Good morning! I love a hearty breakfast, especially when it’s something I can make ahead or put together with minimal fuss. Today, I’m sharing two fantastic breakfast casseroles that will make your morning meals easy and delicious.
Whether you like a timeless, comforting bake or a quick, simple breakfast casserole idea, I’ve got you covered. These recipes are perfect for feeding a crowd, brunch, or just getting a great start to your day.
Jump to Recipe:
Classic Ina Garten Breakfast Casserole
This breakfast casserole is a classic for good reason. It’s packed with flavor and perfect for a big weekend breakfast or holiday brunch.
Key Ingredients & Tips for your Breakfast Casserole
- Good Cheese: Use a block of good quality cheddar and grate it yourself. It melts better and tastes richer than pre-shredded cheese.
- Prep Ahead: You can put this whole casserole together the night before. Just cover it and keep it in the fridge, then bake in the morning.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake until the center is just set. Overbaking can make the eggs rubbery.
What You Need for this Breakfast Casserole
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, browned and drained
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 10 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 cups day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
⏱️ Time: 1 hour 15 mins🍽️ Yields: 8-10 servings
How to Make Ina Garten’s Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Cook Sausage & Veggies
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the cubed bread evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Scatter the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture over the bread. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 4: Make the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the milk, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the ingredients in the baking dish, making sure the bread soaks it up.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the middle and golden brown on top. If the top browns too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
📝 Final Note
This casserole stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
Easy Lazy Biscuits Breakfast Casserole
When you want a comforting breakfast without a lot of work, this “lazy biscuits” casserole is your friend. It comes together quickly, using canned biscuits for an extra fluffy, satisfying meal.
Key Ingredients & Tips for a Quick Breakfast Casserole
- Canned Biscuits: Use the “flaky layers” or “grands” style for best texture. Cut them into quarters for even distribution.
- Pre-Cooked Meat: Using pre-cooked sausage crumbles or diced ham makes this recipe even faster.
- Customizable: Feel free to add cooked veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Just make sure they’re not too watery.
What You Need for this Easy Casserole
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and drained (or pre-cooked crumbles)
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters
- 8 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
⏱️ Time: 45 minutes🍽️ Yields: 6-8 servings
How to Make the Lazy Biscuits Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Prep & Preheat
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. If your sausage isn’t already cooked, cook it now and drain the fat.
Step 2: Arrange Biscuits & Meat
Scatter the cooked breakfast sausage evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Open your canned biscuits and cut each biscuit into four pieces. Sprinkle these biscuit pieces over the sausage.
Step 3: Make Egg Mixture & Pour
In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with the milk, salt, and pepper until everything is well mixed. Pour this egg mixture over the biscuits and sausage in the baking dish. Gently press down on the biscuits to help them soak up the egg.
Step 4: Top & Bake
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through, and the eggs are set. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
📝 Final Note
For a little extra brightness, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions after baking is a nice touch.