Breakfast Casserole With Sausage and Peppers

This easy breakfast casserole recipe is a wonderful move for Christmas morning or Easter brunch, but you don’t need to save it for a holiday. It’s easy to throw together on a weekend and averages just a couple of dollars per serving, making it great for any group. Consider the recipe below a formula rather than a strict guide, with the building blocks of creamy eggs, sliced bread, shredded cheese, and plenty of add-ins.

This egg casserole takes an Italian-American angle with spicy pork sausage, piquant Romano cheese, and melty Fontina cheese (plus blistered bell peppers). But you can easily swap these out for whatever you’ve got on hand. Think sagy breakfast sausage with caramelized onions, and pepper Jack or sharp cheddar cheese, or leftover diced grilled chicken with Swiss cheese and mushrooms. You can also swap out the country bread for any gluten-free loaf (or frozen hash browns) to accommodate dietary needs.

If it’s a make-ahead breakfast casserole you’re after, this strata can be assembled up to 2 days in advance. Working last minute? That’s fine, too, but don’t rush the 20-minute soaking time, necessary for letting the bread absorb the custard. While it’s in the oven, make a batch of crispy skillet hash browns and a fresh fruit salad to serve alongside. Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. You can reheat them the next morning or enjoy them at room temperature.

Looking for more Christmas morning breakfast ideas? Our collection includes cinnamon rolls, French toast casserole, and more.