My first introduction to breakfast casserole was at The Hubby’s cousin’s house many years ago on Christmas morning. The family gathers every year to swap last minute presents and share breakfast dishes. It’s just not Christmas morning if Cousin C. doesn’t make this hearty brunch fix.
As the Minions were growing up, our Christmas morning tradition was always making sure the coffee pot was primed and ready to go in those wee holiday hours. Christmas dinner was and is the main meal of the day, so we generally eat on the “lighter” side–a cinnamon roll, a piece of toast, or quick-fix of eggs and bacon.
Christmas Eve’s eats, however, is long-established–assorted sliced sausages, cubed cheeses, and a loaf or two of crusty bread to dip in olive oil, balsamic vinegars, and seasonings. We basically nosh our way through classic Christmas shows and movies, waiting for the man in the red suit to shove himself down the chimney.
This morning, a couple hunks of leftover crusty bread from Christmas eve peeked out from beneath the Christmas tree cookie jar on the counter. What to do with you? French toast? Nah…too sweet. Cousin C.’s savory breakfast casserole it is!
Our breakfast casserole has a twist though…green chilies! We learned to love these zesty chilies from our Coast Guard tour along the dribbling Rio Grande in El Paso many years ago. Canned, diced green chilies give this brunch item a vinegary zip, which helps cut through the rich egg, cheese and sausage flavors. (Pimento would be tasty too.)
Most traditional breakfast casserole recipes use toasted white sandwich bread. While completely tasty, I found using cubed, day-old bread from a baguette or french loaf gives this dish a heartier texture. It also soaks up the egg and milk mixture quicker, cutting down on an overnight soak.
But, if you’re planning ahead, definitely put the prepared casserole in your chill chest for an overnight nap. Just let the pan rest on the counter as your oven comes up to temp. Then cook as given below. You’ll want to make sure the casserole is set before serving…insert a knife in the center of the casserole. If it comes out clean, your dish is ready to dish up.
With every recipe, mix it up to suit your tastes. Substitute with cheeses like mild or white cheddar, Monterrey Jack or Pepper Jack. Try spicy or sage breakfast sausage or maybe a little crispy bacon too. My recipe is spiced up with the traditional ground mustard, with dashes of garlic and onion powder thrown in. But by all means add in other spices like ground cumin or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Here’s to the holidays and spending time with those we love!
PrintSausage & Green Chile Breakfast Casserole
Breakfast sausage, eggs, bread, cheddar cheese and green chilies. The most important meal of the day is served in one, easy-to-fix casserole. This recipe is a great use for day-old french bread!
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 50 Minutes
- Total Time: About 1 Hour
- Yield: 8 Servings 1x
Ingredients
1 lb. breakfast sausage
2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
4 large eggs, beaten
1 tsp. ground mustard
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. salt (kosher, table or sea)
6 cups day-old french bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 (4 oz.) cans diced green chilies
1–1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Paprika
Sliced green onions, for garnish
Your favorite hot sauce (if desired)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9-X 13-inch baking dish. Set aside.
Cook breakfast sausage over medium-heat until meat is no longer pink and is crumbly. Drain sausage.
In a large bowl, whisk milk, eggs, mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt together. Stir in sausage, bread cubes, green chilies, and shredded cheddar cheese until evenly combined. Pour into prepared baking pan. Sprinkle with paprika. Cover.*
Bake casserole, covered, for 40-45 minutes. Remove cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes to brown the top. Serve immediately with sliced green onions and hot sauce if desired.
Notes
*Breakfast casserole can be refrigerated overnight and baked the next day. Remove from refrigerator as oven is heating. Bake according to recipe. Casserole should be browned and set.
IMNPB
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