Classic Homemade Breakfast Casserole – Easy & Delicious

This classic homemade breakfast casserole is a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for mornings. Try this easy recipe for a satisfying start to your day.

Classic Homemade Breakfast Casserole

There’s nothing quite like waking up to a comforting breakfast casserole. This classic homemade breakfast casserole recipe is packed with hearty ingredients that make your morning meal easy and delicious. From the fluffy eggs to savory sausage and melty cheese, it’s the perfect way to start your day. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for busy mornings, this dish fits right in. Check out our Easy Weeknight Dinners for more simple meal ideas.

Why You’ll Love It

This breakfast casserole combines wholesome, everyday ingredients for a dish that’s versatile, filling, and family-friendly. It’s simple to prepare, making it a great choice for weekend brunches or holiday mornings. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite veggies or protein. The casserole also reheats beautifully, so leftovers can be enjoyed the next day with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2% works best)
• 8 slices bread, cubed (day-old bread is ideal)
• 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Substitutions: Use turkey sausage or bacon instead of pork sausage. For a gluten-free option, select gluten-free bread. Swap cheddar with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
3. Spread half of the cubed bread evenly in the prepared dish as the casserole base.
4. Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage, diced onions, bell peppers, and shredded cheese over the bread layer.
5. Add the remaining bread cubes on top as the next layer, then top with the rest of the sausage, vegetables, and cheese.
6. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the assembled casserole, letting it soak into the bread.
7. Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top turns golden brown.

Expert Tips

For a perfectly cooked breakfast casserole, avoid overbaking which can dry it out. The eggs should be just set but still moist. Using day-old bread helps absorb the egg mixture without getting soggy. Make this dish a day ahead by assembling and refrigerating overnight before baking. This allows flavors to meld and saves morning prep time. To scale the recipe up or down, adjust ingredient quantities proportionally and use a larger or smaller baking dish.

Storage

Store leftover breakfast casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap tightly in foil or use a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 350ºF until heated through.

Variations

• Vegan: Replace eggs with a chickpea flour batter or tofu scramble, use plant-based sausage and vegan cheese.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread and verify sausage is gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute milk with almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free cheese.
• Refined Sugar-Free: This recipe naturally contains no added refined sugars.

FAQ

What makes this a classic homemade breakfast casserole?

It uses staple breakfast ingredients layered and baked together, creating a comforting, versatile meal perfect for any morning.

Can I prepare the breakfast casserole the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning for best results.

What bread is best for a breakfast casserole?

Day-old white or whole wheat bread works well because it soaks up the egg mixture without becoming too mushy.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! Adding onions, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms will boost flavor and nutrients.

How long does leftover breakfast casserole keep?

Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months for extended freshness.

If you try this classic homemade breakfast casserole, please leave a comment, rate the recipe, and share with friends to spread the deliciousness!