Breakfast casseroles are the best! I love recipes that don’t require getting up early, especially for guests.
How to Make Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole
Step #1: Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Remove the pan from the heat. That’s the beauty of a strata, which inspired this dish. It’s simple: bread cubes, onions, and cheese soaked in egg and milk. Let it sit overnight, then bake it while you enjoy your coffee. If you’re looking for more veggie breakfast casserole recipe, check out this casserole or try other favorites like my Easy Cheesy Overnight Italian Strata. Whole Milk – Keeps the bake moist and creamy without being too heavy. Cayenne Pepper – Just enough heat to give the dish a little kick. For a full list of ingredients and amounts, see the recipe card below. Replace Eggs with Tofu – For a vegan alternative, crumbled tofu seasoned with nutritional yeast and turmeric can replace eggs. Swap Pepper Jack Cheese with Other Cheese – You can easily replace the pepper jack with feta cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, or even vegan cheese. Step #2: Layer half of the cubed bread into a buttered 3-quart oven-safe baking dish. Scatter half of the onion mixture on top of the bread, followed by half of the grated cheese. Repeat with a second layer of bread, onion, and cheese. Step #3: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Pour the egg mixture over the bread layers. Use the back of a wooden spoon or spatula to press the bread down until entirely submerged under the egg mixture. Cover and chill for two hours or overnight. Step #4: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Bake, uncovered, for 60 to 75 minutes, until the eggs have set, and the top is browned and bubbling. Step #5: Serve with pico de gallo, sour cream, and hot sauce. Grease the Dish Well – Be generous with butter or oil when greasing the dish to prevent sticking and make serving easier. Check for Doneness – Insert a knife in the center. If it comes out clean, the casserole is ready. This keeps you from serving undercooked eggs. To reheat, thaw frozen slices overnight in the fridge first. Then, use the microwave in 30-second bursts, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or warm in a large skillet for 5 minutes per side.
