Best Damn Breakfast Casserole

A warm, filling dish that feeds a crowd and fits busy mornings.

introduction

This Best Damn Breakfast Casserole is easy, savory, and made with simple ingredients. It bakes up creamy and golden and holds well for a large group. If you want another easy breakfast idea to serve with it, try the breakfast burritos recipe for variety.

why make this recipe

This recipe feeds many people with little work.
You can prep it ahead and bake it in the morning.
It mixes vegetables, meat, bread, eggs, and cheese for a full breakfast in one dish.
Leftovers reheat well, so you get more meals from one bake.

how to make Best Damn Breakfast Casserole

Preheat the oven and whisk the eggs and half-and-half until smooth.
Sauté the onion, pepper, mushrooms, bacon, and sausage until soft and hot. Add the spinach and cook until wilted.
Layer the cubed bread in a greased 9×13 dish, spread the cooked mix on top, and pour the egg mixture over. Press the bread down so it soaks up the eggs.
Bake until the center is set and the top is light golden. Let it rest before slicing so the pieces hold together.
If you want another crowd-pleasing breakfast option, serve a few pieces alongside the breakfast burritos recipe.

Ingredients :

• 4 oz baby spinach
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced
• 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 12 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 6 slices turkey bacon, chopped
• 6 chicken sausage links, sliced
• 3 cups bread, cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions :

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
2. Whisk eggs until smooth. Add half-and-half and whisk for about 2 minutes. Stir in black pepper and shredded cheese. Set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
4. Add red bell pepper, mushrooms, turkey bacon, and chicken sausage. Cook another 3–4 minutes until heated through.
5. Add spinach and cook until fully wilted. Remove from heat.
6. Spread cubed bread evenly in the casserole dish. Top with the vegetable and meat mixture. Then pour the egg mixture evenly over the top, pressing the bread down slightly.
7. Bake uncovered for 65–70 minutes, or until the center is set and lightly golden.
8. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

how to serve Best Damn Breakfast Casserole

Cut the casserole into squares and serve warm.
Add fresh fruit, hot sauce, or a green salad on the side.
You can offer syrup or jam on the table for people who like sweet with savory.
This casserole also pairs well with coffee or orange juice.

how to store Best Damn Breakfast Casserole

Cool the leftovers to room temperature for no more than two hours.
Cover and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole dish tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave until hot.

tips to make Best Damn Breakfast Casserole

• Use day-old bread so it soaks up the eggs better.
• Chop vegetables small so they cook evenly.
• Don’t overload the pan with wet ingredients; press the bread down to help it absorb.
• Let it rest after baking so slices hold their shape.
• Swap turkey bacon for regular bacon if you want more fat and flavor.

variation (if any)

• Make it vegetarian: skip the bacon and sausage, add extra mushrooms or roasted veggies.
• Change the cheese: swap cheddar for pepper jack, Swiss, or mozzarella.
• Add herbs: mix in chopped chives or parsley for fresh flavor.
• Make it spicy: add diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne to the egg mix.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this the night before?
A: Yes. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning but add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it is very cold.

Q: Can I use milk instead of half-and-half?
A: Yes. Use whole milk for a creamy result, but half-and-half makes it richer.

Q: How do I know when it is done baking?
A: The center should be set and not jiggly. The top will be lightly golden. A knife in the center should come out mostly clean.

Q: Can I use different bread?
A: Yes. Use French bread, sourdough, or sandwich bread. Dense bread soaks the egg best.

Ellie

Best Damn Breakfast Casserole

This savory casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal effort, combining eggs, meat, cheese, and veggies in a delightful baked dish.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 12 large eggs
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 3 cups bread, cubed Day-old bread works best.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Can substitute with other cheeses.
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced Chop small for even cooking.
• 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced Add more for vegetarian option.
• 4 oz baby spinach Fresh or frozen, cooked until wilted.
• 6 slices turkey bacon, chopped Regular bacon can be substituted.
• 6 links chicken sausage, sliced Can omit for vegetarian version.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing the vegetables.
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
2. Whisk eggs until smooth. Add half-and-half and whisk for about 2 minutes. Stir in black pepper and shredded cheese. Set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
4. Add red bell pepper, mushrooms, turkey bacon, and chicken sausage. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until heated through.
5. Add spinach and cook until fully wilted. Remove from heat.
6. Spread cubed bread evenly in the casserole dish. Top with the vegetable and meat mixture. Then pour the egg mixture evenly over the top, pressing the bread down slightly.

Baking

1. Bake uncovered for 65–70 minutes, or until the center is set and lightly golden.
2. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Serve warm with fresh fruit, hot sauce, or a green salad. Leftovers can be reheated, and they store well in the refrigerator.