Classic Egg Casserole: A Versatile Brunch Favorite for Effortless Meal Prep

Classic Egg Casserole Recipe

Introduction

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch option that’s bursting with comforting flavors, look no further than this Classic Egg Casserole Recipe. Its combination of fluffy eggs, savory cheese, and hearty add-ins makes it a staple dish for family gatherings or holiday mornings. Easy to prepare in advance, it takes the stress out of hosting, making your mornings simpler and more delicious.

Why This Classic Egg Casserole Stands Out

What sets this egg casserole apart is its versatility and simplicity. The base of eggs and cheese provides a rich, satisfying flavor, while the customizable add-ins let you tailor it to any palate—vegetables, breakfast sausage, or ham work beautifully. The result is a warm, golden casserole that’s always inviting, no matter the occasion.

The Secret to a Perfectly Fluffy Casserole

The key to achieving that signature puffiness lies in whisking the eggs vigorously and folding in a splash of milk. This simple step aerates the mixture, promoting an ultra-light texture. For extra depth of flavor, use a sharp cheddar or a blend of your favorite cheeses, and season generously with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of nutmeg.

Layering and Baking Your Egg Casserole

Layer your chosen fillings—such as sautéed onions, bell peppers, or cooked bacon—into a greased baking dish before pouring the egg mixture over top. This ensures each bite is packed with flavor and the casserole bakes evenly. Bake until the top is lightly golden and the center is set, letting it rest a few minutes before slicing for clean, picture-perfect servings.

Serving Suggestions for Your Classic Egg Casserole

Serve this casserole as the centerpiece of your brunch buffet, paired with a crisp green salad, fresh fruit, or warm crusty bread. It’s also excellent as meal prep: simply reheat single servings for a quick, protein-packed breakfast throughout the week.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 8 generous servings. Each serving typically contains 220–260 calories depending on your mix-ins. It’s packed with protein and can easily be made lighter or richer based on the types of cheese and milk you select.

Classic Egg Casserole (Recap)

Fluffy, savory, and effortlessly satisfying, this egg casserole is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast for any occasion. Its customizable nature makes it a family favorite year after year.

Ingredients

8 large eggs
2 cups milk (whole or 2% recommended)
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups cubed day-old bread (French or sandwich bread)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cooked breakfast sausage, ham, or bacon (optional)
1 cup sautéed vegetables (onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, spinach—optional)
1 tablespoon butter (for greasing dish)
Optional: ¼ teaspoon ground mustard, pinch of nutmeg, or fresh herbs for added flavor

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

CookifyAI meal planning interface

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish. Top with your choice of cooked meat and/or vegetables.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs vigorously. Add in milk, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings (mustard, nutmeg, herbs). Whisk to combine.
  4. Stir in the shredded cheese, reserving a handful for topping.
  5. Pour the egg and cheese mixture evenly over the bread and fillings.
  6. Sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top.
  7. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the center is set and the top turns golden brown.
  8. Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Classic Egg Casserole is a game-changer for meal prep and weekly planning. Save and schedule this recipe to map out your breakfasts, quickly generate shopping lists (that combine ingredients from all your planned meals), and stress less on busy mornings.

Planning Benefits:

  • Calculates total ingredient amounts across your entire meal plan
  • Organizes your grocery list by store section for faster trips
  • Helps you avoid duplicate purchases and last-minute runs
  • Simplifies weekly meal prep and makes batching recipes a breeze

Pro tip: When scheduling your recipes in CookifyAI, overlapping ingredients (like eggs or cheese) are automatically tallied, so you buy just what you need—minimizing waste and saving money.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
(Note: Can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning for added convenience.)

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