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Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipe

4.8 from 87 reviews

This Easy Breakfast Casserole is a versatile and delicious dish perfect for any morning. Made with eggs, cheese, bread cubes, and your choice of savory additions like ham, bacon, or vegetables, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal that can be prepared ahead and baked when ready. The casserole combines creamy, cheesy textures with a golden, browned top, making it a crowd-pleaser for breakfasts and brunches.

Ingredients

Scale

Breakfast Casserole Base

  • 6 to 10 large eggs
  • 2 to 3 cups grated cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices day-old bread, cut into 3/4-inch to 1-inch-wide cubes
  • 2 cups milk
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Possible Additions

  • 1 cup corn kernels, cooked or frozen
  • 1/2 cup chopped broccoli, cooked or raw
  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions
  • 1 cup cubed ham and/or cooked Italian sausage
  • 3 slices cooked bacon, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Herbes de Provence or other dried herbs, or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped herbs (basil, rosemary, or thyme)
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cumin or curry powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when the casserole mixture is prepared.
  2. Make the casserole base. In a large bowl, beat together 6 to 10 large eggs. Stir in 2 cups of milk and 2 to 3 cups of grated cheddar cheese until well combined.
  3. Add the bread cubes. Carefully fold in 6 slices of day-old bread cut into cubes, making sure all bread pieces are moistened by the egg mixture without overmixing, so the bread stays intact.
  4. Incorporate additional ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste unless using salty Italian sausage. Include any chosen add-ins such as corn, broccoli, mushrooms, green onions, ham, cooked Italian sausage, bacon, herbs, and spices. If adding many extras, consider adding 2 more eggs with 2 tablespoons milk each to keep the mixture moist and cohesive.
  5. Prepare the baking dish. Butter a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and pour the mixture evenly into it. You can bake immediately or refrigerate overnight before baking.
  6. Bake the casserole. Bake in your preheated 350°F oven for 50 minutes to 1 hour. The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the center springs back when lightly pressed.
  7. Cool before serving. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps it firm up, making it easier to cut and serve.

Notes

  • Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming soggy.
  • Adjust egg and milk quantities if adding lots of vegetables or meats to keep the casserole moist and well-set.
  • You can prepare the casserole base the night before, cover, and refrigerate; bake fresh in the morning.
  • Feel free to substitute cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella or Swiss for different flavors.
  • Add fresh herbs to personalize the flavor; dried herbs like Herbes de Provence add complexity.

Keywords: breakfast casserole, egg casserole, baked breakfast, cheesy casserole, make-ahead breakfast, brunch recipe, savory breakfast bake