Easy Breakfast Casserole
Make this easy breakfast casserole at home with whole grains, fresh vegetables, and eggs. Perfect for meal prep and feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced into small pieces
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced thin
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 cups cubed whole grain bread, cut into ¾-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced thin
Instructions
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and wait until it shimmers slightly, about 1 minute.
- 2
Add the diced yellow onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and soft, roughly 4-5 minutes.
- 3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until the aroma becomes fragrant and pleasant.
- 4
Pour in the diced red bell pepper and sliced mushrooms, then cook while stirring frequently until the vegetables are tender and slightly browned, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- 5
Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and stir until it wilts completely, about 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- 6
Whisk together the eggs and whole milk in a large mixing bowl until well combined and slightly frothy.
- 7
Stir the shredded cheddar cheese, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and sea salt into the egg mixture until evenly distributed.
- 8
Scatter the cubed whole grain bread across the bottom of a well-oiled 9x13 inch baking dish, distributing it evenly.
- 9
Spread the cooled vegetable mixture over the bread cubes in an even layer.
- 10
Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the vegetables and bread, making sure to soak all the pieces, then gently press down with the back of a spoon.
- 11
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, so the bread can absorb the custard.
- 12
Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking.
- 13
Preheat your oven to 350°F and position the rack in the center.
- 14
Uncover the casserole and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly across the top.
- 15
Bake in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly, about 40-45 minutes.
- 16
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving, then garnish with sliced green onions and serve warm.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| whole milk | unsweetened almond milk or oat milk | Reduces calories and saturated fat while maintaining creaminess; better for those with dairy sensitivity |
| sharp cheddar cheese | reduced-fat sharp cheddar or gruyere | Lowers saturated fat and calories while keeping the savory depth from aged cheese |
| whole grain bread | sprouted grain bread or sourdough | Sprouted grain is easier to digest and has lower glycemic impact; sourdough has beneficial fermentation |
| sea salt | herb-infused salt or omit and add fresh herbs instead | Reduces sodium intake while boosting flavor through fresh herbs and aromatics |
| 8 large eggs | 6 large eggs plus 4 egg whites | Reduces cholesterol and saturated fat while maintaining protein and structure |
| 1 cup mushrooms | 1 cup mushrooms plus ½ cup diced zucchini | Adds more vegetables for fiber and nutrients with minimal calorie increase |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 6)
| Calories | 342 |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 185mg |
| Sodium | 480mg |
| Carbohydrates | 29g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Protein | 19g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
