A Morning Marvel: The Best Savory Egg and Bread Breakfast Casserole
Forget the boring dry egg casserole, try this Savory Egg and Bread Breakfast Casserole, with baked in gravy!
If you like this recipe you might also like Yummy Pumpkin Pancakes or check out these 20 breakfast ideas worth waking up for!
Every year around Christmas our church has a breakfast activity. Everyone makes yummy breakfast casseroles to share and this year I tired my friend Deborah’s casserole and I had to have the recipe.
This is savory and delicious. A lot of breakfast casseroles are sort of dry and one solid note, but this one is so much more. With the mix of savory a French toast style egg casserole, with the addition mushroom gravy topping, gives this a cheesy gravy all baked in- so no boring dry casserole here. Its really hard to express how good this is, you must try it.
It is recommended that you prepare this casserole the night before (however in the spirit of honesty, I have skipped this step a couple times when making it, so not necessary but a common step with egg and bread based casseroles to allow for soaking in)
Anyway, whether it’s a holiday tradition or a weekend brunch, this casserole is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your heart.
Savory Egg and Bread Breakfast Casserole
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Savory Perfection: This breakfast casserole transcends the typical dry and one-dimensional egg bake. The addition of cream of mushroom soup elevates it to a whole new level, creating a rich and cheesy gravy that infuses every bite with savory goodness. It’s a flavor explosion you won’t want to miss.
- Easy Prep, Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re hosting a holiday breakfast or simply want a hassle-free morning meal, this recipe is a lifesaver. With straightforward preparation, it’s perfect for busy mornings when you still want to serve something satisfying and delicious.
How to Make the Recipe:
Creating your Savory Egg and Bread Breakfast Casserole is a breeze. Here’s a reworked version of the recipe to allow for flexibility:
Ingredients:
- Slices of your preferred bread (brioche, sourdough, white, or any other)
- Eggs
- Crumbled, cooked sausage
- Milk
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Cans of cream of mushroom soup
- Salt and Pepper
Directions:
- Begin by greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking. Tear your choice of bread into small, bite-sized pieces and evenly spread them across the base of the pan.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs and add milk, stirring to combine. Season the egg mixture to your liking with your favorite seasonings, or simply use salt and pepper. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the bread and eggs, reserving the other half for later.
- Distribute the crumbled, pre-cooked sausage evenly over the cheese layer.
- Open the cans of cream of mushroom soup and add 1-2 cups of milk. Mix until you achieve a smooth consistency, and then pour this creamy mixture over the casserole.
- Finish by topping the casserole with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Sprinkle top with with Salt and Pepper
If making the night before:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep it fresh and refrigerate it overnight.
Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- If you’ve prepared the casserole the night before, remove the aluminum foil and place the dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake uncovered for approximately 1½ hours, or until the casserole is beautifully golden and the cheese is bubbling.
Serving:
- Be cautious when serving the casserole, especially to young children, as it will be very hot, with the mushroom gravy topping.
Variations:
- Veggie Lover’s Delight: Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version (omitting the sausage obviously)
- Spice It Up: Incorporate diced green chilies or jalapenos for a kick of heat, I’d add them to the egg and milk mixture!
- Herbaceous Twist: Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil, either mixed into the egg mixture or sprinkled on top.
- Different Proteins: Swap out the sausage for cooked bacon, ham, or even cooked ground beef for a unique taste.
- Bechamel Sauce – Not a lover of Mushroom soup? Create a bechamel sauce, and add some cheese or herbs that you would like with eggs. Pour that over the egg and bread combo, instead of the mushroom soup mixture.
Can the Recipe Be Stored or Made Ahead?
Yes, the Savory Egg and Bread Breakfast Casserole can be made ahead. Preparing it the night before allows the flavors to meld and simplifies your morning routine. Simply follow the steps until it’s ready for baking, then cover it with foil and refrigerate. In the morning, just pop it into the oven, and you’ll have a warm, hearty breakfast. Leftovers can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated for a quick and satisfying breakfast throughout the week.
Savory Egg and Bread Casserole with Mushroom Gravy
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 slices bread of choice I just used plain white bread – but use your favorite french toast style bread brioche, sour dough or what not
- 6 eggs
- 1 lb Crumbled Cooked Sausage
- 2 ¼ cup milk divided
- 2 c Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 2 cans Cream of Mushroom Soup
Instructions
- Start by greasing a 9x 13 pan. Tear bread into small bit sized pieces and spread evenly on the base of the pan.
- Beat the eggs in a bowl together and add the milk, mix to combine. I like to season the eggs with our favorite homemade family seasoning, but salt and pepper are a great alternative. Pour egg mixture evenly over bread.
- Sprinkle half the cheese over the bread and eggs, (reserving half for the end)
- Sprinkle crumbled, pre-cooked sausage over cheese.
- Open 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup and 1-2 cups milk. Mix together to a smooth consistency, pour over the top of the casserole.
- Top with remaining cheese.
- If making the night before: Cover the dish with tin foil. Refrigerate over night… (or if you don’t make things in advance like me… ahem…. Move on to baking.)
- Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 1 ½ hours.
- Serve. (it will be very hot, with the mushroom gravy topping, so be careful when serving to young children right away)
Common Questions about Egg and Bread Breakfast Casserole:
- Can I use different types of bread for this casserole?
- Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite bread, whether it’s brioche, sourdough, whole wheat, or even gluten-free.
- Is it necessary to use cream of mushroom soup, or can I use a different soup?
- While cream of mushroom soup adds a unique flavor, you can experiment with cream of chicken, cream of celery, or any other creamy soup of your choice.
- Can I make this casserole with vegetarian or vegan ingredients?
- Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe by using plant-based sausage, dairy-free cheese, and an appropriate cream soup to create a vegetarian or vegan version.
- How long does it take to reheat leftovers of this casserole?
- Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat larger portions in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes, or until hot.
This Savory Egg and Bread Breakfast Casserole is a delightful and versatile dish that’s perfect for special occasions or lazy weekend mornings.
Whether you follow the classic recipe or get creative with variations, this casserole will fill your home with warm, savory aromas and leave your family and guests craving more. So, embrace the comfort of this timeless breakfast favorite and savor every bite!
More great breakfast recipes to try:
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Food memories are a big part of our family. We love having a big family party and making great food, or heading to Disneyland and trying all the things. Why not allow food to be a happy part of your life. That is what this blog is about. I hope you enjoy our recipes.
