Breakfast Casserole Recipes with Bread: A Delicious and Easy Start to Your Day
Are you looking for a delicious and easy breakfast recipe that will feed a crowd? Look no further than the breakfast casserole! This versatile dish is perfect for brunch, holiday gatherings, or a lazy weekend morning. And the best part? It uses bread as its base!
This post will explore several amazing breakfast casserole recipes using bread, offering tips and tricks to make them even better. Let's dive in!
Classic Bread Pudding Breakfast Casserole
This recipe is a simple and satisfying way to start your day. It's perfect for using up leftover bread and is easily customizable to your taste.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups cubed stale bread (challah, brioche, or even day-old sourdough work great!)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole milk is recommended for richness)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon or sausage
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Stir in cheese, bacon/sausage, onion, salt, and pepper.
- Add bread: Gently fold the cubed bread into the egg mixture, ensuring all pieces are coated. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Savory French Toast Casserole
This casserole offers a savory twist on the classic French toast, using bread as the foundation for a delicious breakfast experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of crusty bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or chives)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked sausage, crumbled (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Combine wet ingredients: Whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Combine bread and sausage: In a large bowl, combine bread cubes and crumbled sausage (if using). Pour the wet ingredients over the bread mixture, ensuring all pieces are coated. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the bread to soak.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Perfect Breakfast Casserole:
- Use stale bread: Stale bread absorbs the custard mixture better, resulting in a more evenly cooked casserole.
- Don't overcrowd the dish: Leave some space between the bread cubes to allow for even baking.
- Let it sit: Allowing the bread to sit in the custard mixture for at least 10-15 minutes helps it absorb the liquid and prevents it from being dry.
- Customize it: Get creative with your add-ins! Try adding different cheeses, vegetables, meats, or even fruits.
These recipes offer a versatile and delicious starting point for your breakfast casserole adventures. Remember to adapt them to your taste and enjoy the process of creating a wonderful breakfast experience for yourself and your loved ones! Happy cooking!
