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A hot and delicious cheesy breakfast casserole, freshly baked and golden brown.

Ultimate Cheesy Breakfast Casserole

This ultimate cheesy breakfast casserole is a savory and satisfying dish perfect for a crowd. Featuring day-old bread, your choice of breakfast meat, eggs, milk, and plenty of cheese, it's a delicious and easy make-ahead option.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Large Skillet
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Large Bowl
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 8-10 slices day-old bread (sourdough, brioche, or challah), cubed
  • 1 pound breakfast sausage, bacon, or diced ham
  • 10 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, Colby Jack, or a blend
  • 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 small bell pepper (any color), finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Fresh parsley for garnish optional

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Tear or cut bread into 1-inch cubes and air dry on a baking sheet for 30 minutes, or toast lightly in a 250°F (120°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.
  • In a large skillet, cook your chosen breakfast meat until browned and cooked through, then drain excess grease and set aside.
  • Add butter to the same skillet, then cook the diced onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Assembly

  • Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish; spread half of the bread cubes, cooked meat, and sautéed vegetables, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
  • Repeat the layers with the remaining bread, meat, and vegetables.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until well combined.
  • Slowly pour the egg mixture over the ingredients in the baking dish, gently pressing down on the bread cubes to ensure they are submerged.

Chill and Bake

  • Cover the baking dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), remove the casserole from the refrigerator, and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
  • Remove plastic wrap and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top.
  • Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set, golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving; garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, prepare the casserole the night before and let it chill overnight to allow the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture. This makes for a more flavorful and cohesive casserole. Feel free to customize with your favorite cheese blends or vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.