This hearty Fireman’s Breakfast Casserole is packed with eggs, crispy bacon, and cheese—perfect for starting the day right! It’s easy to make and feed a crowd.
You can whip this up the night before and bake it in the morning. It smells amazing while cooking, and you’ll want seconds, believe me! Plus, who doesn’t love breakfast for dinner? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: Ground breakfast sausage is the star here, adding flavor and heartiness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage can work just as well.
Bell Peppers: I love using a mix of red and green bell peppers for color and taste. If you don’t have them, zucchini or spinach can be great alternatives to add moisture and flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar brings a lovely sharpness. You can switch it up with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a creamy havarti if you prefer something milder.
Milk: Whole milk makes for a creamy texture, but you can substitute it with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Just ensure you pick an unsweetened variety!
How Do I Ensure Eggs Are Perfectly Set in My Casserole?
Getting the eggs just right is vital. Here’s a simple trick: strive for a balance in your mixture. Always whisk the eggs thoroughly to incorporate air, which helps them fluff up while baking.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Check if the eggs are set but still slightly jiggly in the middle; they will continue cooking after you take them out.
- If you’re making this ahead to bake in the morning, refrigerate your mixture overnight, then bake in a preheated oven straight from the fridge. It may just take a few extra minutes.
Follow this, and you’ll have a delicious, crowd-pleasing breakfast casserole every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Fireman’s Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground breakfast sausage
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red and green)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 10 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried parsley (optional garnish)
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the baking dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole will take approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 35-40 minutes to bake. If you decide to make it the night before, just refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. It can be a great time saver in the morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Grease:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked. Use a spoon to break the sausage into small crumbles. Once done, remove it from the pan and drain any excess grease if necessary.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the diced bell peppers and onion. Sauté them for about 3–5 minutes, or until they’re softened and fragrant. This adds wonderful flavor to your casserole!
4. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until well blended. Make sure everything is combined nicely.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Add the cooked sausage, sautéed bell peppers, onion, and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese into the egg mixture. Stir everything together to ensure it’s evenly mixed.
6. Pour and Spread:
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure even cooking.
7. Add More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. This cheesy topping will melt beautifully while baking!
8. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it; the casserole is ready when the eggs are set and the top is golden and bubbly.
9. Cool and Garnish:
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If you’d like, sprinkle some dried parsley on top for a touch of color and flavor.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Cut into squares and serve warm. This casserole is perfect for breakfast or brunch and is sure to please a crowd!
Enjoy your delicious Fireman’s Breakfast Casserole!
Can I Use Turkey Sausage Instead of Pork Sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great alternative for a leaner option. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly, just like the pork sausage, to ensure it’s safe to eat.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Yes! You can omit the sausage and add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. You can also include some vegetarian sausage for added flavor and protein.
How Do I Know When the Casserole is Done?
The casserole is done when the eggs are set and the top is golden and bubbly. You can gently shake the dish; if it doesn’t jiggle in the center, it’s ready!
