Cheesy Italian Breakfast Casserole
Kickstart your day with this Cheesy Italian Breakfast Casserole, a delightful morning dish that combines the richness of crispy Italian sausage, fresh herbs, and bursts of juicy tomatoes, all enveloped in a savory custard made with eggs and cream. This dish is not only a hearty breakfast option but also a perfect make-ahead meal that can be prepared the night before for busy mornings. The layers of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese offer a tantalizingly gooey texture, while the inclusion of vibrant green onions and fresh basil adds a burst of flavor, turning your breakfast into a satisfying feast everyone will love.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rhodes bread
4 slices (cubed (approximately 4 cups))
sharp cheddar cheese
3 cups (grated)
diced tomatoes
28 ounces (drained)
Italian sausage
1 lb (browned and drained)
green onions
4 (thinly sliced)
fresh basil
1/4 cup (minced)
brown sugar
1/4 cup (none)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (none)
eggs
6 (none)
heavy whipping cream
1 1/2 cups (none)
salt and pepper
1/2 teaspoon each (to taste)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed Rhodes bread with the grated sharp cheddar cheese, drained diced tomatoes, browned Italian sausage, sliced green onions, minced basil, brown sugar, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Gently toss until the bread is evenly coated with the mixture.
3
Transfer the bread mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy whipping cream, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the bread mixture in the pan.
5
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top to form a delicious crust.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
7
Allow to cool slightly before serving to let all the flavors meld beautifully.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cheesy Italian Breakfast Casserole?
It is a hearty morning dish that combines crispy Italian sausage, fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, and bread enveloped in a savory custard made with eggs and cream.
What type of bread is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 slices of Rhodes bread, cubed to equal approximately 4 cups.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does it take to bake this casserole?
It takes between 55 and 65 minutes to bake in the preheated oven.
How do I know when the breakfast casserole is finished cooking?
The dish is done when a knife inserted into the center of the casserole comes out clean.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, this dish is a perfect make-ahead meal that can be prepared the night before for busy mornings.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What size baking pan is required?
You should use a 9x13-inch baking pan greased with cooking spray.
What kind of cheese is included in the casserole?
The recipe uses 3 cups of sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Do I need to cook the Italian sausage before adding it to the mix?
Yes, the Italian sausage should be browned and drained before being combined with the other ingredients.
What liquids are used for the egg mixture?
The custard is made by whisking together 6 eggs and 1 1/2 cups of heavy whipping cream.
Are there any sweeteners in this savory dish?
Yes, 1/4 cup of brown sugar is included to balance the savory flavors.
What fresh herbs are recommended?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of minced fresh basil and sliced green onions.
Should the diced tomatoes be drained?
Yes, ensure the 28 ounces of diced tomatoes are drained before adding them to the bread mixture.
What spices are added to the mixture?
The casserole is seasoned with dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
How is the Parmesan cheese used in this recipe?
The Parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top of the casserole just before baking to form a delicious crust.
Why should I let the casserole cool before serving?
Allowing it to cool slightly helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to slice.
What is the primary protein in this dish?
The primary proteins are Italian sausage and eggs.
Is the bread mixed with the eggs immediately?
No, you first toss the bread with the cheese, meat, and vegetables, then pour the egg mixture over the top once it is in the pan.
Can I use different types of sausage?
While the recipe specifies Italian sausage for its flavor profile, you could substitute it with breakfast sausage if preferred.
What provides the gooey texture in the dish?
The layers of sharp cheddar cheese and the egg custard create the tantalizingly gooey texture.
How much salt and pepper should I use?
The recipe recommends 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, or to taste.
Is this dish considered a breakfast bread pudding?
Yes, it shares many characteristics with a savory bread pudding due to the cubed bread and egg-custard base.
How many green onions are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 thinly sliced green onions.
What is the prep order for the ingredients?
Combine bread, cheese, tomatoes, meat, and herbs first, spread in the pan, then top with the whisked egg mixture and Parmesan.
Can this be served for dinner?
Absolutely, its hearty nature and savory Italian flavors make it a great option for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
What makes the casserole 'Italian' flavored?
The combination of Italian sausage, fresh basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese provides its Italian flair.
Is it necessary to grease the pan?
Yes, greasing the pan with cooking spray prevents the egg and cheese from sticking.
Can I use light cream instead of heavy whipping cream?
You can, though the casserole may be slightly less rich and creamy than if made with heavy whipping cream.
What should I do if the top is browning too fast?
If the Parmesan crust browns too quickly before the center is set, you can loosely cover the pan with foil for the remaining bake time.