New Years Breakfast Casserole Recipe

ByDave Simpson

Starting the New Year on a delicious note, I savor preparing a robust New Year’s Breakfast Casserole. This dish is ideal for dishing out to a throng of breakfast eaters with minimal morning exertion, letting you concentrate on relishing the company of friends and family.

The casserole’s base consists of 8 slices of bread, cubed, which offers an excellent foundation that soaks up all the wonderful flavor. I begin by preparing breakfast sausage, cooking 1 pound of it until it’s perfectly browned and crumbled.

This adds a savory depth, complemented by 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, which melt beautifully into the dish, creating a comforting bite. For a protein boost, I whisk together 10 large eggs with 2 cups of milk.

This creates a custardy mixture. To boost the flavor, I add a teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of black pepper, and equal parts garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (for subtle smokiness) that amount to 1 teaspoon per spice.

For a fresh, bright touch, sometimes I top the dish with a garnish of 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives. This casserole is no mere hodgepodge of eggs and bread; it’s filled with good-to-eat stuff and is nutritionally balanced: A mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that qualifies as breakfast.

Ingredients photo for New Years Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

Ingredients photo for New Years Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Bread (cubed):
Delivers carbohydrates, supplying energy and structure.

Breakfast Sausage:
Packed with protein and flavor, it adds savory deliciousness.

Cheddar Cheese:
Provides proteins, calcium, and a smooth, piquant taste.

Eggs:
A dish high in protein balances well with essential nutrients.

Milk:
Creaminess is provided, along with calcium and some protein.

Green Onions/Chives (optional):
Heighten the freshness and introduce a subtle onion taste.

Ingredient Quantities

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  • 8 slices of bread, cubed

  • 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • 10 large eggs

  • 2 cups milk

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika

  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly.

2. In the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spread the bread cubes evenly.

3. The cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage needs to be evenly distributed over the bread cubes.

4. Over the sausage and bread layer, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese.

5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients: eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Whisk until well combined.

6. Evenly distribute the egg mixture over the layers in the baking dish.

7. With a spatula, press the mixture down gently to ensure the bread soaks up the egg mixture.

8. The baking dish should be covered with foil and allowed to sit for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the bread to take in the egg mixture. For optimal results, refrigerate overnight.

9. Place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until set in the center and golden on top. During the last 10 minutes of baking, remove any covering used to keep moisture in to allow the top to crisp while baking.

10. When finished baking, take the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. If you wish, you can top it with chopped green onions or chives to give it a fresh look right before you serve it. Then enjoy! And remember, this is an any-time-of-the-year casserole.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9×13 inch baking dish
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Large mixing bowl
6. Whisk
7. Spatula
8. Aluminum foil

FAQ

  • Can I prepare the casserole the night before?Indeed, it is possible to put the casserole together and chill it overnight. All one must do is cover it and pop it into the oven the next morning.

  • Can I substitute the breakfast sausage with another protein?Certainly! Cooked bacon, ham, or a plant-based sausage can be used in place of the alternative.

  • What type of bread works best for this casserole?Bread that is stale or a day old works best in this casserole, but you can use any bread you have on hand.

  • How do I store leftovers?Refrigerate any remaining casserole in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.

  • Can I add vegetables to the casserole?Absolutely! You can add sautéed vegetables—like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach—for additional flavor and nutrition.

  • Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?Use gluten-free bread in place of regular bread, and you can make this dish gluten-free.

  • What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?Any variety of cheese you enjoy may be substituted, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss.

Substitutions and Variations

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread instead of regular bread.
Use cooked bacon or ham instead of breakfast sausage for a flavor variation.
Substitute a cheese alternative that is free of dairy to create a dairy-free casserole.
Substitute regular milk with almond milk or oat milk for a lactose-free version.
Substitute mozzarella or pepper jack for cheddar cheese to obtain a different cheese variety.