Deluxe Breakfast Casserole
A hearty breakfast casserole with layers of bread, ham, and cheeses, topped with crunchy cornflakes—perfect for weekend brunch or family mornings. Rich, cheesy, and satisfying.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the bread slices in the bottom of the dish.
- Add half of the ham or smoked sausage chunks over the bread.
- Place slices of American cheese over the ham or sausage.
- Layer the remaining bread slices on top.
- Add the rest of the ham or sausage chunks.
- Place Swiss cheese slices over the second layer of meat.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs and mix with milk, onion salt, and dry mustard.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the dish.
- Pour melted butter over the top.
- Sprinkle crushed cornflakes over the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of sour cream to the egg mixture. You can substitute the American cheese with cheddar for a sharper flavor. If you're looking to make this dish lighter, use low-fat milk and turkey sausage instead of ham. This casserole is also great for meal prep; prepare it the night before and let it sit in the fridge before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Deluxe Breakfast Casserole with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Spunky Spareribs for a hearty brunch or can be enjoyed on its own. Drizzle with hot sauce for an extra kick, and consider offering a variety of fresh herbs for garnish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F and cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deluxe Breakfast Casserole contains roughly 1138 calories, with 17g protein, 141g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (142% of the Daily Value), iron (134% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (87% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1002mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When you're ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.
What can I use instead of ham or sausage?
You can substitute the ham or sausage with cooked bacon, diced vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for a vegetarian option, or even leftover smoked turkey for a unique twist. Just ensure any alternative is cooked before layering it in the casserole.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole is done when it's golden brown on top and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. It should also be bubbly around the edges. If needed, you can bake it a bit longer, but keep an eye on the top to prevent it from over-browning.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).