Susie’s Breakfast Casserole: A Hearty and Delicious Morning Delight

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, savory breakfast casserole. It’s the perfect dish for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or even a simple make-ahead weekday meal. And when that casserole is named after someone special, like “Susie,” you know it’s bound to be a family favorite. Susie’s Breakfast Casserole is a testament to delicious simplicity, packing a punch of flavor and texture in every bite. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, easily customizable, and guaranteed to leave everyone feeling satisfied.

This article will guide you through every step of creating Susie’s Breakfast Casserole, from ingredient selection to baking perfection. We’ll also explore variations and tips to make this casserole your own. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will elevate your breakfast game to a whole new level!

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

Before diving into the recipe, let’s highlight why Susie’s Breakfast Casserole is a winner:

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and basic cooking skills. It’s perfect for beginner cooks.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Prepare the casserole the night before, and simply bake it in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to suit your dietary needs and preferences by swapping out ingredients.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This casserole is a guaranteed hit with family and friends, making it ideal for gatherings.
* **Hearty and Filling:** Packed with protein, carbs, and vegetables, this casserole will keep you feeling full and energized throughout the morning.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and crusty bread creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make Susie’s Breakfast Casserole. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your preferences and the number of servings you need.

* **1 pound Breakfast Sausage:** Choose your favorite type of sausage, such as mild, hot, or maple-flavored.
* **1 loaf (1 pound) Bread:** Use a sturdy bread like French bread, Italian bread, or sourdough. Day-old bread works best.
* **6 large Eggs:** These form the base of the custard that holds the casserole together.
* **2 cups Milk:** Use whole milk for a richer flavor, or opt for low-fat milk for a lighter version.
* **1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese:** Cheddar cheese adds a classic cheesy flavor to the casserole. You can substitute with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack.
* **1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese:** Mozzarella cheese adds a nice stretch and mild flavor to the casserole.
* **1/4 cup Chopped Onion:** Onion adds a savory depth of flavor to the casserole.
* **1/4 cup Chopped Green Bell Pepper:** Green bell pepper adds a touch of sweetness and color to the casserole. Feel free to use other colored bell peppers as well.
* **1 teaspoon Salt:** Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
* **1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper:** Black pepper adds a subtle kick to the casserole.
* **1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder:** Garlic powder adds a savory aroma and flavor.
* **Cooking Spray:** To prevent the casserole from sticking to the baking dish.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Skillet:** For browning the sausage and sautéing the vegetables.
* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** For baking the casserole.
* **Large Bowl:** For whisking the eggs and milk.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurately measuring the ingredients.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For chopping the vegetables and bread.
* **Whisk:** For combining the eggs and milk.
* **Spatula:** For spreading the ingredients in the baking dish.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part: making Susie’s Breakfast Casserole! Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof recipe.

**Step 1: Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables**

1. Remove the sausage from its casing (if necessary) and crumble it into a large skillet.
2. Cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage.
4. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened and slightly translucent.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.

**Step 2: Prepare the Bread**

1. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes.
2. You can either use the bread fresh or toast it lightly in the oven for a crispier texture. To toast the bread, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.

**Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture**

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.

**Step 4: Assemble the Casserole**

1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Spread the bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
3. Sprinkle the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture over the bread cubes.
4. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and bread.
5. Gently press down on the bread cubes to ensure they are soaked in the egg mixture.
6. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

**Step 5: Bake the Casserole**

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
2. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and the eggs are set.
4. To check if the casserole is done, insert a knife into the center. If the knife comes out clean, the casserole is ready.

**Step 6: Let it Rest and Serve**

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
2. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to cut.
3. Serve warm and enjoy!

## Tips for Success

* **Use Day-Old Bread:** Day-old bread absorbs the egg mixture better than fresh bread, preventing the casserole from becoming soggy.
* **Don’t Overcook the Sausage:** Overcooked sausage can become dry and tough. Cook it until it is browned and cooked through, but not overdone.
* **Sauté the Vegetables:** Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the casserole softens them and enhances their flavor.
* **Don’t Skip the Resting Time:** Letting the casserole rest before slicing allows the eggs to set and makes it easier to cut. It also prevents the casserole from falling apart.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the egg mixture before pouring it over the casserole and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder, depending on your preferences.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** Using a meat thermometer ensures the sausage reaches a safe internal temperature, preventing foodborne illness. The sausage should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
* **Evenly Distribute Ingredients:** Evenly distributing the sausage, vegetables, and cheese ensures that every bite of the casserole is packed with flavor.
* **Press Down on the Bread:** Gently pressing down on the bread cubes after pouring the egg mixture over them ensures that the bread is soaked in the egg mixture.

## Variations and Customizations

The beauty of Susie’s Breakfast Casserole is that it’s incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Here are some ideas to get you started:

* **Vegetarian Option:** Omit the sausage and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or tomatoes. You can also add vegetarian sausage crumbles or tofu for a protein boost.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use gluten-free bread or a gluten-free bread alternative like rice cakes or corn tortillas.
* **Dairy-Free Option:** Use dairy-free milk alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. You can also use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
* **Spicy Option:** 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 hot sausage instead of mild sausage.
* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Swiss, or Pepper Jack.
* **Add-Ins:** Get creative and add other ingredients to the casserole, such as cooked bacon, ham, chorizo, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or artichoke hearts.
* **Different Vegetables:** Substitute the green bell pepper with other vegetables like red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, or orange bell pepper. You can also add other vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots.
* **Herb Infusion:** Enhance the flavour by adding herbs to the egg mixture such as fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
* **Bread Variety:** Try using croissants, brioche, or challah bread for a richer flavour. You can also use stale bagels for a chewier texture.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

Susie’s Breakfast Casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the casserole according to the instructions up to the point of baking.
2. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
3. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and let the casserole sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
4. Bake as directed in the recipe.

Making the casserole ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together and makes it even more delicious. It’s also a great way to save time in the morning.

## Serving Suggestions

Susie’s Breakfast Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a variety of side dishes to create a more elaborate brunch spread. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Fresh Fruit Salad:** A refreshing fruit salad is a perfect complement to the savory casserole.
* **Yogurt Parfaits:** Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a light and healthy side dish.
* **Toast or Muffins:** Serve with a side of toast or muffins for extra carbs.
* **Bacon or Sausage:** If you’re not already using sausage in the casserole, serve it with a side of bacon or sausage for extra protein.
* **Orange Juice or Coffee:** Complete your breakfast with a glass of orange juice or a cup of coffee.
* **Hot Sauce or Salsa:** Offer hot sauce or salsa for those who like a little extra heat.
* **Avocado Slices:** Sliced avocado can add a creamy and healthy element to the plate.
* **Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt:** A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can provide a tangy contrast to the richness of the casserole.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Susie’s Breakfast Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Freeze:** Freeze leftover Susie’s Breakfast Casserole for longer storage. Cut the casserole into individual portions and wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Susie’s Breakfast Casserole Recipe Card

**Yields:** 8-10 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 45-50 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound Breakfast Sausage
* 1 loaf (1 pound) Bread
* 6 large Eggs
* 2 cups Milk
* 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
* 1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
* 1/4 cup Chopped Onion
* 1/4 cup Chopped Green Bell Pepper
* 1 teaspoon Salt
* 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
* Cooking Spray

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
3. Cook sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
4. Add onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
5. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes.
6. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
7. Spread bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
8. Sprinkle the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture over the bread cubes.
9. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and bread.
10. Gently press down on the bread cubes to ensure they are soaked in the egg mixture.
11. Sprinkle cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
12. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
13. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes.
14. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and eggs are set.
15. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

## Conclusion

Susie’s Breakfast Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition, a celebration of flavor, and a testament to the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. With its customizable ingredients, easy preparation, and make-ahead convenience, this casserole is a must-have in every home cook’s repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to create a breakfast masterpiece that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy the warmth, the aroma, and the delightful taste of Susie’s Breakfast Casserole – a true morning delight!