Rise and Dine: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole

Introduction

Mornings can be rough, but breakfast doesn’t have to be. Picture this: you roll out of bed, and instead of fumbling through the fridge, you pop a prepped-and-ready breakfast casserole into the oven. In no time, the aroma of a hearty, cheesy, veggie-packed dish fills your kitchen, and you’re already winning at the day. This make-ahead breakfast casserole is your new morning BFF—loaded with eggs, cheese, savory sausage, and vibrant veggies, it’s the kind of dish that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds (or thirds).

Photo bytexas sasie lady

Measurements

• 4 cups (175g or 6 oz) of crusty bread cubes or 3 cups (380g) of frozen hash brown potatoes
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground pork sausage, casings removed
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or Italian seasoning (optional)
• 3/4 cup (100g) chopped yellow onion (1/2 large onion)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups (275g) chopped bell peppers
• 1 cup (100g) sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup roughly chopped fresh spinach
• 12 large eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2/3 cup (160ml) milk or half-and-half
• 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional Garnish: green onions and/or chopped parsley

Photo bytexas sasie lady

Directions

1. Prep Time: 15 minutes
   Cook Time: 45 minutes
   Chill Time: 30 minutes to overnight (your call)
2. Get Started: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread out the bread cubes or hash browns. This is your casserole’s cozy bed.
3. Sizzle It Up: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sausage and rosemary or Italian seasoning, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Once it’s mostly browned, throw in the onions, garlic, bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. Cook until everything’s soft and the sausage is fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Spread this mixture over the bread or potatoes.
4. Whisk and Pour: In a big bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, pepper, milk, and shredded cheese. Pour this eggy goodness evenly over the sausage and veggie layer.
5. Chill Out: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better. The flavors need to get to know each other.
6. Bake Time: When you’re ready to get your breakfast on, preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 40-45 minutes until it’s golden brown on top and a toothpick poked in the middle comes out clean.
7. Cool It: Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before slicing it up. You’re gonna want to dive in right away, but trust me, it’s worth the wait.

Side Dish Ideas

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A sweet and tangy mix of seasonal fruits is the perfect match for this savory dish.
• Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt, granola, and berries for a light, refreshing side.
• Crispy Bacon: Because who doesn’t love a little extra bacon with their breakfast?
• Buttermilk Biscuits: Fluffy, buttery biscuits are a must to mop up any leftover eggy goodness.

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 275
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Photo bytexas sasie lady

Conclusion

This breakfast casserole is like your favorite pair of sweatpants—comforting, reliable, and always there when you need it. Whether you’re hosting brunch, need a quick weekday meal, or just want to impress your family with your culinary prowess, this dish has you covered. Make it once, and you’ll wonder how you ever survived mornings without it. So go ahead, rise, and dine with this ultimate make-ahead breakfast casserole!