Cheesy Bacon and Sausage Breakfast Bake

Instructions

Step 1: Prep your ingredients

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain and crumble.

3. In the same pan, cook sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain excess grease.

4. If using bell peppers or onions, sauté lightly for extra flavor.

Step 2: Assemble the casserole

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Layer bread slices across the bottom.

3. Evenly sprinkle bacon, sausage, and vegetables.

4. Add most of the shredded cheese, saving some for topping.

Step 3: Make the egg mixture

1. In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.

2. Add optional paprika or garlic powder.

3. Pour mixture evenly over casserole layers.

4. Press bread lightly so it absorbs the liquid.

5. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake the casserole

1. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.

2. Remove foil and bake 15–20 minutes more, until golden and set.

3. Let cool 5 minutes before slicing.

Preparation time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

Tips for success

• Use stale bread: Day-old bread absorbs the egg mixture better. Lightly toast fresh bread if needed.

• Customize add-ins: Mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes work well.

• Make ahead: Assemble the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.

• Try cheese variations: Gouda, Swiss, or pepper jack give new flavors.

• For a crispy top: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or parmesan before baking.