This Paula Deen Breakfast Casserole is the quintessential make-ahead breakfast that saves your mornings without sacrificing flavor. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that perfectly blends comforting ingredients for a delightful start to any day.
Key Ingredients for Paula Deen Breakfast Casserole
- 1 pound bulk pork sausage
- 1 loaf (1 pound) white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 6 large eggs
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
How to Make Paula Deen Breakfast Casserole
This Paula Deen Breakfast Casserole is incredibly easy to assemble, making it perfect for busy mornings or leisurely weekend brunches. It’s a satisfying bake with a creamy custard that envelops fluffy bread and savory sausage, topped with a golden layer of melted cheese. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes and a baking time of 50-60 minutes, you’ll have a delicious breakfast ready in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bulk pork sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
- Prepare the Bread: In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the cubed white bread evenly. This forms the base of your casserole and will soak up the delicious custard.
- Layer the Cheese and Vegetables: Sprinkle the cooked sausage, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped onion, and chopped green bell pepper over the bread cubes. Distribute them evenly for a balanced flavor in every bite.
- Whisk the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the 6 large eggs, 3 cups milk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder until thoroughly combined. This creamy mixture is the heart of the casserole, binding all the ingredients together.
- Pour and Assemble: Carefully pour the egg and milk mixture over the ingredients in the baking dish, ensuring it saturates the bread cubes. Gently press down slightly with a spatula to help the bread absorb the liquid.
- Chill (Optional but Recommended): For best results, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a fluffier and more flavorful casserole. If time is short, skip this step and proceed to baking.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you chilled the casserole, remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and golden brown on top. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.
- Rest and Serve: Let the Paula Deen Breakfast Casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the casserole to set further, making it easier to cut and serve.
Why You’ll Love This Paula Deen Breakfast Casserole
You’ll absolutely adore this Paula Deen Breakfast Casserole for its incredibly comforting and satisfying nature. The magic lies in the perfect harmony of savory sausage, soft bread cubes, and a rich, custardy base, all topped with a golden crown of melted cheese – it’s pure breakfast bliss! Making this at home offers a fantastic cost-saving benefit compared to dining out, and the simple yet robust flavors of the cheese, onion, and bell pepper elevate it beyond a basic egg bake. It’s a dependable go-to that rivals your favorite breakfast restaurant specials, offering a warm hug in casserole form. We know you’ll fall in love with its ease and deliciousness, so why not give this Paula Deen Breakfast Casserole a try this weekend and transform your mornings?
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Leftover Paula Deen Breakfast Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it has cooled completely before sealing.
- Freezing: To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely. Cut into individual portions or leave as a whole. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
- Reheating:
- Oven: For best results, reheat individual slices or the whole casserole in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes for slices and 45-60 minutes for a whole casserole. Cover with foil if it starts to brown too quickly.
- Microwave: For a quicker reheat, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warm. Be aware that the texture might be slightly less crisp than oven-reheated.
- From Frozen: Reheat from frozen in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 1-1.5 hours, or until thoroughly heated through. Thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating is also an option for more even heating.
Final Thoughts
This Paula Deen Breakfast Casserole is a true testament to simple, delicious cooking that brings people together. It’s the perfect way to start your day with comfort and ease. We encourage you to gather your ingredients and experience this delightful dish for yourself – your mornings will thank you!
try also :
- Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
- Crockpot Beef Fajitas
- Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
- Cheesy Pumpkin Stuffed Pretzel Bites
- Find more in Pinterest
- Medium
Paula Deen Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the bulk pork sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease and set the sausage aside.1 pound bulk pork sausage
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the cubed white bread evenly. This forms the base of your casserole and will soak up the delicious custard.1 loaf white bread
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped onion, and chopped green bell pepper over the bread cubes. Distribute them evenly for a balanced flavor in every bite.1 pound bulk pork sausage, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, 1 medium onion, 1 green bell pepper
- In a large bowl, whisk together the 6 large eggs, 3 cups milk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder until thoroughly combined. This creamy mixture is the heart of the casserole, binding all the ingredients together.6 large eggs, 3 cups milk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Carefully pour the egg and milk mixture over the ingredients in the baking dish, ensuring it saturates the bread cubes. Gently press down slightly with a spatula to help the bread absorb the liquid.
- For best results, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a fluffier and more flavorful casserole. If time is short, skip this step and proceed to baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you chilled the casserole, remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and golden brown on top. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.
- Let the Paula Deen Breakfast Casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the casserole to set further, making it easier to cut and serve.