Easter Breakfast Casserole
An Easter breakfast casserole is a fantastic way to celebrate the holiday with family and friends. With simple ingredients, a little prep time, and some time in the oven, you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal everyone will love. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with new ingredients, this casserole is sure to become a beloved tradition for years to come.
Ingredients
- Eggs: 8 large eggs
- Bread: 6 cups cubed day-old bread French bread or challah is ideal
- Cheese: 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Breakfast Meat: 1 ½ cups cooked bacon or sausage crumbled
- Milk or Cream: 2 cups whole milk or heavy cream
- Seasonings: ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Optional: ½ teaspoon mustard powder for added flavor
- Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor
- Vegetables: 1 cup chopped spinach ½ cup diced bell peppers, ½ cup chopped onions
- Fresh Herbs: 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or chives
- Spices: ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients
- Cook the Breakfast Meat
- Begin by cooking your choice of breakfast meat in a pan. Whether you go for bacon, sausage, or ham, make sure the bacon gets crispy for added texture. Once cooked, crumble or chop the meat into small pieces and set it aside.
- Prepare the Bread
- Cut your bread into cubes. If you're using fresh bread, lightly toast the cubes to help them hold their shape during baking. This step is crucial to ensure the casserole doesn’t turn out soggy.
- Chop the Vegetables
- If you’re adding vegetables to your casserole, now is the time to chop them. Sauté the vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach, in olive oil until they are soft and fragrant.
- Grate the Cheese
- Grating your cheese fresh will help it melt more smoothly. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but fresh cheese always yields the best results.
- Assembling the Casserole
- Preheat the Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Egg Base
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and any spices you're using, such as mustard powder or paprika. Mix gently to avoid overbeating.
- Add the Bread and Other Ingredients
- Add the cubed bread to the egg mixture, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated. Stir in the cooked meat, sautéed vegetables, and shredded cheese. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
- Transfer to the Baking Dish
- Pour the casserole mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, ensuring there are no gaps and the mixture is well-distributed.
- Baking the Casserole
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole has set. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.