Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Name: Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 2.5 cups seasoned croutons; 1 pound spicy pork sausage; 4 eggs; 2.25 cups milk; 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup; 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach - thawed, drained and squeezed dry; 1 (4.5 ounce) can mushrooms, drained and chopped; 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 0.25 teaspoon dry mustard; 2 sprigs fresh parsley, for garnish

Cook Time: 55 minutes

This hearty breakfast casserole is the perfect way to start your day. Packed with savory sausage, spinach, cheese, and a rich egg mixture, it is easy to prepare the night before and bake in the morning for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

2 cups seasoned croutons
1 pound spicy pork sausage
4 eggs
2 cups milk
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach - thawed, drained, and squeezed dry
1 (4.5 ounce) can mushrooms, drained and chopped
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
teaspoon dry mustard
2 sprigs fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325F (165C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread the croutons evenly across the bottom.

Step 2: In a medium skillet, crumble the sausage and cook over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sausage is browned and fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat and spread the cooked sausage over the croutons in the baking dish.

Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, thawed spinach, chopped mushrooms, both cheeses, and dry mustard. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 4: Pour the egg mixture over the sausage and croutons in the baking dish, ensuring its evenly distributed. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld together.

Step 5: The next morning, remove the casserole from the fridge and bake it in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the casserole is set and lightly browned on top.

Step 6: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley sprigs. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Each serving (1/10 of the casserole) contains:

Calories: 419
Total Fat: 32g (42% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 13g (67% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 132mg (44% Daily Value)
Sodium: 882mg (38% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 14g (5% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 2g (6% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 4g
Protein: 18g (36% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 10mg (11% Daily Value)
Calcium: 308mg (24% Daily Value)
Iron: 3mg (14% Daily Value)
Potassium: 405mg (9% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History and Origin
The breakfast casserole is a beloved American dish, often served at family gatherings, especially during the holidays. The "make-ahead" variation, like this recipe, became popular as people sought more convenient ways to prepare meals in advance. With roots in Midwestern and Southern U.S. kitchens, breakfast casseroles emerged as a hearty solution to feeding large groups, combining eggs, cheese, meats, and vegetables in one simple, baked dish. The make-ahead feature allows families to enjoy a delicious breakfast without the morning rush, perfect for celebrations like Christmas, Easter, or any busy weekend.

Regional Variations
This dish is highly versatile and can be adapted to suit regional tastes. In the South, for example, some may include ingredients like sausage gravy, while in the Northeast, seafood variations might appear. Many regions play with the types of cheese, the inclusion of fresh herbs, or the choice of meatsfrom bacon to chorizo. What remains consistent is the comforting, satisfying nature of the casserole. The casserole is also a great way to utilize leftovers or incorporate seasonal vegetables, making it a dish that evolves with the times.

How It's Different from Similar Dishes
While breakfast casseroles are common in many cultures, what sets the "make-ahead" breakfast casserole apart is its unique combination of convenience and flavors. Unlike quiches, which often require a crust and more delicate preparation, a breakfast casserole like this one uses hearty ingredients like croutons, sausage, and cheese, creating a filling dish that requires minimal hands-on time in the morning. Moreover, many breakfast casseroles feature frozen or pre-cooked elements, which makes them ideal for busy mornings when you need a meal that's ready in minutes.

Where It's Usually Served
The Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole is often seen at festive breakfast tables, brunches, or holiday mornings. It is especially popular during Christmas, New Year's, and Easter, when families gather for a larger-than-usual breakfast or brunch spread. Its ability to be prepared the night before makes it a perfect option for gatherings that start early, without the stress of cooking at the crack of dawn. The casserole is also a favorite at potlucks, brunches, and church breakfasts, where it can easily be doubled or halved depending on the number of guests.

Interesting Facts
Did you know the breakfast casserole became a favorite dish in the United States during the post-World War II era? As household appliances like refrigerators and stoves became more common, families started experimenting with baked dishes that could be made in advance. The casserole quickly grew in popularity due to its ease and ability to feed many people at once. Interestingly, its not just a dish for breakfastit can also serve as a dinner option, especially when served with a side salad or roasted vegetables. Another fun fact is that the use of croutons or bread in casseroles traces back to "strata," an Italian dish that also layers bread with cheese and eggs, showing a cross-cultural connection to this comforting breakfast treat.

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FAQ about Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Yes, this casserole is designed to be made ahead. You can prepare it the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it in the morning for a quick breakfast.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Yes, this casserole can be frozen. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.

Absolutely! You can adjust the ingredients based on your preferences. For example, you can substitute the sausage with turkey sausage or even a vegetarian sausage alternative. You can also use different types of cheese or add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.

No, it is not necessary to cover the casserole while baking. However, if you prefer a softer texture, you can cover it with foil for the first 30 minutes and then uncover it for the last 15-20 minutes to allow the top to brown.

Yes, you can use fresh spinach instead of frozen. Just sauté the fresh spinach in a little bit of oil until it wilts, and then drain any excess moisture before adding it to the casserole.

To add spice, you can use hot sausage instead of mild sausage, add diced jalapeños, or incorporate a bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the egg mixture.

Yes, you can make individual servings by using muffin tins or individual baking dishes. Just divide the mixture evenly and adjust the baking time, usually about 20-25 minutes depending on the size of the servings.

This casserole pairs well with a side of fruit, a light salad, or toast. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a hot sauce on the side for extra flavor.

If you need to make this casserole egg-free, you can use an egg substitute such as a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg). The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious.

Comments

Jerry Nelson

01/23/2023 07:46:43 AM

Substituted hashbrowns for croutons, swiss for monterrey jack, and skipped the mushrooms. Decreased milk to 1.5 cups. Included 1/2 lb of bacon, cooked and diced. Sautéed fresh spinach in the bacon fat. Absolutely amazing!