gives the casserole its lovely texture.

Combine Soup and Milk: In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps!
Add Eggs and Seasonings: Add the eggs, dry mustard, salt, and pepper to the soup mixture. Whisk well to combine. The dry mustard adds a nice little tang that complements the other flavors.

Assembling the Casserole:

Time to put everything together! This is the fun part where we layer all the delicious ingredients into our baking dish.

Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make it easier to serve. I usually use cooking spray, but you can also use butter or oil.
Layer the Bread: Spread the cubed bread evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure the bread is distributed evenly so that every bite of the casserole has a good balance of textures.
Add Sausage and Vegetable Mixture: Sprinkle the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture over the bread. Try to distribute it evenly so that every piece of bread gets some sausage and veggies.
Sprinkle Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage and vegetables. We're saving the other cup for later!
Pour Egg Mixture: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, vegetables, and cheese. Make sure the egg mixture soaks into the bread. If necessary, gently press down on the bread with a spoon to help it absorb the liquid.
Refrigerate (Optional): At this point, you can cover the casserole and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or even overnight. This allows the bread to really soak up the egg mixture, resulting in a richer, more flavorful casserole. If you're short on time, you can skip this step, but I highly recommend it if you can!

Baking the Casserole:

Almost there! Now it's time to bake our casserole until it's golden brown and bubbly.

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Make sure your oven is properly preheated before you put the casserole in, as this will ensure that it cooks evenly.
Bake: Bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes, or until it is set and golden brown. The center should be firm to the touch, and the edges should be slightly puffed up.
Add Remaining Cheese: During the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. This will give it a nice, cheesy topping.
Check for Doneness: To make sure the casserole is fully cooked, insert a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, it's done! If not, bake for a few more minutes until it's set.

Cooling and Serving:

Finally, let's cool and serve our delicious breakfast casserole!

Cool Slightly: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before cutting and serving. This will allow it to set up a bit and make it easier to slice.
Garnish (Optional): Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the casserole.
Serve: Serve warm and enjoy! This breakfast casserole is perfect for a weekend brunch, holiday gathering, or any time you want a hearty and satisfying breakfast.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few tips and variations to make this breakfast casserole your own:

Use Different Meats: Instead of breakfast sausage, you can use cooked and crumbled bacon, ham, or even chorizo.
Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as mushrooms, spinach, or diced tomatoes.
Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Gruyere.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread to make this casserole gluten-free.
Add a Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicy kick.
Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning. This is a great time-saver for busy mornings.
Individual Casseroles: For a fun twist, bake the casserole in individual ramekins. This is perfect for portion control and makes for a beautiful presentation.
Bread Alternatives: Instead of cubed bread, try using croissants, biscuits, or even leftover dinner rolls.
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives to make this casserole dairy-free.
Add Some Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano can add a wonderful depth of flavor to the casserole.

Storage Instructions:

Leftover breakfast casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until heated through.

Freezing Instructions:

This breakfast casserole can also be frozen for longer storage. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, transfer the casserole to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat as directed above.

I hope you enjoy this delicious and easy breakfast casserole! It's a family favorite in my house, and I'm sure it will become one of yours too. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

This isn't just another breakfast recipe; it's a breakfast game-changer! I truly believe this Breakfast Casserole is a must-try for anyone looking to simplify their mornings, impress their brunch guests, or simply enjoy a hearty and delicious meal. The combination of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!). It's the kind of dish that becomes a family favorite, requested time and time again. But the best part? It's incredibly versatile! Feel free to adapt it to your own tastes and preferences.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a little kick. * Veggie lovers: Sauté some chopped bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach and add them to the casserole for extra nutrients and flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes would also be a fantastic addition! * Meat alternatives: Substitute the sausage with cooked bacon, ham, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative. * Cheese please!: Experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan would all work beautifully. * Bread choices: While I love using cubed French bread, you can also use croissants, sourdough, or even gluten-free bread for a dietary-friendly option. * Serving it up: Serve warm with a side of fresh fruit, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley. A simple green salad also complements the richness of the casserole perfectly. * Make it ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply bake as directed. This is a lifesaver for busy mornings! * Individual portions: For a fun twist, bake the casserole in muffin tins for individual servings. These are perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts or brunch parties. I've made this Breakfast Casserole countless times, and it's always a hit. It's the perfect dish for holidays, potlucks, or simply a weekend brunch with loved ones. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it's baking is simply irresistible, and the taste is even better. I'm confident that you'll love this recipe as much as I do. It's easy to make, customizable to your liking, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the joy of a truly delicious and satisfying breakfast. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and comments in the comments section below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create recipes that you'll love. Happy cooking, and happy eating! Let me know if you have any questions, I'm always happy to help!