Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for breakfast casseroles! They’re just the ultimate comfort food to kickstart your day. Seriously, there’s something magical about whipping up a hearty breakfast casserole that’s packed with eggs, cheese, and all those delicious veggies. Trust me, it’s like a warm hug on a plate! What I adore most is how versatile they are—you can throw in whatever you have on hand, from leftover meats to a rainbow of vegetables. Plus, they’re super easy to prep, making them perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
Ingredients for Breakfast Casserole
Gathering your ingredients for this breakfast casserole is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 large eggs: These are your main event, providing a fluffy base.
- 2 cups milk: Whole or 2% works best for a creamy texture.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Go for sharp cheddar to amp up the flavor.
- 1 cup diced bell peppers: Any color you like—red, green, or yellow adds a pop of color!
- 1 cup diced onions: Sweet or yellow onions will do just fine.
- 1 cup diced cooked ham: This adds a savory depth; feel free to swap with cooked sausage or veggies for a vegetarian option!
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all those delicious flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Just a pinch to give it that little kick.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because garlic makes everything better!
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: For that extra oniony goodness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Use this for sautéing your veggies to perfection.
That’s it! Simple, right? Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Breakfast Casserole
Getting your breakfast casserole ready is a breeze! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and toasty for baking. While that’s heating up, grab a large bowl and whisk together the 8 large eggs and 2 cups of milk until it’s well blended—this is where the magic begins!
Next, gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, diced bell peppers, diced onions, and diced cooked ham. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for that flavor punch. Now, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the bell peppers and onions until they’re soft and fragrant—about 5 minutes. This step really brings out their sweetness!
Once your veggies are done, combine them with the egg mixture in your bowl. Now, pour everything into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the eggs are set and the top is golden. Ooh, that aroma will make your kitchen feel so inviting! Let it cool for a few minutes before diving in. Trust me, it’ll be worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Breakfast Casserole
- Quick and Easy: This breakfast casserole comes together in no time, perfect for those busy mornings when you need something hearty without the hassle.
- Flavor-Packed: With the combo of eggs, cheese, and veggies, every bite is bursting with flavor!
- Customizable: Don’t have ham? No problem! Toss in your favorite veggies or leftover meats—this dish is all about personal preference.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and simply reheat for a delicious breakfast all week long!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family brunch or a gathering with friends, this casserole is sure to impress everyone at the table!
Tips for Success with Breakfast Casserole
To make your breakfast casserole truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t hesitate to mix up the ingredients—try adding spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini for a veggie boost. If you want a little heat, throw in some jalapeños or red pepper flakes! Also, consider using different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a fun twist.
For a lighter version, swap out some of the milk for unsweetened almond milk or use egg whites instead of whole eggs. And if you prefer a crispy top, just pop it under the broiler for a couple of minutes at the end—keep a close eye, though, it can go from golden to burnt in a flash! Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions for Breakfast Casserole
When it comes to serving your breakfast casserole, the possibilities are endless! I love pairing it with a fresh fruit salad—think juicy berries or tangy citrus for a refreshing contrast. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top can also elevate the dish beautifully. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve it alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a hearty feast. And don’t forget a nice cup of coffee or a refreshing smoothie to wash it all down. Trust me, this combo will make your breakfast experience truly delightful!
Nutritional Information for Breakfast Casserole
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this delicious breakfast casserole! Each serving, which is about one slice, packs in approximately 250 calories. You’ll get 15g of fat, with 7g of that being saturated fat. It also offers 20g of protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied. In terms of carbs, there are about 10g, with 2g of sugar and 1g of fiber. This data is an estimate, of course, so if you make any substitutions, the numbers might change a bit. But overall, it’s a hearty and nourishing way to start your day!
FAQ About Breakfast Casserole
Got questions about this breakfast casserole? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common ones I hear:
Can I make this breakfast casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze any leftover casserole! Just wrap individual portions tightly and they’ll be good in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What can I substitute for the ham?
No worries if you’re not a fan of ham! You can use cooked sausage, bacon, or even skip the meat altogether and load it up with extra veggies for a vegetarian breakfast casserole!
How do I know when the casserole is done?
It’s done when the eggs are set and the top is lightly golden. You can give it a gentle shake—if it doesn’t jiggle too much, you’re good to go!
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
I recommend reheating in the microwave or oven. Just a couple of minutes in the microwave should do the trick, or pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to get it warm throughout.
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Breakfast Casserole
Storing your breakfast casserole is super easy! Once it’s completely cooled, just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3–4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual portions! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When it’s time to reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. For reheating, the microwave works well, but if you prefer that nice crispy top, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Enjoy your delicious breakfast again!
Print
Breakfast Casserole: 5 Comforting Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty breakfast casserole packed with eggs, cheese, and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Add in cheese, bell peppers, onions, ham, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the bell peppers and onions until soft.
- Combine sautéed vegetables with the egg mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the eggs are set.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 250mg
Keywords: breakfast casserole, egg casserole, breakfast bake
