When it comes to breakfast, few dishes can compete with the warm, inviting aroma of a hearty Breakfast Casserole With Gravy wafting through your kitchen. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, providing a deliciously satisfying start to your day. Packed with protein from the sausage and eggs, along with the rich, creamy gravy, this casserole is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family brunch, the Breakfast Casserole With Gravy is sure to please everyone at the table, leaving them feeling fulfilled and happy.
Ingredients for Breakfast Casserole With Gravy
- 1 pound breakfast sausage: Choose your favorite brand or style, such as spicy or mild.
- 6 large eggs: Fresh eggs work best for a fluffier texture.
- 2 cups milk: Whole milk is recommended for creaminess, but you can use low-fat as well.
- 4 cups cubed bread: Any type of bread can be used; consider sourdough for added flavor.
- 2 cups shredded cheese: Cheddar is traditional, but feel free to mix with mozzarella for a different taste.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Adjust according to your taste preferences.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Freshly ground black pepper enhances the flavor.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This will help thicken the gravy.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Use low-sodium broth for a healthier option.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For added depth and flavor in the gravy.
How to Prepare Breakfast Casserole With Gravy
Prepping the Sausage and Casserole Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, add 1 pound of breakfast sausage over medium heat. Cook the sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat, leaving a small amount in the pan for flavor.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper until well combined. Next, add in the 4 cups of cubed bread and the cooked sausage, followed by 2 cups of shredded cheese. Gently fold the mixture together until everything is evenly coated, ensuring the bread absorbs the egg mixture.
Baking the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. Pour the prepared casserole mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to set the layers and make slicing easier.
Making the Gravy
While the casserole is baking, you can prepare the gravy. In the same skillet used for the sausage, add 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to the sausage drippings and cook over medium heat for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and keep warm until serving.
Once the casserole has rested, serve slices warm, generously topped with the rich gravy for a delightful breakfast experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Satisfying: This Breakfast Casserole With Gravy is packed with protein and flavor, making it a filling start to your day.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a family brunch or a holiday gathering, this casserole is sure to please a crowd.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it in advance, saving time on busy mornings.
- Customizable: Easily modify the recipe with your favorite ingredients or add vegetables for extra nutrition.
🍴 Top Kitchen Essentials You’ll Love
Tips for Success
To ensure your Breakfast Casserole With Gravy turns out perfectly every time, consider these pro tips:
- Prep in Advance: You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Use Stale Bread: Stale or day-old bread works best as it absorbs the egg mixture better without becoming mushy.
- Add Vegetables: For a nutritious twist, mix in sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or onions into the casserole.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheese blends like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a kick of flavor.
- Check for Doneness: Always use a toothpick to check if the center is set; it should come out clean.
Nutritional Information
The Breakfast Casserole With Gravy not only delights your taste buds but also provides valuable nutrition. Each serving (1 slice) contains approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 15g
These values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. This hearty casserole offers a balanced mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying breakfast option.
FAQ About Breakfast Casserole With Gravy
What If My Breakfast Casserole With Gravy Doesn’t Turn Out Right?
If your casserole comes out too soggy, it may be due to using fresh bread instead of stale. Ensure to use day-old bread for better absorption. If it’s dry, consider adding a bit more milk or eggs next time.
Can I Prepare This Breakfast Casserole With Gravy in Advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the Breakfast Casserole With Gravy a day in advance. Just cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What Ingredients Can I Swap in the Breakfast Casserole With Gravy?
You can substitute the breakfast sausage with turkey sausage or even a plant-based alternative for a lighter option. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread and flour. Additionally, feel free to mix in your favorite veggies for added nutrition!
How Should I Store Leftover Breakfast Casserole With Gravy?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To properly store your leftover Breakfast Casserole With Gravy, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn; it can last for up to 2 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. If reheating the entire casserole, cover it with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated completely. This will help maintain its texture and flavor.
Print
Breakfast Casserole With Gravy
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty breakfast casserole topped with rich gravy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 4 cups cubed bread
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Add cubed bread, cooked sausage, and cheese to the egg mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until set.
- For the gravy, whisk flour into the sausage drippings, cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth and garlic powder, cook until thickened.
- Serve casserole warm, topped with gravy.
🍴 Top Kitchen Essentials You’ll Love
Notes
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- This recipe can be made a day in advance and refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
Keywords: Breakfast Casserole With Gravy, breakfast, casserole, gravy