This Kraft recipe for breakfast casseroles was passed down to me by my grandmother, who loved making them for our big family gatherings. It’s always a hit, and I’m excited to share it with you. The aroma of this dish brings back so many fond memories of family breakfasts. I hope it becomes a favourite in your household too! đ
What You’ll Need
Essential Kitchen Tools
To make this delicious breakfast casserole, youâll need the following tools:
- Baking dish: A 9×13-inch dish works perfectly.
- Mixing bowls: Different sizes for various ingredients.
- Whisk: For beating the eggs thoroughly.
Having the appropriate kitchenware can significantly impact your cooking experience. A sturdy baking dish ensures even cooking, while a good whisk helps blend the eggs smoothly. For more tips on essential kitchen tools, check out this Quicklly Recipes’ kitchen tools article.
Baking Dish
The baking dish is the heart of your casserole. A 9×13-inch dish is the perfect size to ensure your casserole cooks evenly and feeds a crowd. A good-quality baking dish will distribute heat evenly, preventing any hot spots that might cause parts of your casserole to overcook or undercook.
Mixing Bowls
Mixing bowls are essential for combining your ingredients. Using bowls of different sizes can help you organise your preparation process. A larger bowl is ideal for whisking the eggs and mixing all the ingredients, while smaller bowls can be used for preparing add-ins like diced vegetables.
Whisk
A whisk is crucial for beating the eggs thoroughly, ensuring a smooth and fluffy texture for your casserole. It helps to incorporate air into the eggs, which can make the final dish lighter. A sturdy whisk can also blend other ingredients, like cheese and spices, evenly into the egg mixture.
Ingredients Breakdown
Hereâs a detailed look at what youâll need to make this casserole:
Main Ingredients
- Eggs đ„: 10 large eggs
- Cheese đ§: 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Sausage đ: 1 pound breakfast sausage
Eggs are the foundation of this casserole, providing a rich source of protein. Cheese adds a creamy, savoury flavour, while sausage brings a hearty, satisfying element to the dish. These ingredients come together to create a filling and flavorful breakfast option thatâs sure to please everyone at the table.
Optional Add-ins for Flavour
- Bell peppers đ«: 1 cup, diced
- Onions đ§ : 1 cup, diced
- Spinach đż: 2 cups, chopped
These optional add-ins add a burst of flavour and extra nutrition to the dish. Bell peppers provide a sweet crunch, onions add a sharp bite, and spinach brings a fresh, leafy taste. Please feel free to mix and match based on your preferences!
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers add a sweet and colourful crunch to your casserole. You can use red, green, or yellow peppers, depending on your preference. They are rich in vitamins A and C, making them a nutritious addition to your meal.
Onions
Onions bring a depth of flavour to the casserole. When diced and cooked, they offer a subtle sweetness and enhance the overall taste of the dish. Onions are also a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese.
Spinach
Spinach is a fantastic way to incorporate some greens into your breakfast. Itâs packed with vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and vitamin K. Adding spinach to your casserole not only boosts its nutritional value but also adds a nice texture and flavour.
Instructions đ
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). đ„ This ensures the casserole cooks evenly.
- Cook the sausage in a skillet until browned. đł Crumble the sausage as it cooks for even distribution.
Preheating the oven is a crucial step to ensuring your casserole bakes evenly. Cooking the sausage beforehand helps to remove excess fat and brings out its flavours, making the casserole even more delicious.
Preheating the Oven
Preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) ensures that your casserole will cook evenly from the moment it goes in. An even temperature throughout the baking process is key to achieving a perfect texture and ensuring all ingredients are properly cooked.
Cooking the Sausage
Cooking the sausage until itâs browned brings out its flavours and ensures that itâs cooked through before being added to the casserole. Crumbling the sausage as it cooks allows it to be evenly distributed throughout the dish, giving each bite a bit of savoury goodness.
Baking Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a baking dish. đ„ Beat the eggs in a mixing bowl, then stir in the cheese, sausage, and any optional add-ins. Pour this mixture into the baking dish.
- Bake for 25â30 minutes until golden brown. âČïž The casserole is done when a knife inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Mixing all the ingredients together and ensuring they are well-combined will give your casserole a uniform taste and texture. Baking until golden brown not only ensures the dish is cooked through but also adds a beautiful colour and slight crispness on top.
Combining Ingredients
When combining all the ingredients, make sure the eggs are beaten well to incorporate some air, which helps in making the casserole light and fluffy. Mixing in the cheese and sausage thoroughly ensures that every bite is flavorful.
Baking to Perfection
Baking the casserole for 25â30 minutes will yield a golden-brown top and a fully cooked interior. Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the centre; it should come out clean if the casserole is ready. This step ensures that the texture is just rightâfirm yet tender.
Nutrition Score đ
Caloric Content
This casserole is approximately 300 calories per serving, making it a hearty option that will keep you full until lunchtime. The balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates makes it a well-rounded meal.
Vitamins and Minerals
- Protein: The eggs and sausage provide a good amount of protein.
- Calcium: Cheese adds a healthy dose of calcium.
Eggs are a fantastic source of high-quality protein and essential vitamins like B12 and D. Sausage, while rich in protein, also adds some iron and vitamin B6. Cheese not only makes the casserole creamy but also boosts calcium intake, which is important for bone health. For a more detailed look at the nutritional benefits, visit this nutrition guide.
Protein Power
The combination of eggs and sausage packs a protein punch, making this casserole an excellent choice for starting your day with sustained energy. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, as well as overall body maintenance.
Calcium Boost
Cheese is not just a delicious addition; it also provides a significant amount of calcium, which is crucial for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Including cheese in your breakfast helps ensure youâre getting this important mineral early in the day.
Serving & Storage đœïž
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the casserole with a side of fresh fruit, such as strawberries or melon. đ
- It also pairs well with a simple green salad for a more balanced meal.
Fresh fruit adds a sweet, refreshing contrast to the savoury casserole, while a green salad can provide a light, crisp side that complements the richness of the dish. This combination makes for a balanced and nutritious breakfast.
Fresh Fruit Side
Pairing the casserole with fresh fruit like strawberries, melon, or berries not only adds a touch of natural sweetness but also provides additional vitamins and antioxidants. This makes your breakfast more colourful and nutritious.
Green Salad Pairing
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the hearty casserole. The crispness of the greens and the tanginess of the dressing balance the rich flavours of the dish, creating a well-rounded meal.
Storage Tips
- Place each serving back in the microwave for one to two minutes to reheat.Â
- Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container.
Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and flavour of your casserole. Airtight containers prevent it from drying out, while reheating in the microwave ensures a quick and easy breakfast for the next few days. For more tips on food storage, check out this Quicklly Recipes’ food storage article.
Airtight Storage
Using airtight containers to store leftovers helps preserve the flavours and prevents the casserole from becoming dry. Make sure to cool the casserole completely before storing to avoid condensation, which can make it soggy.
Reheating Instructions
When reheating, make sure to cover the casserole loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to retain moisture. This ensures that the casserole heats evenly and remains delicious. Reheating for 1-2 minutes should be sufficient, depending on your microwaveâs power.
Variations đ
Vegetarian Options
Substitute Sausage with Mushrooms
For a vegetarian twist on this classic breakfast casserole, substitute the sausage with mushrooms. đ Mushrooms provide a meaty texture that can easily replace sausage, making this dish suitable for vegetarians. SautĂ© the mushrooms with a little garlic and olive oil to bring out their flavours. The mushrooms will add a rich, earthy taste to the casserole, making it just as satisfying as the original.
Pro Tip: Use a variety of mushrooms, such as button, cremini, or shiitake, to add depth and complexity to the dish. You can even mix them together for a unique blend of flavours.
Add More Vegetables
In addition to mushrooms, consider adding more vegetables to boost the nutritional value and flavour of your casserole. Diced tomatoes, zucchini, and broccoli are great options. These vegetables not only add vibrant colours to your dish but also provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Example Combination: Combine spinach, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for a colourful and nutritious vegetarian casserole. This combination offers a variety of textures and flavours that will keep your taste buds excited with every bite.
Gluten-Free Alternatives
Use Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs
For those with gluten sensitivities, you can easily make this breakfast casserole gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs. These breadcrumbs help maintain the texture without compromising on taste. Many grocery stores offer gluten-free options that are perfect for this dish.
How to Use: Simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with your preferred gluten-free version. Mix them with the beaten eggs and other ingredients to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the casserole.
Incorporate Gluten-Free Flour
Another alternative is to use gluten-free flour in your casserole mixture. This can help to bind the ingredients together and provide a slightly different texture. Popular gluten-free flours include almond flour, coconut flour, and rice flour.
Pro Tip: When using coconut flour, remember that it is highly absorbent. Use it sparingly and consider increasing the number of eggs to balance the moisture content.
For more variations and tips, visit this recipe variation guide.
FAQs â
Why Do You Have to Take Amberen After Breakfast?
Taking Amberen after breakfast helps with its absorption and effectiveness. Amberen is a supplement designed to relieve menopause symptoms. Consuming it after a meal, particularly breakfast, ensures that it is digested properly and can work throughout the day. For optimal results, always adhere to the directions on the packaging.Â
What Time Does Bill Miller’s Stop Serving Breakfast?
Bill Miller’s typically stops serving breakfast at 10:30 a.m. However, this can vary by location, so itâs always a good idea to check with your local restaurant for their specific hours. Bill Millerâs is known for its delicious breakfast tacos and other morning offerings, making it a popular spot for an early meal.
What Time Does Hardee’s Stop Breakfast?
Hardee’s stops serving breakfast at 10:30 a.m. Similar to other fast-food chains, Hardee’s has a set time when they transition from their breakfast menu to their regular menu. If youâre craving one of their famous breakfast sandwiches, be sure to get there before 10:30 a.m.
What Time Does Whataburger Start Serving Breakfast?
Whataburger starts serving breakfast at 11:00 PM and continues until 11:00 AM the next day. This extensive breakfast window allows for both late-night and early-morning cravings to be satisfied. Favourites from Whataburger’s breakfast menu include Breakfast on a Bun and Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit.
For more information on breakfast hours at your favourite spots, you can visit their official websites or call your local branches.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious breakfast casserole as much as my family does. It’s a hearty, comforting dish, perfect for any morning. Donât forget to share your experiences and any variations you try! đ„°
This breakfast casserole is more than just a meal; itâs a tradition that brings people together. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, itâs sure to be a hit. Enjoy every bite, and happy cooking!
For more delicious recipes and cooking tips, be sure to check out Quicklly Recipes and Delish.