Manda’s Breakfast Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Morning Treat

Are you tired of the same old breakfast routine? Do you crave something warm, comforting, and packed with flavor to kickstart your day? Look no further than Manda’s Breakfast Casserole! This recipe is a family favorite, perfect for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or even a simple weeknight dinner. It’s easy to assemble, incredibly customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. This hearty casserole is a symphony of savory ingredients: sausage, cheese, eggs, and bread come together to create a dish that is both comforting and filling. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply looking to elevate your breakfast game, Manda’s Breakfast Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

## Why You’ll Love Manda’s Breakfast Casserole

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore why this breakfast casserole deserves a spot in your culinary repertoire:

* **Effortless Assembly:** Manda’s Breakfast Casserole is incredibly easy to put together. No complicated techniques or fancy equipment are required. Simply layer the ingredients, pour over the egg mixture, and bake. It’s the perfect recipe for busy mornings or when you’re short on time.
* **Make-Ahead Magic:** This casserole is a lifesaver for busy schedules. You can assemble it the night before and simply pop it in the oven the next morning. This makes it ideal for holiday breakfasts or when you’re entertaining guests.
* **Customizable to Your Heart’s Content:** The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to swap out ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Add your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or meats to create a casserole that’s uniquely yours.
* **Crowd-Pleasing Potential:** Manda’s Breakfast Casserole is always a hit at gatherings. Its hearty and comforting flavors appeal to people of all ages. It’s the perfect dish to share with family and friends.
* **Budget-Friendly Brilliance:** This recipe is surprisingly affordable, especially if you use ingredients you already have on hand. It’s a great way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
* **Delicious and Filling:** Above all, Manda’s Breakfast Casserole is simply delicious. The combination of savory sausage, melted cheese, and fluffy eggs creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.

## Manda’s Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Now that you’re convinced of its awesomeness, let’s get to the recipe!

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes

**Cook Time:** 45-55 minutes

**Total Time:** 1 hour 5-1 hour 15 minutes

**Servings:** 8-10

### Ingredients:

* 1 pound breakfast sausage (Italian sausage works great too), cooked and crumbled
* 6 slices bread, cubed (day-old bread works best)
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
* 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
* 6 large eggs
* 2 cups milk
* 1 teaspoon dry mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional add-ins: diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, chopped ham, bacon bits
* Cooking spray

### Equipment:

* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large skillet
* Mixing bowl
* Whisk

### Instructions:

**1. Prepare the Sausage:**

* In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and cooked through. Use a spoon to crumble the sausage as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
* Set the cooked sausage aside to cool slightly.

**2. Prepare the Bread:**

* Cut the bread into cubes, about 1 inch in size. Day-old bread works best because it will absorb the egg mixture better without becoming soggy. If you’re using fresh bread, you can lightly toast the cubes in the oven to dry them out slightly.

**3. Assemble the Casserole:**

* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish.
* Spread the cubed bread evenly over the bottom of the baking dish.
* Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled sausage over the bread.
* Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (and mozzarella cheese, if using) over the sausage.
* If you’re adding any optional vegetables, such as diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, sprinkle them over the cheese layer.

**4. 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 lumps in the mixture.

**5. Pour the Egg Mixture:**

* Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread with a spoon to ensure that it is submerged in the egg mixture. This will help the bread absorb the mixture evenly and prevent it from being dry.

**6. Refrigerate (Optional):**

* For best results, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably 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 casserole may be slightly less flavorful and moist.

**7. Bake the Casserole:**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish.
* Bake the casserole for 45-55 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. The casserole is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
* If the top of the casserole starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.

**8. Let it Rest:**

* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set up slightly and makes it easier to cut and serve.

**9. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Cut the casserole into squares and serve warm. You can garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

## Tips and Variations

Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, let’s explore some tips and variations to make Manda’s Breakfast Casserole even more amazing:

* **Bread Choice:** While any bread will work, day-old bread is ideal because it absorbs the egg mixture better without becoming soggy. Crusty bread like sourdough or French bread also works well. You can also use croissants or even leftover dinner rolls for a sweeter twist.
* **Sausage Variations:** Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage. Italian sausage, chorizo, or even vegetarian sausage alternatives are all great options. For a spicier kick, use hot sausage.
* **Cheese Combinations:** Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can use any cheese or cheese blend you like. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even cream cheese are all delicious additions. Consider using a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
* **Vegetable Power:** Add your favorite vegetables to the casserole to boost its nutritional value and flavor. Diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, or asparagus are all great choices. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the casserole to soften them and bring out their flavor.
* **Meat Lovers’ Delight:** If you’re a meat lover, add other types of meat to the casserole. Cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, or even shredded chicken or turkey are all delicious additions.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicy kick. You can also use spicy sausage or pepper jack cheese to add heat.
* **Herb Infusion:** Add fresh or dried herbs to the egg mixture for extra flavor. Parsley, chives, oregano, thyme, or rosemary are all great choices.
* **Dairy-Free Option:** Use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk in place of cow’s milk to make the casserole dairy-free. You can also use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use gluten-free bread to make the casserole gluten-free.
* **Individual Casseroles:** For a fun twist, bake the casserole in individual ramekins or muffin tins. This is a great option for portion control or for serving a crowd.
* **Crock-Pot Casserole:** You can also make this casserole in a slow cooker. Grease the crock-pot with cooking spray, assemble the casserole as directed, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the eggs are set.

## Serving Suggestions

Manda’s Breakfast Casserole is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your breakfast experience:

* **Fresh Fruit:** Serve the casserole with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries, melon, or grapes. The sweetness of the fruit complements the savory flavors of the casserole.
* **Yogurt and Granola:** Top the casserole with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola for added protein and crunch.
* **Salsa or Hot Sauce:** Add a spoonful of salsa or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Avocado:** Top the casserole with sliced avocado for a creamy and healthy addition.
* **Sour Cream:** A dollop of sour cream adds a tangy and creamy element to the casserole.
* **Maple Syrup:** Drizzle the casserole with maple syrup for a sweet and savory treat.
* **Side Salad:** Serve the casserole with a side salad for a light and refreshing contrast.
* **Coffee or Tea:** Enjoy the casserole with a cup of coffee or tea for a complete breakfast experience.

## Storage Instructions

Leftover Manda’s Breakfast Casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

You can also freeze leftover casserole for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, cut the casserole into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. To thaw, transfer the frozen casserole to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat as directed above.

## Conclusion

Manda’s Breakfast Casserole is a versatile, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast, a crowd-pleasing brunch option, or a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. With its customizable ingredients and simple instructions, Manda’s Breakfast Casserole is a culinary masterpiece that will impress your friends and family. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of Manda’s Breakfast Casserole!

Enjoy!