Cindy’s Breakfast Casserole: A Delicious Start to Your Day!

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the aroma of a warm, savory breakfast casserole baking in the oven. It’s the perfect way to feed a crowd, simplify your morning routine, or simply treat yourself to a hearty and satisfying meal. Cindy’s Breakfast Casserole is a classic recipe, beloved for its ease of preparation, customizable ingredients, and delicious flavor. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for holidays, weekend brunches, or any day you want to make extra special. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to make this incredible breakfast casserole!

Why Cindy’s Breakfast Casserole is a Winner

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about why Cindy’s Breakfast Casserole is such a hit:

* **Make-Ahead Convenience:** The beauty of this casserole lies in its make-ahead capabilities. You can assemble it the night before and simply pop it in the oven in the morning. This makes it ideal for busy mornings or when you’re expecting guests.
* **Versatility:** The ingredients are easily customizable to suit your preferences and dietary needs. You can swap out the meat, cheese, and vegetables to create your own unique variations.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** Whether you’re feeding a family of four or a larger gathering, this casserole is sure to satisfy everyone.
* **Delicious and Hearty:** The combination of bread, eggs, cheese, meat, and vegetables creates a flavorful and filling breakfast that will keep you energized throughout the morning.
* **Easy to Prepare:** Despite its impressive taste and appearance, this casserole is surprisingly simple to make.

Cindy’s Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Here’s the classic recipe for Cindy’s Breakfast Casserole. Feel free to adapt it to your liking!

**Yields:** 8-10 servings
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 45-55 minutes

Ingredients:

* 1 pound breakfast sausage (or ground beef or bacon, cooked and crumbled)
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional, for color)
* 1 (12-ounce) loaf of bread, cubed (day-old bread works best)
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
* 12 large eggs
* 2 cups milk
* 1 teaspoon dry mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional toppings: chopped green onions, salsa, sour cream, hot sauce

Equipment:

* Large skillet
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large mixing bowl
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions:

**1. Prepare the Meat and Vegetables:**

* In a large skillet, brown the breakfast sausage (or ground beef or bacon) over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
* Drain off any excess grease.
* Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once the vegetables are tender, remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.

**2. Assemble the Casserole:**

* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the casserole from sticking.
* Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure the bread covers the entire bottom surface.
* Sprinkle the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture over the bread. Distribute it evenly.
* Top with the shredded cheddar cheese. Again, ensure the cheese is spread uniformly.

**3. Prepare the Egg Mixture:**

* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Make sure there are no large lumps of egg yolk.

**4. Pour and Soak:**

* Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, vegetables, and cheese in the baking dish. The egg mixture should soak into the bread.
* Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to ensure it’s submerged in the egg mixture. This will help the casserole bake evenly and prevent dry spots.

**5. Refrigerate (Optional):**

* For best results, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate the casserole for at least 2 hours, or overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a more flavorful and moist casserole. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but the texture might be slightly different.

**6. Bake the Casserole:**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish (if refrigerated).
* Bake the casserole for 45-55 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. The center of the casserole should no longer be jiggly. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.

**7. Let it Rest:**

* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the casserole to set further, making it easier to slice.

**8. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Cut the casserole into squares and serve warm. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped green onions, salsa, sour cream, or hot sauce. Enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Cindy’s Breakfast Casserole

Here are some tips to help you create the best possible Cindy’s Breakfast Casserole:

* **Use Day-Old Bread:** Day-old bread is slightly drier than fresh bread, which makes it better at soaking up the egg mixture without becoming soggy. If you only have fresh bread, you can lightly toast it in the oven to dry it out a bit.
* **Don’t Overcook the Sausage:** Be careful not to overcook the sausage or ground beef, as it will become dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s browned and no longer pink.
* **Sauté the Vegetables:** Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the casserole softens them and enhances their flavor. You can also add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini, depending on your preference.
* **Use Your Favorite Cheese:** Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for breakfast casseroles, but you can use any cheese that you like, such as Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or Pepper Jack.
* **Whisk the Egg Mixture Thoroughly:** Make sure to whisk the egg mixture thoroughly to combine the eggs, milk, and seasonings. This will ensure that the casserole bakes evenly.
* **Soak the Bread:** Allowing the bread to soak in the egg mixture for at least 2 hours (or overnight) is crucial for a moist and flavorful casserole. The longer the bread soaks, the better the texture will be.
* **Bake Until Set:** Bake the casserole until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. Use a knife to check for doneness. If the knife comes out clean, the casserole is ready.
* **Let it Rest:** Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving will help it set further and make it easier to slice.
* **Customize Your Toppings:** Get creative with your toppings! Chopped green onions, salsa, sour cream, hot sauce, avocado, and fresh herbs are all great options.

## Variations on Cindy’s Breakfast Casserole

The beauty of Cindy’s Breakfast Casserole is its versatility. Here are some ideas for variations you can try:

* **Meat Lover’s Casserole:** Use a combination of sausage, bacon, and ham for a super-meaty casserole.
* **Vegetarian Casserole:** Omit the meat and add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, and tomatoes. You can also add tofu or vegetarian sausage for extra protein.
* **Mexican Casserole:** Use chorizo sausage, pepper jack cheese, and add a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies for a spicy kick. Top with salsa, sour cream, and avocado.
* **Italian Casserole:** Use Italian sausage, mozzarella cheese, and add sun-dried tomatoes and basil for an Italian-inspired casserole.
* **Hawaiian Casserole:** Use ham, pineapple, and Swiss cheese for a sweet and savory Hawaiian casserole.
* **Gluten-Free Casserole:** Use gluten-free bread or a gluten-free bread alternative like cubed potatoes.
* **Dairy-Free Casserole:** Substitute the milk and cheese with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and dairy-free cheese shreds.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

As mentioned earlier, Cindy’s Breakfast Casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. Here’s how to do it:

1. Assemble the casserole according to the recipe instructions.
2. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap.
3. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
4. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish.
6. Bake the casserole for 50-60 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is very cold.

## Serving Suggestions

Cindy’s Breakfast Casserole is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a variety of sides, such as:

* Fresh fruit salad
* Yogurt parfait
* Toast or muffins
* Hash browns or breakfast potatoes
* Coffee, tea, or juice

## Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cindy’s Breakfast Casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole in the oven until heated through.

## Conclusion

Cindy’s Breakfast Casserole is a versatile, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, simplifying your morning routine, or simply treating yourself, this casserole is sure to be a hit. With its customizable ingredients and make-ahead convenience, it’s a recipe that you’ll turn to again and again. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying breakfast!

Now, let’s address some frequently asked questions.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use frozen vegetables in this casserole?**
A: Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. Thaw them completely and drain off any excess water before adding them to the casserole.

**Q: Can I use a different type of bread?**
A: Yes, you can use any type of bread that you like. However, denser breads like sourdough or multigrain may require a longer soaking time.

**Q: Can I add hot sauce to the egg mixture?**
A: Absolutely! Adding a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture will give the casserole a little extra kick.

**Q: Can I freeze this casserole?**
A: While you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking, the texture may change slightly after thawing and baking. The bread can become a bit soggy. If you do freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze individual slices of the baked casserole for easier reheating.

**Q: What if I don’t have dry mustard?**
A: If you don’t have dry mustard, you can substitute it with a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or leave it out altogether. The dry mustard adds a subtle tang, but it’s not essential to the recipe.

**Q: My casserole is browning too quickly. What should I do?**
A: If the top of the casserole is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking. This will prevent it from burning.

**Q: How can I make this casserole healthier?**
A: To make this casserole healthier, you can use lean sausage or turkey sausage, whole-wheat bread, low-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables. You can also use egg whites instead of whole eggs to reduce the cholesterol.

**Q: Can I add diced ham instead of sausage?**
A: Yes, diced ham is a great substitute for sausage. You can also use leftover cooked ham.

**Q: What size eggs should I use?**
A: The recipe calls for large eggs. If you’re using smaller eggs, you may need to add an extra egg or two to ensure the casserole is moist enough.

**Q: My bread is still dry after soaking in the egg mixture. What did I do wrong?**
A: Make sure you are pressing the bread down into the egg mixture to ensure it’s fully submerged. If the bread is very dry, you may need to add a little more milk to the egg mixture. Also, allowing the casserole to refrigerate overnight will give the bread more time to absorb the liquid.

**Q: Can I use a different size baking dish?**
A: While a 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal, you can use a slightly smaller or larger dish. Keep in mind that the baking time may need to be adjusted accordingly. If using a smaller dish, the casserole will be thicker and may require a longer baking time. If using a larger dish, the casserole will be thinner and may bake more quickly.

**Q: Is it necessary to grease the baking dish?**
A: Yes, it’s important to grease the baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking. You can use cooking spray or butter.

Enjoy making and sharing this fantastic Cindy’s Breakfast Casserole!