Description

Wake Up Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that combines eggs, bread or hashbrowns, cheese, sautéed veggies, and breakfast meats into a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for busy mornings, lazy weekends, or brunch gatherings. This versatile casserole offers balanced nutrition with proteins, carbs, and veggies and can be adapted for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

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Egg Mixture

6 large eggs
1 cup milk or cream
Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and herbs to taste

Base

4 cups bread cubes (day-old bread) or 4 cups hashbrowns

Cheese

1 to 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend)

Vegetables

1 to 2 cups sautéed vegetables (such as bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach)

Breakfast Meats

1 to 1 ½ cups cooked breakfast meats (bacon, sausage, or ham; optional for vegetarian version)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients – Begin by cooking any breakfast meats and sautéing vegetables until tender. Beat the eggs with milk, seasoning well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and herbs to ensure every bite is flavorful.
Step 2: Layer the Base – Grease your baking dish, then evenly layer your bread cubes or hashbrowns. This will form the sturdy, comforting base to soak up all the egg mixture.
Step 3: Add Meats and Veggies – Sprinkle cooked meats and sautéed vegetables evenly over the bread or hashbrown base, distributing the flavors throughout the casserole.
Step 4: Pour the Egg Mixture – Pour the well-seasoned egg and milk mixture over the layers, making sure it seeps through to coat every ingredient evenly.
Step 5: Top with Cheese – Finish with a generous layer of cheese to add a golden, melty crust once baked, enhancing both flavor and texture.
Step 6: Bake Until Set – Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes or until the casserole is puffed, golden on top, and fully set in the center.

Notes

Prep the night before: Assemble all ingredients, cover, and refrigerate to save time in the morning.
Use day-old bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs eggs better without becoming soggy.
Check for doneness: Insert a knife in the center; it should come out clean when the casserole is ready.
Don’t overfill: Leave some space in the dish to allow the eggs to expand while baking.
Mix textures: Combining soft eggs, crispy edges, and melted cheese makes every bite exciting.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 250mg