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- 1 loaf of crusty bread, cut into 1-inch cubes - 8 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded - 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled - 1 bell pepper, diced - 1 small onion, finely chopped To make this dish, start with crusty bread. The cubes soak up the egg mixture well. Next, use large eggs for a fluffy texture. Whole milk adds creaminess and richness. Sharp cheddar cheese delivers a bold flavor that melts beautifully. Crumbled breakfast sausage gives the casserole a hearty feel. You can use turkey sausage for a lighter dish. Dice a bell pepper for color and sweetness. Finally, a small onion adds depth to each bite. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and black pepper, to taste Seasonings are key to enhancing flavors. Garlic powder adds a savory note. Paprika gives a subtle smokiness and color. Salt and black pepper bring all the flavors together. Don’t skip on these; they elevate the dish. - 2 green onions, sliced Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. They add color and a mild onion flavor. This step makes the dish look pretty and inviting. For serving, pair each slice with fresh fruit. This adds a bright and refreshing contrast to the rich casserole. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Take a 9x13-inch baking dish. Grease it with cooking spray or butter. 3. In a large bowl, crack 8 eggs. 4. Pour in 2 cups of whole milk. 5. Whisk them together. Make sure to mix until smooth. 6. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste. 7. Whisk again to combine everything well. 1. Spread 1 loaf of cubed bread evenly in the baking dish. 2. Carefully pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes. 3. Ensure that the mixture soaks the bread evenly. 4. Now, layer 1 cup of crumbled sausage over the bread. 5. Add 1 diced bell pepper and 1 small chopped onion on top. 6. Finish by sprinkling 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over everything. 1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. This helps keep it moist. 2. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. 3. After 30 minutes, remove the foil. 4. Return the dish to the oven. Bake for another 15-20 minutes. 5. Look for bubbly and golden cheese. 6. To check if it’s done, insert a knife in the center. It should come out clean. 7. Once baked, let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps it set. 8. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving. Cut into squares and serve warm. To make your Crack Breakfast Casserole perfect, ensure even egg distribution. After whisking the eggs and milk, pour the mixture slowly over the bread. This helps the bread soak up the flavors well. You can also use a spatula to gently press the bread down. This way, every piece gets coated. If you want to try alternative cooking methods, consider a slow cooker. Just layer your ingredients as usual, and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This method is great for busy mornings. Pair your casserole with fresh fruit. Berries or sliced oranges add a bright note. The sweet and tangy flavors contrast well with the savory casserole. For presentation, serve each slice on individual plates. Sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top for extra flavor. Adding a few green onion slices as garnish makes it look inviting and fresh. Common issues can happen when making casseroles. One problem is soggy bread. To avoid this, use crusty bread. Let it sit out for a few hours to dry out. If your casserole comes out too dry, you can add a splash of milk before serving. This will help moisten it up. Another option is to cover it with foil during baking. This keeps moisture in while cooking. Pro Tips Use Stale Bread: For the best texture, use bread that is a day or two old. Stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better without becoming too soggy. Mix and Match Ingredients: Feel free to customize the casserole with your favorite ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or different types of cheese. Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast! Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking. This helps it firm up, making it easier to cut and serve. {{image_4}} You can make your casserole lighter by using turkey sausage instead of regular sausage. This change cuts down on fat and calories. Another option is to use low-fat milk. This will keep it creamy without the added fat. For a meatless version, try using plant-based sausage. It tastes great and keeps the dish hearty. Adding different veggies can really boost the flavor. Spinach or mushrooms are great choices. They add a nice texture and depth. You can also mix in different cheese. Try using pepper jack for spice or mozzarella for a milder taste. These small changes can make your casserole unique. You can change your casserole with the seasons. In fall, add pumpkin and warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. This gives a cozy vibe. In summer, include fresh zucchini and juicy tomatoes. This keeps it light and fresh. Adapting your dish to the season keeps it fun and exciting. To keep your Crack Breakfast Casserole fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Use airtight containers to prevent air from making it dry. Cut the casserole into squares before storing. This makes it easy to grab a piece later. It will last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. You can reheat the casserole using two methods: the microwave or the oven. For the microwave, place a square on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it in short bursts of 30 seconds. Check to see if it's warm enough. If you use the oven, preheat it to 350°F. Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. This helps keep the texture soft and tasty. If you want to freeze the casserole, let it cool completely first. Cut it into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. When you're ready to eat, take out a square and thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it using the oven or microwave as mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy a warm breakfast whenever you like. Crack Breakfast Casserole lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. For the best taste, eat it within this time frame. The flavors stay fresh, and it remains tasty! Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time! Prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just cover it with foil after assembling. In the morning, bake it straight from the fridge. It saves time and makes breakfast easy! You can make this casserole gluten-free! Simply use gluten-free bread instead of regular bread. Check the labels to ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish without worry. Crack Breakfast Casserole pairs well with fresh fruit, like berries or sliced bananas. You can also serve it with a light salad or yogurt on the side. These sides add color and nutrition to your breakfast spread! In this blog post, I covered the ingredients, preparation, and baking steps for the Crack Breakfast Casserole. I shared tips for perfecting the dish, various ingredient options, and storage advice. This casserole is simple but delicious, making it a great choice for any meal. With a few easy steps, you can create a meal that friends and family will love. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and pairings to make it your own!

Crack Breakfast Casserole

A delicious and hearty breakfast casserole featuring bread, eggs, cheese, and sausage.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf crusty bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled
  • 1 each bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 2 each green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish by greasing it with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, crack in the eggs and pour in the whole milk. Whisk them together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Add the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, continuing to whisk until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
  • Evenly spread the cubed bread across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a solid layer.
  • Carefully pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring it seeps through to coat all the pieces evenly.
  • Layer the crumbled sausage, diced bell pepper, and chopped onion over the egg-soaked bread, distributing them generously across the dish.
  • Finish by topping the mixture with the shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring an even coverage to achieve a deliciously cheesy topping.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, which helps to retain moisture, and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes.
  • After the initial baking time, carefully remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This will help it set before slicing.
  • Just before serving, garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Cut into squares and serve warm.

Notes

For a lighter option, substitute the breakfast sausage with turkey sausage.
Keyword breakfast, casserole, cheese, eggs, sausage