Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a way to make breakfast easy and utterly delicious for a crowd, you’ve hit the jackpot with this breakfast bake! I absolutely love whipping this up when I have family or friends over; it’s like a warm, cheesy hug in casserole form. The best part? It’s so simple to prepare! Just mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and voilà! While it bakes, your kitchen fills with the most mouthwatering aroma that’ll have everyone rushing to the table. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients—so whether you’re a sausage lover or a veggie fan, this recipe has your back. Trust me, once you try this breakfast bake, it’ll become your go-to for gatherings and special brunch moments!
Ingredients
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 4 cups diced bread
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 cup cooked sausage, crumbled
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
How to Prepare Breakfast Bakes for a Crowd
Getting this breakfast bake ready is a breeze, and I promise it’ll be the star of your morning gathering! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your bake comes out perfectly fluffy and golden brown.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until they’re nice and frothy. This is where the magic starts! Once that’s done, toss in the diced bread, shredded cheese, crumbled sausage, bell peppers, onions, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix, so everything is well-coated and blended. It should look colorful and appetizing!
Now, pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. I like to use a 9×13 inch dish, but any similar size works fine. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set and the center is firm to the touch. After it’s done baking, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This little wait will help it firm up, making it easier to serve. And there you go—a delicious breakfast bake ready to wow your guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and hot.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 12 large eggs and 2 cups of milk until they’re light and airy.
- Add in 4 cups of diced bread, 2 cups of shredded cheese, 1 cup of cooked sausage (crumbled), 1 cup of diced bell peppers, 1 cup of diced onions, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and every piece of bread is coated.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and pour the mixture into it, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. You can test this by gently pressing in the middle; it should bounce back slightly!
- Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This helps it firm up a bit more, making it easier to slice and serve.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this breakfast bake in no time, leaving you more moments to enjoy with your guests!
- Feeds a Crowd: This recipe serves 8-10 people, making it perfect for brunches, family gatherings, or holiday mornings.
- Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite ingredients—whether it’s different veggies, meats, or cheeses, the choices are endless!
- Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of eggs, cheese, and hearty add-ins creates a comforting dish that’s packed with flavor. Your taste buds will thank you!
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning, making breakfast effortless!
Tips for Success
To make sure your breakfast bake turns out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t hesitate to get creative with your ingredients. If you’re not a fan of sausage, try crumbled bacon or even some sautéed spinach for a veggie twist. You can also mix and match cheeses—sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or even feta can add a delightful zing!
Another great tip is to use day-old bread; it soaks up the egg mixture beautifully and gives you that perfect texture. Oh, and if you want to spice things up, add a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños for a kick! Finally, keep an eye on the bake in the oven; if it’s browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil to prevent burning while it finishes cooking. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
To really elevate your breakfast bake experience, consider pairing it with some delightful sides! A fresh fruit salad is always a hit—think juicy berries, sweet melons, and tangy citrus. Not only does it add a pop of color, but it also balances the richness of the bake beautifully. If you want to keep things cozy, serve it with some crispy hash browns or golden roasted potatoes on the side; they’re perfect for soaking up any extra eggy goodness!
And let’s not forget about beverages! A steaming pot of coffee or a refreshing pitcher of orange juice will complement your breakfast spread perfectly. If you’re feeling fancy, whip up some mimosas for a little bubbly celebration! Trust me, these additions will have your guests raving about your brunch long after the plates are cleared.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from your breakfast bake is super easy! Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze individual portions. Just slice it up, wrap each piece in plastic, and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll last for about 2 months in the freezer.
When it’s time to reheat, you can simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. If you prefer a crispy top, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Just cover it with foil to prevent over-browning. Enjoy that deliciousness again with minimal effort!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Please keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use in this breakfast bake. While I’ve provided a general breakdown, precise nutritional values are not guaranteed. For the most accurate information, it’s always a good idea to calculate based on your exact ingredients. Enjoy your delicious breakfast bake and feel free to adjust it to fit your dietary needs!
FAQs
Can I make this breakfast bake vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the sausage and load it up with more veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also use a plant-based cheese for a delicious vegetarian version.
How do I know when the breakfast bake is done?
You’ll want to look for those golden edges and a firm center. A little jiggle is okay, but if it bounces back when you poke it gently, you’re good to go!
Can I prepare the mixture the night before?
Yes! This is one of the best parts. You can mix everything the night before, cover it, and let it chill in the fridge. Just pour it into the baking dish and pop it in the oven in the morning.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For quick reheating, the microwave works perfectly. But if you want that crispy texture back, try reheating it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil.
Can I add other proteins to the bake?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with crumbled bacon, diced ham, or even cooked chicken. Just ensure they’re cooked beforehand since the bake doesn’t require long cooking times.
Breakfast Bakes for a Crowd: 5 Ways to Wow Guests
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy breakfast bake perfect for serving a crowd.
Ingredients
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 4 cups diced bread
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 cup cooked sausage, crumbled
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Add bread, cheese, sausage, bell peppers, onions, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until set.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute ingredients based on preferences.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 250mg
Keywords: breakfast bakes for a crowd
