Breakfast casseroles are a fantastic way to start your day with a hearty and delicious meal. They’re perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead. In this recipe, we’ll explore three different easy breakfast casserole recipes, including a fun twist on the classic Crunchwrap. These casseroles are simple to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Let’s get cookin’!
Ingredients for Classic Breakfast Casserole:
- 6 slices of bread, cubed
- 1 pound of breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- Optional: chopped vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, and spinach)
Ingredients for Southwest Breakfast Casserole:
- 6 slices of bread, cubed
- 1 pound of chorizo sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
- Optional: diced jalapeños, chopped cilantro
Ingredients for Crunchwrap Breakfast Casserole:
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 1 pound of ground breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 6 eggs
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of frozen hash browns, thawed
- Optional: diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, sour cream for serving
How to Make Classic Breakfast Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the cubed bread in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage and shredded cheese over the bread.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread, sausage, and cheese in the baking dish.
- Bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Make Southwest Breakfast Casserole:
- Follow the same instructions as the Classic Breakfast Casserole, but use chorizo sausage instead of breakfast sausage.
- Add the drained black beans and shredded pepper jack cheese to the layers before pouring the egg mixture over the top.
- Bake as directed for the Classic Breakfast Casserole.
How to Make Crunchwrap Breakfast Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Line the bottom of the baking dish with four of the flour tortillas, overlapping slightly to cover the bottom.
- Spread the cooked sausage over the tortillas, then sprinkle the hash browns evenly over the sausage.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Pour the egg mixture over the hash browns.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the egg mixture.
- Cover the casserole with the remaining two tortillas, folding and tucking the edges to fit.
- Bake the casserole for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the tortillas are golden brown.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Bread/Tortillas: The bread or tortillas serve as the base of the casserole, providing a hearty foundation for the other ingredients.
- Sausage/Chorizo: The sausage or chorizo adds savory flavor and protein to the casserole.
- Cheese: Cheese adds richness and creaminess to the casserole. Cheddar, pepper jack, or your favorite cheese can be used.
- Eggs: Eggs help bind the casserole together and add protein.
- Milk: Milk adds moisture and richness to the casserole.
- Spices: Spices like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (for the Classic), as well as chili powder and cumin (for the Southwest), add flavor and depth to the dish.
- Optional Ingredients: Vegetables, beans, and other optional ingredients can be added to customize the casserole to your taste.
9. Serve the Crunchwrap Breakfast Casserole hot, with diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, and sour cream on the side if desired.
These easy breakfast casseroles are perfect for a weekend brunch or a make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings. They’re versatile, customizable, and sure to be a hit with the whole family. Enjoy!