Cheesy Bacon and Sausage Breakfast Bake

Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.

In the same skillet, cook the sausage until browned. Break it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.

If using vegetables like bell peppers or onions, sauté them lightly in the same pan for additional flavor.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or oil.

Layer the bottom of the dish with slices of bread, ensuring the surface is fully covered. You can slightly overlap the slices if needed.

Evenly sprinkle the crumbled bacon, sausage, and any sautéed vegetables over the bread.

Add a generous layer of shredded cheese, reserving some for topping.

Step 3: Make the Egg Mixture

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Add a pinch of paprika or garlic powder for an extra flavor boost.

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish. Press the bread slightly with a spatula to ensure it soaks up the liquid.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top for a gooey, golden crust.

Step 4: Bake the Breakfast Casserole

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Bacon and Sausage Breakfast Bake

Use Stale Bread: Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming too soggy. If your bread is fresh, lightly toast it beforehand.

Customizable Add-Ins: Add diced mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrients and flavor.

Make It Ahead: This dish can be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning. Just cover and refrigerate overnight.

Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like gouda, Swiss, or pepper jack for unique flavors.

Crispy Top Tip: For an extra-crispy top, sprinkle breadcrumbs or parmesan cheese over the final cheese layer before baking.

Calories Per Serving

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