Quick Description
This Incredible Breakfast Bake is a comforting, savory casserole made with fluffy eggs, hearty sausage or bacon, and perfectly soaked bread cubes. It’s rich, satisfying, and ideal for feeding a family or prepping ahead for busy mornings. Perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or a cozy weekend breakfast.
Servings & Timing
Serves: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Ingredients List
- 8 large eggs
- 1 lb breakfast sausage or bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 4 cups bread cubes (day-old French bread or sourdough)
- 1½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby-Jack, or mozzarella)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Optional add-ins: diced bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. -
Cook the Meat
Cook sausage or bacon in a skillet until fully done. Drain excess grease and set aside. -
Assemble the Base
Spread bread cubes evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle cooked sausage or bacon over the bread. -
Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined. -
Pour & Top
Pour egg mixture evenly over the bread and meat. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. -
Bake
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. -
Rest & Serve
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition (per serving – approximate)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 24g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
Benefits
- High-Protein: Eggs and sausage provide lasting energy
- Family-Friendly: Feeds a crowd easily
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Great for meal prep or holidays
- Customizable: Endless add-in options
Additional Notes
- Day-old bread absorbs the egg mixture better than fresh bread.
- If browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the final 10 minutes.
- For extra creaminess, replace ½ cup milk with heavy cream.
Dietary Info
- Vegetarian Option: ✔️ (omit meat, add veggies)
- Gluten-Free Option: ❌ (use gluten-free bread)
- Keto-Friendly: ❌ (omit bread for low-carb version)
Brief Introduction
This breakfast bake is one of those “set it and forget it” recipes that never fails. It’s warm, filling, and comforting — the kind of breakfast that keeps everyone full and happy well into the day.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Prep Ingredients: Cook meat and cube bread
- Layer: Bread → Meat → Egg mixture → Cheese
- Bake: Until golden and set
- Rest: Helps slices hold together
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Eggs: Create structure and richness
- Sausage or Bacon: Adds savory depth (turkey sausage works great)
- Bread Cubes: French or sourdough absorb best
- Cheese: Use what you love — cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
Variations:
- Add diced green chilies for spice
- Use croissants instead of bread for extra richness
- Swap sausage for ham
Serve With:
- Fresh fruit
- Hash browns
- Simple green salad
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container
- Freeze: Up to 2 months (wrap tightly)
- Reheat: Oven or microwave until warmed through
FAQs
Can I prepare this the night before?
Yes! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning.
Why is my bake soggy?
Too much liquid or very fresh bread. Use day-old bread for best results.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely — just sauté watery veggies first.
Optional Personal Story
This is my go-to recipe whenever I need a stress-free breakfast that still feels special. It’s saved me on holidays, busy school mornings, and brunch get-togethers more times than I can count.
