Cheesy Breakfast Casserole: A Hearty Start to Your Day
Introduction
The image showcases a mouthwatering cheesy breakfast casserole, perfect for a hearty and satisfying start to the day.
This casserole is packed with layers of savory ingredients, including eggs, cheese, sausage, and vegetables, making it an ideal dish for breakfast or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cups cubed bread (preferably day-old)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and crumbled. Remove from heat and drain any excess fat.
Dice Vegetables:
Dice the red and green bell peppers and onion. Set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
Mix Eggs and Milk:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Combine Ingredients:
Add the cooked sausage, diced bell peppers, onion, and cubed bread to the egg mixture. Stir to combine.
Add Cheese:
Stir in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese into the mixture.
Pour into Baking Dish:
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top of the casserole.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the top is golden brown.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for Best Results
- Day-Old Bread: Using day-old bread helps absorb the egg mixture better, creating a more cohesive casserole.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes to customize the casserole to your taste.
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack or Swiss for a unique flavor.
Conclusion
This cheesy breakfast casserole is a delightful and versatile dish, perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing ahead of time for busy mornings.
With its rich blend of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a family favorite.