Hearty Cowboy Breakfast Bake
Kickstart your day with this Hearty Cowboy Breakfast Bake! Perfect for busy mornings, this dish can be prepared the night before, allowing the rich flavors to meld together. Featuring layers of savory breakfast meats, hearty bread, and a cheesy egg custard, it's a filling meal that will please both the traditionalist and the adventurous eater. Whether you're a cowboy at heart or simply someone who loves a robust breakfast, this casserole is easily customizable. Add your favorite vegetables or switch up the meats for a unique spin. Gather around the table and enjoy a hearty breakfast that feeds a crowd without any morning stress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bread
12 slices (Any type of bread, cut into slices.)
Colby or American Cheese
2 cups or 16 slices (Shredded or sliced cheese.)
Ham or Breakfast Sausage
1 lb (Chopped into small pieces.)
Sour Cream or Yogurt
8 ounces (Plain, either can be used.)
Eggs
6 large (Beaten.)
Ground Mustard
1 teaspoon (Dried.)
Salt
to taste (Add as per preference.)
Black Pepper
to taste (Add as per preference.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
3
Layer the bottom of the dish with 8 slices of bread, ensuring the entire base is covered.
4
Sprinkle half of the cheese evenly over the bread.
5
Distribute the chopped ham or sausage over the cheese layer evenly. Feel free to mix in any other favorite breakfast meats.
6
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream (or yogurt), ground mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
7
Pour the egg mixture over the meat and cheese layers, making sure it seeps through.
8
Top with the remaining cheese and layer on the final 8 slices of bread, pressing down lightly to allow the egg mixture to absorb.
9
Optionally, spray the top layer of bread with butter-flavored cooking spray or spread a thin layer of softened butter for added richness.
10
Cover the casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld.
11
In the morning, uncover and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the casserole is set and golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean or with melted cheese, but not with wet egg.
12
Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing, and serve warm for a hearty breakfast feast.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hearty Cowboy Breakfast Bake?
It is a robust breakfast casserole featuring layers of bread, savory meats like ham or sausage, and a cheesy egg custard.
Can I prepare this breakfast bake in advance?
Yes, it is designed to be prepared the night before and refrigerated to allow the flavors to meld.
How many slices of bread are required?
The recipe calls for approximately 12 to 16 slices of bread to create the top and bottom layers.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
Colby or American cheese is recommended, and it can be used either shredded or in slices.
Can I substitute sour cream?
Yes, plain yogurt is a perfect substitute for sour cream in the egg mixture.
How many eggs are needed for the Hearty Cowboy Breakfast Bake?
The recipe requires 6 large eggs, which should be beaten before mixing with other ingredients.
What seasonings are used?
The custard is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of ground mustard, plus salt and black pepper to taste.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the casserole.
What size baking dish should I use?
A standard 9x13-inch baking dish is required for this recipe.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, ensure you grease the 9x13-inch baking dish before you begin layering the ingredients.
How do I layer the bread?
Start with a layer of bread on the bottom, then finish with a final layer of bread on top of the cheese and meat.
What meat options can I use?
You can use 1 pound of chopped ham, breakfast sausage, or a mixture of your favorite breakfast meats.
How do I prepare the egg custard?
Whisk together the eggs, sour cream (or yogurt), ground mustard, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
Should I press down on the top layer of bread?
Yes, press down lightly on the final layer of bread to allow it to absorb the egg mixture.
What should I do before refrigerating the casserole?
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator overnight.
How long does it take to bake in the morning?
The casserole should bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour until set and golden brown.
How can I tell if the casserole is fully cooked?
A knife inserted into the center should come out clean or with melted cheese, without any wet egg.
Can I add vegetables to this breakfast bake?
Absolutely, the recipe is customizable; you can add peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
How long should the casserole cool before serving?
Let the dish cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven to make slicing easier.
Is this recipe suitable for feeding a crowd?
Yes, this 9x13-inch casserole is specifically designed to feed a crowd without morning stress.
Can I add richness to the top bread layer?
Yes, you can spray the top with butter-flavored cooking spray or spread a thin layer of softened butter.
Can I use different types of bread?
Yes, any type of bread can be used, though sturdier breads often hold up better in casseroles.
Is the ground mustard essential?
Ground mustard adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor that complements the eggs and cheese.
Should I uncover the dish before baking?
Yes, remove the plastic wrap before placing the casserole in the preheated oven.
Can I use pre-sliced cheese?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 2 cups of shredded cheese or 16 slices of cheese.
What is the first step of assembly?
The first step is layering the bottom of the dish with bread slices to cover the entire base.
Can I use spicy sausage for a kick?
Yes, using spicy breakfast sausage is a great way to customize the heat level of the dish.
Does the custard need to seep through the layers?
Yes, when pouring the egg mixture, ensure it seeps through the meat and cheese layers for even cooking.
Is this a good recipe for holiday mornings?
It is ideal for holidays because the overnight preparation saves time during busy mornings.
What texture should the finished bake have?
The finished bake should be set and golden brown on top with a moist, cheesy interior.