Thanksgiving morning can feel hectic, with so much to prepare for the big feast. Imagine waking up to the delightful aroma of a delicious, ready-to-bake breakfast, giving you more time to relax or focus on dinner. Discover our fantastic make-ahead Thanksgiving breakfast casserole, designed to simplify your holiday morning. It’s the perfect stress-free solution, feeding a crowd effortlessly and ensuring a festive start to your day. This hearty dish is truly a holiday game-changer!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Breakfast Casserole
This delightful dish is more than just a meal; it’s a holiday morning lifesaver. You will absolutely adore making this incredible Thanksgiving breakfast casserole for so many reasons, making your festive season smoother and tastier.
- Effortless Overnight Prep: Assemble the entire casserole the night before Thanksgiving. This saves you precious time and reduces stress when the busy holiday morning arrives.
- Stress-Free Morning: Simply pop it into the oven when you wake up. You can enjoy your coffee and prepare for the day while your delicious breakfast bakes.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: With savory sausage, rich eggs, and gooey cheese, this casserole has universal appeal. It satisfies diverse tastes, ensuring everyone at your table finds something to love.
- Hearty & Filling: Packed with protein and carbohydrates, this substantial breakfast keeps hunger at bay. It provides sustained energy, preparing everyone for a day of holiday festivities.
- Customizable Recipe: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Feel free to swap meats, cheeses, or add your favorite vegetables.
- Festive Tradition: This flavorful casserole offers a wonderful way to begin your Thanksgiving celebrations. It can quickly become a cherished new holiday tradition for your family.
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Breakfast Casserole
Gather these simple, wholesome ingredients to create your irresistible Thanksgiving breakfast casserole. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of comforting flavor that your family will adore.
- Stale bread cubes: 8 cups (sourdough, brioche, or French bread work best for texture and absorption)
- Breakfast sausage: 1 pound (turkey or plant-based sausage, cooked and crumbled)
- Large eggs: 12
- Milk: 2 cups (whole or 2% milk adds richness)
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (enhances the creamy texture)
- Shredded cheese: 2 cups (sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack are excellent choices)
- Onion: 1 small, diced (adds aromatic depth)
- Bell pepper: 1 medium, diced (any color, optional, for freshness and color)
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
- Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adjust this recipe to fit your preferences or what you have on hand. These thoughtful substitutions help you customize your Thanksgiving breakfast casserole perfectly.
- Bread: Instead of sourdough, try challah, French bread, or even stale bagels for different textures. Lightly toast fresh bread if you don’t have stale on hand.
- Meat: Substitute the sausage with cooked turkey bacon (crumbled), vegetarian sausage links, or omit it entirely for a simpler version.
- Cheese: Experiment with Gruyère, Colby Jack, Swiss, or a blend of your favorite cheeses for varied flavors.
- Dairy: For a lighter option, use half-and-half in place of heavy cream. Non-dairy milk alternatives work well, though they may alter the richness slightly.
- Veggies: Boost the nutrition and flavor by adding sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, or finely chopped kale.
- Seasoning: Elevate the spices with a pinch of paprika, a dash of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, or a touch of dried sage for a more savory, holiday-inspired taste.
Equipment Needed
Having the right tools makes assembling your Thanksgiving breakfast casserole a breeze. You likely already own most of these kitchen essentials, simplifying your preparation process.
- 9×13 inch baking dish: A standard size, perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Large mixing bowls: Two bowls, one for the egg mixture and one for mixing ingredients.
- Whisk: Essential for thoroughly combining the eggs and dairy.
- Large skillet: For cooking the breakfast sausage and sautéing vegetables.
- Cutting board and knife: For dicing the onion and bell pepper.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
How to Make Thanksgiving Breakfast Casserole
Preparing this delightful Thanksgiving breakfast casserole is surprisingly straightforward, especially with its make-ahead design. Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to create a memorable and stress-free holiday breakfast. This method ensures perfect results every time.
- Prep Your Dish: Begin by generously greasing your 9×13 inch baking dish. This crucial step prevents sticking and makes serving and cleanup much easier.
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your chosen breakfast sausage. Crumble it as it cooks until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat thoroughly from the skillet.
- Sauté Veggies: Add the diced onion and bell pepper (if using) to the same skillet. Sauté them over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, until they soften and become fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Layer the Bread: Arrange the stale bread cubes evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. They should form a relatively flat layer, filling the dish without being overly packed.
- Add Your Fillings: Evenly sprinkle the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables over the bread cubes. Next, distribute 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheese over these layers.
- Whisk the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the large eggs, milk, and heavy cream until well combined. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the Liquid: Carefully and evenly pour the egg mixture over all the layered ingredients in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to ensure all the cubes are soaked.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in the refrigerator to chill for a minimum of 8 hours, and up to 12 hours. This soaking time is key for a tender, flavorful casserole.
- Preheat Oven: The next morning, remove your Thanksgiving breakfast casserole from the refrigerator. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake Casserole: Uncover the dish and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, golden brown on top, and the center is set. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent it with foil.
- Rest Before Serving: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the internal structure to set, making for cleaner slices.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese over the hot casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking, or immediately after removing from the oven. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before slicing and serving your magnificent Thanksgiving breakfast casserole.
Pro Tips for Success
Making this amazing Thanksgiving breakfast casserole is easy, and these simple pro tips will ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time. From prep to bake, these small details make a big difference in achieving a delicious and well-textured breakfast.
- Use Slightly Stale Bread: Stale bread absorbs the egg mixture much better than fresh bread. This prevents a soggy casserole and ensures a delightful, custard-like texture.
- Don’t Overmix Egg Mixture: Whisk the eggs, milk, and seasonings just until combined. Overmixing can introduce too much air, which can sometimes lead to a tougher texture.
- Ensure Sausage is Fully Drained: After cooking, thoroughly drain any grease from the sausage. Excess fat can make the casserole greasy and impact its overall texture and flavor.
- Allow Proper Chilling Time: The overnight chill is non-negotiable for this recipe. It allows the bread to fully soak up the egg mixture, creating a tender, flavorful interior and preventing dryness.
- Cover with Foil to Prevent Over-Browning: If you notice the top browning too quickly during baking, loosely tent the casserole with aluminum foil. This protects the crust while the inside cooks through.
- Check Internal Temperature: For certainty, an inserted meat thermometer should read 160-165°F (71-74°C) in the center.
The USDA recommends cooking egg dishes like casseroles to a safe minimum internal temperature of 160°F (71.1°C) to ensure they are safe to eat.
This confirms your Thanksgiving breakfast casserole is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Let It Rest for Easier Slicing: Resting the casserole for 10 minutes after baking helps the custard set. This makes slicing neat and keeps your portions intact.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
This versatile Thanksgiving breakfast casserole is fantastic on its own, but also pairs beautifully with other dishes. Knowing how to store and reheat it, along with exploring variations, helps you enjoy it even more.
- Serve With: Enhance your breakfast experience by serving slices with a side of hot sauce, tangy salsa, or a fresh fruit salad. A dollop of sour cream or avocado slices also makes a delightful addition.
- Leftovers: Any remaining casserole should be refrigerated promptly in an airtight container within two hours of baking. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: For individual portions, microwave until warmed through. To reheat the entire casserole, cover it with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated, about 20-30 minutes.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes wonderfully, both unbaked and baked. Wrap it tightly in foil and then plastic wrap. Unbaked, it lasts 1-2 months; baked, it lasts up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
Variations
Get creative with your classic Thanksgiving breakfast casserole by trying these exciting variations:
- Sweet Casserole: Transform it into a sweet treat using cinnamon rolls or brioche, adding fruit like berries, and finishing with a simple cream cheese glaze.
- Vegetarian: Omit the meat entirely and load up on extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and roasted red peppers.
- Mediterranean: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fresh spinach for a flavorful twist.
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to introduce a pleasant heat.
- Potato Base: Replace the bread cubes with a layer of hash browns or diced cooked potatoes for a heartier, gluten-friendly alternative.
Nutrition Information
Understanding the nutritional aspects of your Thanksgiving breakfast casserole can help you make informed choices. While delicious, this hearty dish is designed to be substantial.
Disclaimer: Nutritional values provided are estimates only and can vary significantly based on specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving, estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-550 |
| Protein | 25-35g |
| Fat | 30-40g |
| Carbohydrates | 20-30g |
You can often reduce fat and calories by using leaner sausage, skim milk, and reduced-fat cheese. Consider adding more vegetables for increased fiber and nutrients.
Thanksgiving Breakfast Casserole FAQs
These common questions will help you perfect your Thanksgiving breakfast casserole and troubleshoot any issues. Preparing this dish is straightforward with these expert answers.
Can I prepare this casserole without chilling overnight?
Yes, you technically can bake it right away, but overnight chilling allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture. This results in a superior texture and prevents your casserole from being dry or having an eggy consistency.
What if my casserole is too runny after baking?
A runny casserole usually indicates underbaking. Return it to the oven and bake longer, checking every 10-15 minutes, until the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean.
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale?
While stale bread is ideal, you can use fresh bread if you lightly toast it first. Toasting helps dry it out, allowing it to absorb the egg mixture better and preventing a soggy Thanksgiving breakfast casserole texture.
How do I prevent the top from browning too quickly?
If the top starts to brown excessively before the inside is cooked, cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil. Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking to ensure a golden finish.
What are some ideal toppings for serving?
Beyond the parsley garnish, consider a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh avocado slices, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce, or a sprinkle of fresh chives. Even a spoonful of cranberry sauce offers a delightful contrast.
Conclusion
Embrace a truly relaxed and joyful Thanksgiving morning this year with our ultimate make-ahead Thanksgiving breakfast casserole. This recipe is designed to save you precious time and effort, freeing you up to savor the holiday spirit with loved ones. It’s a delicious, satisfying, and memorable dish that promises to fuel everyone for a day of festivities. Make this wonderful Thanksgiving breakfast casserole a new, cherished holiday tradition for your family for years to come!
The Ultimate Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Breakfast Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Whisk
- Cutting Board
- Knife
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 large Eggs
- 2 cups Milk
- 6 slices Bread stale, cubed
- 1 lb Breakfast Sausage cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 1/2 Onion chopped
- 1/2 Bell Pepper chopped
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dry Mustard
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet until browned, then drain any excess fat and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and dry mustard until well combined.
- Add the cubed bread, cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and shredded cheese to the egg mixture, stirring gently to combine.
- Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours, to allow the bread to soak up the egg mixture.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and remove the casserole from the refrigerator, letting it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 50-60 minutes, or until golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.