Thanksgiving breakfast casserole: 5 reasons to love it

thanksgiving breakfast casserole

By:

Julia marin

Ah, Thanksgiving morning! There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a festive kitchen, the excitement in the air, and the warmth of family gathered together. One of my absolute favorite traditions is whipping up my Thanksgiving breakfast casserole. It’s hearty, comforting, and fills the kitchen with this mouthwatering scent that just makes you smile. I remember the first time I made it; we were all a bit bleary-eyed, but after one bite, everyone perked up! This casserole is the perfect way to kick off a day full of gratitude, laughter, and, of course, delicious food. Trust me, you’ll want this on your table!

Ingredients for Thanksgiving Breakfast Casserole

To make this delightful Thanksgiving breakfast casserole, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll gather:

  • 6 cups of cubed bread (stale or day-old works best!)
  • 1 pound of sausage, cooked and crumbled (I love using spicy sausage for a kick!)
  • 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (the more, the merrier!)
  • 8 large eggs (they’ll bind everything together wonderfully)
  • 2 cups of milk (whole milk adds creaminess, but use what you have!)
  • 1 teaspoon of salt (to enhance all those flavors)
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper (for a subtle warmth)
  • 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder (because, yes, garlic makes everything better)
  • 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder (for that extra savory punch)

How to Prepare Thanksgiving Breakfast Casserole

Preparing this Thanksgiving breakfast casserole is a breeze, and I promise it’ll be the highlight of your morning! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake! While that’s warming up, grab a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and start layering. Begin with the cubed bread at the bottom, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the cooked and crumbled sausage over the bread, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese—feel free to be generous here!

Now for the magic part! In a medium bowl, whisk together those eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until it’s all well combined. This will become the creamy goodness that binds everything together. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese layers. Once you’ve done that, cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the fridge for at least one hour, or even overnight if you’re prepping ahead! This resting time lets all those flavors meld together beautifully. When you’re ready, bake it uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and set in the center. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  3. Layer the cubed bread evenly in the dish.
  4. Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled sausage over the bread.
  5. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
  6. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
  7. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the dish.
  8. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  9. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and set.

Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Breakfast Casserole

This Thanksgiving breakfast casserole is a game changer for your holiday morning! Here’s why you’ll adore it:

  • It’s super easy to prepare—just layer and bake, no fuss!
  • The flavors are a delightful mix of savory sausage and melted cheese that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
  • You can prep it ahead of time, so you can focus on family and festivities.
  • It’s versatile! Feel free to throw in your favorite veggies or swap cheeses for a new twist.
  • This dish can easily feed a crowd, making it perfect for large gatherings.

Tips for Success

To make your Thanksgiving breakfast casserole absolutely perfect, here are some pro tips! First, if you don’t have cubed bread, you can easily use bagels or croissants for a fun twist. Just be sure they’re a bit stale for the best texture! When it comes to timing, prepping the night before is a lifesaver; it allows the bread to soak up all that delicious egg mixture. Lastly, if you have leftovers (which might be a stretch!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat them in the oven for a quick and tasty breakfast!

Variations of Thanksgiving Breakfast Casserole

The beauty of this Thanksgiving breakfast casserole lies in its versatility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or use up what you have in the fridge. For a veggie-packed version, consider adding chopped bell peppers, spinach, or even sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. If you’re a cheese lover like me, try mixing in different cheeses such as Monterey Jack, feta, or even a spicy pepper jack for a little kick! You can also switch out the sausage for cooked bacon or ham for a different protein twist. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!

Nutritional Information

When you’re diving into this Thanksgiving breakfast casserole, it’s nice to have an idea of what you’re enjoying! Here’s a rough estimate based on the ingredients used:

  • Calories: 320 per slice
  • Fat: 20g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg

Remember, these values can vary slightly depending on your specific ingredients and any delicious add-ins you choose to include!

FAQ About Thanksgiving Breakfast Casserole

Got questions about making this Thanksgiving breakfast casserole? You’re not alone! One common query is, “Can I make this ahead of time?” Absolutely! Just prep it the night before and refrigerate overnight. Another question I hear often is, “What if I don’t have sausage?” No worries! You can swap it for bacon, ham, or even a plant-based sausage for a delicious alternative. And if you’re wondering, “Can I add veggies?” you totally can! Bell peppers, spinach, or even tomatoes make fantastic additions. Trust me, this casserole is all about making it your own!

Serving Suggestions

To really elevate your Thanksgiving breakfast casserole experience, consider pairing it with some delightful sides and beverages! Fresh fruit salad adds a refreshing touch, while crispy hash browns or roasted potatoes can round out the meal. For drinks, a warm spiced apple cider or a rich coffee makes the perfect complement. If you’re feeling fancy, why not whip up a light mimosa or a festive cranberry juice spritzer? These combinations will definitely make your Thanksgiving morning feel extra special!

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thanksgiving breakfast casserole

Thanksgiving breakfast casserole: 5 reasons to love it


  • Author: Julia marin
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

A hearty breakfast casserole perfect for Thanksgiving morning.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups cubed bread
  • 1 pound sausage, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer the bread cubes, cooked sausage, and cheese.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  4. Pour the egg mixture over the bread and sausage layers.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  6. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until set and golden brown.

Notes

  • Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
  • This casserole can be prepared a day in advance.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 220mg

Keywords: thanksgiving breakfast casserole, breakfast casserole, thanksgiving recipes

Over mij

Hoi, mijn naam is Julia. Ik ben het hart van Vihaad Recipes en een gepassioneerde liefhebber van lekker eten. Mijn liefde voor koken begon al in mijn kindertijd, geïnspireerd door de heerlijke maaltijden van mijn grootmoeder. Vandaag de dag deel ik smakelijke recepten die mensen samenbrengen door het gedeelde plezier van eten.

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