Easy Italian Bread and Egg Casserole

why make this recipe

Italian Bread Egg Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. It’s easy to prepare, and you can use a variety of ingredients based on your preferences. This recipe is not only filling but also brings together the wonderful flavors of Italian bread, cheese, and savory meats, making it a hit with family and friends.

how to make Italian Bread Egg Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of Italian bread, cubed
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (red and green)
• 1 cup diced cooked sausage or pancetta
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
3. Add the cubed Italian bread, mozzarella cheese, bell peppers, sausage or pancetta, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
4. Mix everything until well combined and pour into the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

how to serve Italian Bread Egg Casserole

Italian Bread Egg Casserole is best served warm. You can enjoy it on its own or with a side of fresh fruit, a light salad, or some crispy bacon. This dish is also great for meal prep, so you can make it ahead of time and reheat it for busy mornings.

how to store Italian Bread Egg Casserole

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely and then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

tips to make Italian Bread Egg Casserole

• Use stale bread for the best texture. If your bread is fresh, leave it out for a few hours to dry out a bit.
• Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or onions for added flavor and nutrients.
• You can substitute the Italian sausage or pancetta with cooked bacon or ham if you prefer.

variation

You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and adding more vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach. You can also experiment with different cheeses, like cheddar or feta, for a unique twist on this classic dish.

FAQs

1. Can I make the casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before. Just cover it and refrigerate it, then bake it the next morning.

2. Can I use other types of bread?
Absolutely! While Italian bread is traditional, you can use French bread, sourdough, or even whole wheat bread.

3. What can I serve with this dish?
Italian Bread Egg Casserole pairs well with fruit, yogurt, or a light salad. You can also serve it with a side of breakfast meats like bacon or sausage.

Italian Bread Egg Casserole

A delicious and hearty Italian bread egg casserole, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, made with flavorful ingredients.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 1 loaf Italian bread, cubed Use stale bread for best texture.
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (red and green) Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or onions.
• 1 cup diced cooked sausage or pancetta Can substitute with cooked bacon or ham.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• to taste Salt and pepper

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
• Add the cubed Italian bread, mozzarella cheese, bell peppers, sausage or pancetta, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
• Mix everything until well combined and pour into the prepared baking dish.

Baking

• Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Best served warm. Enjoy on its own or with a side of fresh fruit, salad, or crispy bacon. Great for meal prep!

Keyword Breakfast Casserole, Casserole, Egg Casserole, Hearty Dish, Italian Bread