Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole

1. Prepare the Bread Layer

Spread the bread cubes evenly in a greased casserole dish. Set it aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced peppers, sliced ​​mushrooms, and broccoli florets. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and the liquid from the mushrooms has evaporated. It takes about 5-7 minutes.

Add the minced garlic.  Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano or thyme.

3. Layer the Dish

Spread the sautéed vegetable mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Sprinkle half of the grated cheese on top.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and salt, as well as pepper to taste. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and vegetables. Press lightly with a spatula so that the bread absorbs the liquid. Cover it with cling film and refrigerate overnight (or at least 1 hour).

4. Bake

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Remove the cling film and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 40-45 minutes or until it is set in the centre and golden brown on top.

5. Serve

Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy your Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole.

Tips for Perfect Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole

Here are some tips to make your casserole dish even more delicious:

Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread will absorb the egg mixture better and prevent the casserole from becoming soggy. If your bread is fresh, lightly toast the cubes before assembling the dish.

Sauté Vegetables: Sautéing your vegetables (peppers, mushrooms, and broccoli) before assembling the casserole enhances their flavour and removes excess moisture. This step prevents the dish from becoming watery when baking.

Grease the Baking Dish: Thoroughly coat your baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Distribute the Egg Mixture Evenly: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and vegetables, making sure to cover everything to create a cohesive bake. Using a spatula, gently press the bread into the egg mixture to make it easier to absorb.

Let the Casserole Rest: Let the finished casserole rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or, better, overnight. This helps the bread absorb the egg mixture, creating a more even consistency.

Variations to Try

Here are some delicious variations you can try to put your own spin on your Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole:

Zucchini or Spinach: Grated zucchini or coarsely chopped spinach make excellent additions.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes: For a touch of sweetness, dice and roast sweet potatoes before adding them to the casserole.

Dairy-Free Version: Swap the milk for unsweetened almond milk or oat milk. Use dairy-free cheese or omit it altogether and add more vegetables for texture.

Bread Alternatives: Replace the bread with cooked quinoa or cooked rice for a gluten-free option.

Storage Suggestion

Here are some tips to keep your Breakfast Casserole fresh:

In the Fridge: Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering it tightly with cling film or transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Reheating: Heat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. For larger portions, reheat in the oven at 160°C (325°F) for about 15-20 minutes.

In the Freezer: Allow the casserole to cool completely. Cut it into individual portions for easier reheating. Wrap each portion tightly in cling film and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze it for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat as described above.

Related Recipes

Looking for more simple yet delicious recipes to incorporate vegetables? Check out the following recipes:

Baked Cauliflower

Baked Tortilla Recipe

Creamy Mushroom Tortilla Bake

Conclusion

This vegetarian breakfast casserole is a great way to enjoy a comforting and nutritious meal with minimal effort. With the flexibility to customize it to your tastes and the convenience of making it in advance, it’s certain to become a breakfast favourite in your household. It goes straight from the fridge to the oven and is a simple yet satisfying way to start the day!