Description
French-inspired breakfast casserole combines rich eggs, creamy cheese, and savory ham in a comforting morning dish. Layers of delicate ingredients create a hearty meal perfect for weekend gatherings, ensuring breakfast bliss will delight guests with minimal morning effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pork sausage
- 6 large eggs
Dairy and Cheese:
- 4 cups (454 grams) freshly shredded Colby jack cheese or cheddar cheese
- 2 cups (473 milliliters) milk
Vegetables and Bread:
- 6–8 slices white bread, crust removed
- ¼ medium onion, chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped
- 4-ounce (113 grams) can of diced green chiles
Herbs and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dry mustard
Instructions
- Meticulously trim the crusts from bread slices, ensuring clean edges. Lightly coat a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeters) baking pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, thoroughly brown the sausage over medium heat, carefully breaking it into small, uniform crumbles. Drain excess grease completely and transfer to a separate plate.
- Using the same skillet, sauté the chopped bell peppers and onions for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly translucent. Gently fold in the diced green chiles, allowing the vegetables to develop a subtle caramelization.
- Create a foundational layer by evenly spreading the freshly grated cheese across the prepared bread base. Distribute the cooked sausage uniformly, followed by a strategic arrangement of sautéed vegetables.
- In a medium mixing bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs until they become light and frothy. Gradually incorporate milk and seasonings, including salt, oregano, black pepper, garlic powder, dry mustard, and paprika, ensuring a thorough and consistent blend.
- Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients, guaranteeing an even distribution that penetrates all layers of the casserole. Securely cover the dish and refrigerate for 6-8 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), positioning the rack in the center for optimal heat circulation.
- Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until the center sets completely and the edges turn a beautiful golden brown.
- After removing from the oven, allow the casserole to rest and stabilize for 10-15 minutes. This cooling period helps the ingredients settle and makes slicing more precise and clean.
Notes
- Flavor development starts with chilling the casserole overnight, allowing ingredients to meld and deepen their taste profile.
- Whisking eggs thoroughly creates a silky smooth custard base that ensures consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Spreading ingredients evenly guarantees each delightful bite delivers a perfect balance of sausage, cheese, bread, and vegetables.
- Browning sausage completely maximizes its rich, caramelized flavor and ensures proper cooking before baking.
- Fresh, hand-shredded cheese provides superior melting quality and a more vibrant taste compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 to 8
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 930 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg