Oh, let me tell you about my love for hosting gatherings—there’s nothing like the energy of friends and family filling my home! But, wow, the stress of meal prep can be overwhelming. That’s where my go-to breakfast bake for a crowd comes in. It’s a total lifesaver! Just imagine waking up to the warm smell of baked goodness wafting through your kitchen, knowing that everyone is going to rave about breakfast without you having to slave away at the stove. This dish is not only super easy to whip up, but it also feeds a crowd, making it perfect for brunches, holidays, or even lazy Sundays. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious breakfast bake. You won’t need anything fancy, just good, hearty staples!
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed (stale bread works best for texture!)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2% for creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite blend)
- 1 cup cooked sausage, crumbled (feel free to use turkey or plant-based sausage!)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color you like)
- 1/2 cup diced onions (yellow or white adds great flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with seasoning!)
That’s it! All these ingredients come together to make a warm, comforting dish that everyone will love. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into the simple steps to whip up your breakfast bake! I promise, it’s as easy as pie—well, maybe easier. Just follow along, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it helps the bake cook evenly and rise beautifully. Trust me, you want that golden top!
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until they’re well combined. This is where you can add a good pinch of salt and pepper—don’t hold back! Seasoning your egg mixture is key to a flavorful bake, so taste it if you want to make sure it’s just right!
Step 3: Layer the Bread and Toppings
Now, grab a greased baking dish and start layering! Begin with the cubed bread, making sure it’s evenly spread out. Then, sprinkle the crumbled sausage, diced bell peppers, and onions over the bread. Even distribution is key here—every bite should be loaded with flavor!
Step 4: Pour the Egg Mixture
Time to pour! Gently drizzle the egg mixture over the layered bread and toppings, making sure to cover everything evenly. This step is crucial because it allows the bread to soak up all that deliciousness.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle your shredded cheese on top—this is where the magic happens! Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it; it’s done when the top is golden and the center is set. You want it to be fluffy, not jiggly!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let your breakfast bake cool for a few minutes. This waiting game helps the flavors meld together beautifully, making each bite even tastier. Then, slice it up and enjoy the smiles around the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to prepare, making it perfect for beginners.
- Deliciously satisfying flavors that everyone will rave about!
- Feeds a crowd, so it’s ideal for brunches or family gatherings.
- Perfect for meal prep—make it ahead and enjoy it all week!
- Versatile! Customize with your favorite veggies or proteins.
Tips for Success
To ensure your breakfast bake turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips! First, using stale bread is a game-changer—it absorbs the egg mixture better, giving you that delightful fluffy texture. If you’re short on time, you can cube and toast fresh bread for a few minutes to mimic that stale effect!
Another tip? Don’t skip the seasoning! A little salt and pepper in the egg mixture makes a world of difference in flavor. And if you want to get fancy, consider adding herbs like parsley or chives for an extra burst of freshness!
Lastly, let it cool slightly before slicing. This helps everything set and makes serving easier. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! This breakfast bake serves about 8 slices, and here’s a rough estimate of what you’re looking at per slice:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
Keep in mind these values can vary based on your specific ingredients, so it’s always good to check! Enjoy this hearty and satisfying breakfast guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about my favorite breakfast bake for a crowd:
Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! You can use sourdough, ciabatta, or even bagels. Just make sure it’s cubed and preferably a bit stale for the best texture.
How can I make this vegetarian?
Easy peasy! Just skip the sausage or swap it for your favorite plant-based protein. You can also add more veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor!
What if I want to make it ahead of time?
You can prepare it the night before! Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, pop it in the oven and you’re good to go!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Just reheat in the microwave or oven before serving. Trust me, it tastes just as good!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your delicious breakfast bake leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat slices in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This way, you’ll keep that yummy texture and flavor intact—perfect for a quick breakfast treat!
Breakfast Bakes for a Crowd: 5 Comforting Delights
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy breakfast bake that serves a crowd. Perfect for gatherings or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup cooked sausage, crumbled
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Add salt and pepper to the egg mixture.
- In a greased baking dish, layer the cubed bread.
- Spread the crumbled sausage, bell peppers, and onions over the bread.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and toppings.
- Sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden and set.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use stale bread for better texture.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: breakfast bakes for a crowd
