This easy breakfast casserole is a perfect dish for busy mornings or weekend brunches. Made in an 8×8 baking dish, it combines eggs, bread, cheese, and your choice of meats and vegetables for a satisfying meal.
The recipe is simple and can be prepared ahead of time, making it convenient for serving a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
Overview of the Breakfast Casserole
This breakfast casserole is a delightful way to start the day, perfect for both busy mornings and leisurely weekend brunches.
Made in a convenient 8×8 baking dish, it combines the comforting flavors of eggs, bread, and cheese with your choice of meats and vegetables.
The result is a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or saved for later, making it an ideal option for meal prep enthusiasts.
Ingredients That Shine
The beauty of this casserole lies in its versatility.
At its core, it features a mixture of large eggs and milk, creating a rich and creamy base.
Adding cubed bread gives it a hearty texture, while shredded cheese melts beautifully on top, creating that irresistible golden-brown finish.
Colorful bell peppers not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a fresh crunch, making each bite a delight.
Preparation Made Easy
Preparing this casserole is a straightforward process that takes about 15 minutes of active time.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your baking dish.
Then, whisk together the eggs, milk, and seasonings in a large bowl.
The assembly is simple: layer the cubed bread, sprinkle with your choice of cooked sausage or bacon, add the bell peppers, and top with cheese before pouring the egg mixture over everything.
Baking to Perfection
Once assembled, cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Removing the foil for the last 10-15 minutes allows the top to become beautifully golden and set.
Patience is key here, as the aroma wafting from the oven will surely tempt you to sneak a taste before it’s ready!
Serving Suggestions
After allowing the casserole to cool for a few minutes, slice it into squares for serving.
For a rustic touch, present it on a wooden table alongside a fork and a side of fresh fruit.
This adds a refreshing contrast and balances the richness of the casserole, making for a well-rounded breakfast experience.
Nutrition and Enjoyment
This breakfast casserole serves 4-6 people, making it perfect for family gatherings or meal prep for the week ahead.
With approximately 320 calories per serving, it provides a hearty meal without being overly indulgent.
Packed with protein and healthy fats, it’s a delicious way to fuel your day!
Simple 8×8 Breakfast Casserole
This breakfast casserole features layers of bread soaked in a savory egg mixture, baked until golden and fluffy. It takes about 45 minutes from start to finish and serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 4 slices of bread, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 cup cooked sausage or bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease an 8×8 baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Mix the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Layer the cubed bread evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked sausage or bacon, diced bell peppers, and shredded cheese over the bread. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top, ensuring all the bread is soaked.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is set and lightly golden on top.
- Serve: Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm, garnished with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 18g