Why You’ll Love It
This breakfast casserole is everything you want in a morning meal—hearty, easy, and incredibly delicious. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
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Hearty & Filling: Loaded with protein from eggs, sausage, and cheese, it’ll keep you full for hours.
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Perfect for Prep: Make it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning—zero morning stress!
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Easy to Customize: Mix and match ingredients to suit your mood or dietary needs.
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Always a Hit: Whether it’s brunch with friends, a holiday breakfast, or a weekend family meal, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Minimal Cleanup: One dish = less mess. That’s always a win.
What You’ll Need
Serves 8–10
For the Casserole:
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1 lb ground breakfast sausage (turkey sausage works great too)
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8 cups cubed bread (stale French bread, sourdough, or baguette work best)
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or any melty cheese you love)
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1 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, but so cheesy and good)
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10 large eggs
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3 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp garlic powder (optional, but recommended)
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¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
Toppings (Optional but fun):
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Chopped green onions
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Fresh parsley
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A dash of hot sauce
How to Make It
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Cook the Sausage
Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s cooked through, drain the excess grease and set it aside.
3. Assemble the Layers
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Spread half of the bread cubes in the baking dish.
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Add half of the sausage, then half the cheese.
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Repeat with the remaining bread, sausage, and cheese.
4. Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Pour the mixture evenly over the casserole. Press down gently with a spatula to help the bread soak up all that eggy goodness.
5. Bake
Pop it in the oven for 45–50 minutes, until golden brown on top and set in the middle. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
6. Cool & Serve
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Top with green onions, parsley, or a splash of hot sauce, and serve warm.
What Makes This Casserole So Good?
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Creamy, Custardy Texture: The egg and milk mixture turns into a soft, savory custard that holds everything together.
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Cheesy Deliciousness: That gooey cheddar and stretchy mozzarella—what’s not to love?
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Sausage for the Win: Salty, savory sausage adds the perfect punch of flavor.
Fun Variations to Try
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Go Veggie: Swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
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Make It Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free bread.
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Add Some Spice: Try jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
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Bulk It Up: Stir in roasted potatoes or hash browns.
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Switch the Cheese: Try Gruyère, feta, or pepper jack for something different.
Tips for Casserole Success
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Use Stale Bread: It holds up better and soaks in more flavor.
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Plan Ahead: Prep it the night before and refrigerate. Add 5–10 extra minutes of baking time if cold.
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Store Smart: Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
How to Serve It
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For Brunch Vibes: Pair it with fresh fruit, coffee, or a mimosa.
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For Fancy Feels: Garnish with microgreens or edible flowers.
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For a Full Spread: Add yogurt parfaits, muffins, or a fruit salad.
Final Thoughts
This Crack Breakfast Casserole is everything you want in a breakfast dish—rich, flavorful, easy to make, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want something satisfying for the week ahead, this recipe’s a keeper.
Tried it? Let us know how it turned out, or share your own twists and add-ins below!