Super Easy Egg Casserole: Your Go-To Breakfast (or Dinner!) Recipe

Are you searching for a breakfast that’s both delicious and incredibly simple to make? Or perhaps a quick and satisfying dinner option that requires minimal effort? Look no further! This super easy egg casserole is the answer. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking, making it a perfect fit for picky eaters and adventurous palates alike. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover veggies and cheese hanging out in your fridge.

This recipe is so straightforward that even a novice cook can whip it up with confidence. We’ll break down each step with clear instructions and helpful tips, ensuring a foolproof and delicious outcome every time. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this surprisingly effortless yet flavorful egg casserole!

## Why You’ll Love This Easy Egg Casserole

* **Simple & Quick:** As the title suggests, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. Minimal prep time and straightforward instructions make it perfect for busy mornings or weeknight dinners.
* **Versatile:** The beauty of an egg casserole lies in its adaptability. You can customize the ingredients to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Add your favorite vegetables, cheeses, and meats to create a unique and personalized dish.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and baked when needed, making it an ideal option for meal prepping or entertaining. Assemble it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
* **Great for Leftovers:** Have leftover cooked vegetables or meats? This casserole is a fantastic way to use them up, reducing food waste and creating a delicious and economical meal.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Whether you’re feeding a small family or hosting a brunch for friends, this egg casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. Its savory and comforting flavors appeal to a wide range of tastes.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Eggs are an affordable source of protein, and the other ingredients can be easily adjusted based on what you have on hand, making this a budget-friendly meal option.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the instructions, let’s gather the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for a basic egg casserole:

* **Eggs:** The star of the show! Use large eggs for the best results. We generally recommend a dozen for a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Fewer eggs result in a thinner casserole, while more eggs may cause it to overflow.
* **Milk or Cream:** Adds moisture and richness to the casserole. Whole milk is a good option, but you can also use half-and-half, heavy cream, or even a non-dairy alternative like almond milk or oat milk. Keep in mind that non-dairy milks may alter the texture and flavor slightly. A good starting amount is 1 to 1.5 cups.
* **Bread:** Cubed bread acts as a base and absorbs the egg mixture. Use your favorite type of bread, such as white bread, wheat bread, sourdough, or even croissants for a richer flavor. Stale bread works best as it soaks up the liquid more effectively. You’ll need around 6-8 slices, cubed.
* **Cheese:** Cheese adds flavor and melty goodness to the casserole. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Gruyere, and Colby Jack are all excellent choices. Feel free to use a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile. One to two cups of shredded cheese is usually perfect.
* **Cooked Meat (Optional):** Sausage, bacon, ham, or cooked ground beef can be added for extra protein and flavor. Cook the meat beforehand and crumble or dice it before adding it to the casserole. About 1 cup is a good starting point.
* **Vegetables (Optional):** Add your favorite vegetables for extra nutrients and flavor. Cooked vegetables like onions, peppers, mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, and tomatoes work well. Remember to cook the vegetables before adding them to the casserole to ensure they are tender. Aim for 1-2 cups of chopped vegetables.
* **Salt and Pepper:** Essential for seasoning the casserole. Adjust the amount to your liking.
* **Other Seasonings (Optional):** Get creative with your seasonings! Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried herbs (like oregano, thyme, or basil), and red pepper flakes can all be added to enhance the flavor of the casserole.
* **Butter or Cooking Spray:** To grease the baking dish and prevent the casserole from sticking.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s start making the egg casserole! Follow these simple steps for a delicious and satisfying dish:

**Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly.
* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish and make it easier to serve.

**Step 2: Prepare the Bread**

* Cube the bread into bite-sized pieces. If using stale bread, it will already be slightly dry. If using fresh bread, you can toast it lightly in the oven or toaster to dry it out a bit. This will help it absorb the egg mixture better.
* Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Make sure the bottom of the dish is covered.

**Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture**

* In a large bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together until light and frothy. This will ensure a smooth and even texture.
* Add the milk or cream to the eggs and whisk until well combined. The ratio of eggs to milk is important for the texture of the casserole. Too much milk will result in a soggy casserole, while too little milk will make it dry.
* Season the egg mixture with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Be generous with the seasoning, as the bread will absorb some of the flavor.

**Step 4: Add the Fillings**

* Sprinkle the cooked meat (if using) over the bread in the baking dish. Distribute it evenly.
* Add the cooked vegetables (if using) on top of the meat. Again, distribute them evenly.
* Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the meat and vegetables. Don’t be shy with the cheese – it adds a lot of flavor and texture to the casserole.

**Step 5: Pour the Egg Mixture**

* Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, meat, vegetables, and cheese. Make sure the bread is well saturated with the egg mixture. You may need to gently press down on the bread with a spoon to help it absorb the liquid.

**Step 6: Bake the Casserole**

* Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-40 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 is browning too quickly, you can cover the casserole with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

**Step 7: Let it Rest**

* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set up properly and makes it easier to cut and serve.

**Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Cut the casserole into squares and serve warm. It’s delicious on its own or with a side of fruit, yogurt, or toast.

## Variations and Customization Ideas

The basic egg casserole recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Here are some ideas to customize it to your liking:

* **Meat Lovers:** Add cooked sausage, bacon, ham, ground beef, or even shredded chicken. For a spicy kick, use chorizo or Italian sausage.
* **Vegetarian Delight:** Load up the casserole with your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, zucchini, or broccoli. You can also add vegetarian sausage or tofu for extra protein.
* **Cheesy Goodness:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Gruyere, Colby Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicy flavor. You can also add cream cheese or ricotta cheese for a richer and creamier texture.
* **Mexican Fiesta:** Add cooked chorizo, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and cheddar cheese. Season with cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Top with salsa and sour cream before serving.
* **Italian Inspired:** Add cooked Italian sausage, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and mozzarella cheese. Season with oregano, basil, and garlic powder. Top with marinara sauce and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
* **Breakfast for Dinner:** Add cooked bacon or sausage, hash browns, and cheddar cheese. Serve with syrup or hot sauce.
* **French Toast Casserole:** Use challah bread or brioche bread and soak it in a mixture of eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Top with a streusel topping made from flour, butter, and brown sugar. Bake until golden brown and serve with maple syrup.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the egg mixture if desired.
* **Dairy-Free Option:** Use a non-dairy milk alternative, such as almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. You can also use a dairy-free cheese substitute.

## Tips for Success

* **Use Stale Bread:** Stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better than fresh bread, resulting in a more flavorful and less soggy casserole.
* **Cook the Vegetables:** Cook the vegetables before adding them to the casserole to ensure they are tender. Raw vegetables can release moisture during baking, making the casserole soggy.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the casserole will result in dry and rubbery eggs. Bake until the eggs are set but still slightly moist.
* **Let it Rest:** Letting the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving allows it to set up properly and makes it easier to cut and serve.
* **Adjust Seasonings:** Taste the egg mixture before pouring it over the bread and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remember that the bread will absorb some of the flavor, so you may need to add more salt and pepper than you think.
* **Make Ahead of Time:** This casserole can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Freeze for Later:** You can also freeze the baked casserole for later. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.
* **Prevent Soggy Bottom:** To avoid a soggy bottom, you can lightly toast the bread cubes before adding them to the baking dish. This helps them to retain their texture and prevents them from absorbing too much moisture from the egg mixture.
* **Add a Crust:** For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider adding a crust to the casserole. You can use a pre-made pie crust or make your own using flour, butter, and water. Blind bake the crust for a few minutes before adding the filling.
* **Use a Variety of Textures:** Incorporate ingredients with different textures to create a more interesting and satisfying casserole. For example, add crunchy vegetables, soft cheese, and crispy bacon.

## Serving Suggestions

This easy egg casserole is a versatile dish that can be served for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Breakfast/Brunch:** Serve with a side of fresh fruit, yogurt, toast, or muffins.
* **Lunch:** Serve with a side salad or soup.
* **Dinner:** Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad.
* **Special Occasions:** Serve as part of a brunch buffet for holidays or special events.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover egg casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezer:** Freeze baked egg casserole in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Reheating Instructions

* **Oven:** Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Microwave individual portions of the casserole for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* (Per serving, based on a basic recipe with cheese): Calories: 300-400, Protein: 20-25g, Fat: 20-30g, Carbohydrates: 15-20g

*Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

* **Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?**
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess water before adding them to the casserole. You may also want to cook them slightly before adding them to ensure they are tender.
* **Can I use a different type of bread?**
Yes, you can use any type of bread you like. Sourdough, croissants, and even gluten-free bread all work well.
* **Can I make this casserole ahead of time?**
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Can I freeze this casserole?**
Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
* **How do I prevent the casserole from being soggy?**
Use stale bread, cook the vegetables before adding them, and don’t overbake the casserole. You can also lightly toast the bread cubes before adding them to the baking dish.
* **What if I don’t have a 9×13 inch baking dish?**
You can use a smaller baking dish, but the baking time may need to be adjusted. Keep an eye on the casserole and bake until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
* **Can I add cream cheese to this casserole?**
Yes, you can add cream cheese for a richer and creamier texture. Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and dot them over the other ingredients before pouring the egg mixture over.

## Final Thoughts

This super easy egg casserole is a lifesaver for busy mornings, quick dinners, and potlucks. Its versatility and simplicity make it a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to create your own signature version. Happy cooking!