Introduction
The festive season is a wonderful time for family gatherings and sharing delicious meals. A standout dish that can elevate any holiday brunch is the Cheerful Holiday Breakfast Casserole. This delightful recipe combines hearty ingredients layered together and baked to perfection, making it a perfect centerpiece for your morning table. The combination of crusty bread soaked in a creamy egg mixture, enriched with breakfast sausage and colorful vegetables, creates a comforting and satisfying dish that everyone will adore.
This casserole is not only easy to prepare but can also be made ahead of time, allowing flavors to meld beautifully in the refrigerator. It’s simple to serve, and whether it graces your holiday breakfast table or a weekend brunch, it will undoubtedly become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it with fresh fruit or a light salad for a beautiful balance to the richness of this dish.
Recipe Overview
– Total Time: 1 hour
– Prep Time: 20 minutes
– Yield/Servings: 8-10 servings
– Difficulty: Not specified in the recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 loaf of hearty crusty bread, cut into cubes (approximately 8 cups)
– 1 pound of breakfast sausage, crumbled and browned
– 1 cup of diced bell peppers (a mix of red and green for visual appeal)
– 1 cup of diced onion
– 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 8 large eggs
– 2 cups of whole milk
Seasonings and Garnish
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of onion powder
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 13×9 inch baking dish by greasing it with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet set over medium heat, cook the crumbled breakfast sausage until it is browned and fully cooked through. Once done, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
3. Using the same skillet, add the diced bell peppers and onion. Sauté them until they are tender and aromatic, which should take about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let them cool.
4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
5. Layer half of the cubed bread at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Evenly distribute half of the cooked sausage, the sautéed vegetables, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese over this layer.
6. Repeat the layering process with the remaining cubed bread, sausage, vegetables, and cheddar cheese, ensuring even distribution.
7. Gently pour the egg mixture over the entire layered casserole, making sure that all the bread cubes are soaked through.
8. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the egg mixture.
9. When you are ready to bake, take the casserole out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Bake it covered with foil for 30 minutes.
10. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the eggs are set in the center.
11. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into squares. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness before serving.
Preparation Steps
Preheating the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for the casserole to bake evenly. A well-preheated oven ensures that the casserole cooks through and the top achieves that desired golden-brown finish.
Preparing the Baking Dish
Grease a 13×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter. This prevents sticking and makes serving easier. For optimal results, ensure that the dish is evenly coated to facilitate easy removal of the casserole afterwards.
Cooking the Sausage
In a large skillet set over medium heat, cook the crumbled breakfast sausage. It is important to ensure that the sausage is browned and cooked through completely, as this will impart great flavor to the casserole. After reaching a rich brown color, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly, which will also prevent cooking any other ingredients prematurely.
Sautéing the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, add diced bell peppers and onion. Sauté until they are tender and aromatic, about 5 minutes, and then remove from heat and let cool. This process not only enhances the flavors but also ensures that the vegetables are soft enough to meld beautifully in the casserole.
Mixing the Egg Base
Creating the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together large eggs, whole milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This egg base is essential as it will bind all the ingredients together, giving the casserole its deliciously creamy texture.
Layering the Casserole
First Layer of Ingredients
Start layering by placing half of the cubed bread at the bottom of your greased baking dish. This forms a sturdy base for the casserole. Evenly distribute half of the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top, ensuring that the mixture is well distributed to promote even cooking and flavor in every bite.
Second Layer of Ingredients
Next, repeat the layering process with the remaining cubed bread, sausage, vegetables, and cheddar cheese, ensuring even distribution. Each layer adds depth and variety to the casserole, culminating in a robust breakfast dish that showcases a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
With this detailed method of preparation, you are well on your way to creating a hearty Cheerful Holiday Breakfast Casserole that your family and friends will love. Enjoy this comforting dish at your next gathering, or simply as a treat to yourself!
Incorporating the Egg Mixture
Soaking the Bread
Once the layers of bread, sausage, vegetables, and cheese are arranged in your baking dish, it’s time to ensure that everything is infused with flavor. Gently pour the prepared egg mixture evenly over the entire layered casserole. A crucial step is to ensure that all bread cubes are soaked through; this will allow the egg mixture to permeate every layer, leading to a rich and cohesive flavor throughout the finished dish. Patting down any bread pieces that seem to float up can help them soak adequately.
Resting Period
After the egg mixture is poured, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This step is essential, as it retains moisture and prevents the top from crusting prematurely. Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes; however, if you have the time, letting it sit overnight is even better. This longer resting period affords the bread enough time to absorb not just the flavors but also to soften into a creamy texture, resulting in a casserole that is both fluffy and rich.
Baking the Casserole
Preparing for Baking
Before baking, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and allow it to acclimate to room temperature for about 10 minutes. This step helps avoid shocking the dish with extreme temperature changes, which can cause uneven cooking.
Baking Covered
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) ahead of time. When ready, transfer the casserole to the oven, covered with foil for the first part of baking. This initial 30 minutes under foil ensures that the casserole cooks evenly and retains the moisture within. The steam generated under the foil also contributes to a fluffy texture without risking that dry, rubbery outcome that sometimes happens with baked egg dishes.
Finishing Touches
After 30 minutes, remove the foil carefully to allow for browning and to help the top of the casserole develop a nice golden crust. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, keeping a close eye on the casserole. The goal here is to achieve a beautifully golden brown top while ensuring the center is cooked through. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife or skewer into the center; it should come out clean if the eggs are fully set.
Garnishing the Casserole
Cooling Before Serving
Once the casserole is baked to perfection, it is important to let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the casserole hold together better when cut into squares, allowing for a more appealing presentation and a neater serving.
Garnishing
To elevate the visual appeal of your casserole, garnish it generously with finely chopped fresh parsley. The vibrant green not only adds color but also a touch of freshness to the rich flavors of the dish, creating a more dynamic presentation that is suitable for holiday gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Presenting the Casserole
For a festive touch, serve your casserole on a decorative platter. The warm colors and layers are sure to catch the eye, making it a centerpiece of your holiday brunch. Adding a simple garnish of fresh herbs can enhance its presentation further.
Complementary Sides
While the casserole is rich on its own, balancing it with side dishes creates a well-rounded meal. A light salad, perhaps with a vinaigrette, can serve as a refreshing counterbalance to the savory richness of the casserole. Alternatively, a colorful assortment of fresh fruits can also lighten the meal and provide a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
Storing Leftovers
Refrigeration Tips
If you have any leftovers after your holiday breakfast, storing them correctly ensures they remain delicious. Transfer any uneaten portions into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the casserole can stay fresh for up to three days.
Reheating Your Casserole
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, you have a couple of options for reheating. For a quick and convenient method, microwave individual portions until heated thoroughly. Alternatively, if you prefer to reheat the entire casserole, place it back in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Covering it with foil while reheating can help retain moisture and keep the casserole from drying out.
Nutritional Benefits
Wholesome Ingredients
The Cheerful Holiday Breakfast Casserole is not just a delightful dish but also nutritionally balanced. Packed with protein from the eggs and sausage, the inclusion of diced bell peppers and onions adds vital nutrients and vitamins. The hearty crusty bread serves as a source of carbohydrates, providing energy to start the day off right.
Customization Options
This recipe is versatile, offering ample opportunities for customization based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions. Consider using different types of cheese for varying flavors, or incorporating other vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms. Alternative meats, like turkey sausage or even plant-based options, can adapt the recipe for those seeking a different protein source while preserving its richness.
Conclusion
The Cheerful Holiday Breakfast Casserole is a delightful blend of festive flavors and textures that make it an ideal centerpiece for special breakfast occasions. Rich with sausage and cheese, complemented by the freshness of bell peppers, it provides a hearty meal that can warm up any winter gathering. Allowing for flavor absorption through an overnight rest leads to a satisfying texture, ensuring that every bite is as delicious as the last.
Cheerful Holiday Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 loaf hearty crusty bread cut into cubes
- 1 pound breakfast sausage crumbled and browned
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- to taste salt
- to taste freshly ground black pepper
- for garnish fresh parsley finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13x9 inch baking dish.
- Cook the crumbled breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned, then remove from heat.
- Sauté the diced bell peppers and onion in the same skillet until tender, about 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Layer half of the cubed bread in the baking dish, followed by half of the sausage, sautéed vegetables, and cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layering with the remaining ingredients.
- Pour the egg mixture over the casserole, ensuring all bread cubes are soaked.
- Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and garnish with parsley.