If you want a breakfast that fills you up and warms your heart, try Paula Deen’s Breakfast Casserole! This tasty and hearty dish combines breakfast sausage, eggs, and cheese for a perfect morning meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet brunch, this casserole is quick to make and easy to customize. Get ready to bring a bit of Southern charm to your kitchen with this simple and satisfying recipe!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 pound breakfast sausage
– 5 large eggs
– 2 cups milk
Additional Ingredients
– 6 slices of day-old bread
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped green onions
– 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
Spices and Seasonings
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
In this delicious Paula Deen breakfast casserole, the main ingredients bring warmth and flavor. The breakfast sausage adds a savory touch, while the eggs and milk create a creamy base. The eggs bind everything together, making each bite rich and satisfying.
Next, we add day-old bread. This is key. It soaks up the egg mixture, keeping the casserole moist. Cheddar cheese melts into gooey goodness, adding a sharp taste. Green onions and bell peppers bring freshness and color, making the dish vibrant.
Now, let’s talk spices. Salt enhances all the flavors. Black pepper adds just a hint of heat. Garlic powder gives the dish that comforting aroma. When you combine these ingredients, you create a hearty, tasty breakfast that everyone will love.
For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section and start cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the casserole cook evenly.
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking.
3. In a large skillet, cook 1 pound of crumbled breakfast sausage over medium heat. It takes about 5-7 minutes to brown. Drain any extra fat and set it aside.
Mixing Steps
1. In a large bowl, whisk together 5 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Mix well until blended.
2. Add 6 slices of day-old bread, cubed, to the egg mixture. Stir gently so the bread soaks up the liquid. Let it rest for about 10 minutes.
3. Fold in the cooked sausage, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of chopped green onions, and 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers. Mix until everything is combined.
Baking Steps
1. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
2. Bake for 35-40 minutes. The casserole should be golden brown. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
You can find the Full Recipe for this hearty dish that will please everyone at your table.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
To prevent soggy bread in your casserole, use day-old bread. Fresh bread holds too much moisture. Day-old bread is drier, so it absorbs the egg mixture better. This helps it stay firm and tasty.
Serving Suggestions
For the best garnishes, add extra chopped green onions on top. They add color and crunch. You can also serve salsa or hot sauce alongside. These pair well with the rich flavors of the casserole.
Troubleshooting
If your casserole is undercooked, check your oven temperature. Ovens can vary a lot. If it needs more time, bake it longer. Cover it with foil to avoid burning the top.
If you have a different oven type, adjust your cooking time. Convection ovens cook faster, while older models may need more time. Always check for doneness by inserting a knife in the center. It should come out clean.
For a full recipe, refer to the detailed instructions above.
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can change the meats in this casserole. Swap breakfast sausage for ham or bacon. Each choice gives the dish a new taste. For a lighter option, try a vegetarian twist. Use ingredients like mushrooms or spinach. They add flavor and keep it healthy.
Flavor Enhancements
To give your casserole a kick, add spices. Paprika, cayenne, or even chili powder works well. These spices add warmth and depth. You can also experiment with cheese types. Try pepper jack for a spicy twist or feta for a tangy flavor. Mixing different cheeses can make each bite exciting.
Serving Style Variations
Serving this dish can be fun. You can create single-serve portions. Use a muffin tin to make breakfast casserole cups. These are great for kids or brunch parties. They bake quickly and are easy to grab. You can also serve the casserole in a big dish. Just slice and serve warm. For the full recipe, check out the details above.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Paula Deen breakfast casserole fresh, store it in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. This can help maintain the flavor. You can keep it for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating Tips
When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, you have a few options. You can reheat it in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20 minutes. This keeps the texture nice. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, checking often. This will warm it quickly but may change the texture a bit.
Meal Prep Ideas
You can prepare your casserole ahead of time. Mix all the ingredients, then cover and chill overnight. This saves time in the morning. You can also freeze the casserole before baking. Just make sure it’s wrapped well. If you freeze it after baking, let it cool first. This helps keep the taste fresh. For the best flavor, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Check the Full Recipe for more tips.
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare it up to the baking step. Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready, bake it as usual. This makes it easy for busy mornings!
What can I replace the sausage with?
You can use many options instead of sausage. Ground turkey, ham, or even bacon work well. For a vegetarian choice, try spinach or mushrooms. Each option will give a different taste and keep this dish exciting.
Recipe Specifics
Is there a gluten-free version?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of this dish. Use gluten-free bread instead of regular bread. Ensure the sausage you use is also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste without the gluten.
How can I make it dairy-free?
To make this casserole dairy-free, use plant-based milk. Almond milk or oat milk works great. Replace the cheddar cheese with dairy-free cheese. This keeps the dish creamy and delicious without any dairy.
Serving and Enjoying
What sides go well with this casserole?
This casserole pairs well with fresh fruit or a light salad. You can also serve it with salsa or hot sauce for extra flavor. These sides balance the richness of the casserole nicely.
How can I scale the recipe for larger gatherings?
To scale the recipe, simply double or triple the ingredients. Use a larger baking dish or multiple dishes to cook at once. Adjust the baking time if needed, checking for doneness with a knife. This way, you can feed a crowd with ease.
This blog post covered how to make a delicious breakfast casserole. You learned about key ingredients like sausage, eggs, and cheese. We went through easy steps for prep and baking. I shared tips to avoid soggy bread and ideas for serving. You also saw ways to adapt the recipe with different meats and flavors.
In the end, this casserole is a simple, tasty dish that fits any meal. Enjoy making it and sharing with others!
