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This recipe needs a few key ingredients to shine. Here’s what you’ll need: - 8 slices of hearty whole grain bread, cut into 1-inch cubes - 1 pound of breakfast sausage, crumbled - 1 cup of vibrant bell peppers, diced (mix red, yellow, and green for visual appeal) - 1 cup of onion, finely diced - 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 8 large eggs - 2 cups of whole milk - 1 teaspoon of garlic powder - 1 teaspoon of onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a hearty and tasty dish. The bread forms the base, while the sausage adds flavor. The veggies give it color and crunch. Eggs and milk bind it all, making it rich and filling. You can tweak this casserole to match your taste. Here are some optional ingredients: - Cooked bacon or ham for extra flavor - Spinach or kale for a healthy boost - Different types of cheese, like mozzarella or pepper jack - Chopped green onions for more zing - Hot sauce for a spicy kick Adding these items can make your casserole unique. Feel free to mix and match! Don't worry if you can’t find all the ingredients. Here are some easy swaps: - Use gluten-free bread if you need a gluten-free option. - Swap breakfast sausage for turkey sausage or plant-based sausage. - Milk can be replaced with almond milk or oat milk for a non-dairy choice. - Try using dried herbs instead of onion and garlic powders for a fresh taste. These substitutions keep the dish tasty while catering to different diets. You can still enjoy the rich flavors! For the full recipe, check out Fireman’s Fiery Overnight Breakfast Casserole! Start by cooking the sausage. Set a large skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook it until it turns brown. Stir often to cook it evenly. If there is extra fat, drain it off. Let the sausage cool for a bit. Next, take a big mixing bowl. Toss in the cubed bread, cooked sausage, diced bell peppers, diced onion, and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything with a spatula until well combined. In another bowl, crack the 8 eggs. Whisk them with the milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure it is smooth. Slowly pour this egg mixture over the bread and sausage mix. Gently stir to coat every piece of bread. Now, transfer this mix into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Place it in the fridge overnight. This lets the flavors come together. The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once it’s hot, remove the cover from the casserole. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and a firm center. After baking, take it out and let it rest for 10 minutes. This makes slicing easier. Just before serving, add some chopped parsley for color. To get a perfect bake, use a good quality baking dish. Grease it well to avoid sticking. Make sure to let the casserole sit overnight. This helps the bread soak up the egg mixture fully. If you want a crispier top, bake it for the full time. You can also broil it for a minute at the end. Just watch it closely! You can prepare this casserole the night before. Start by following the full recipe. Once you've mixed all the ingredients and placed them in the baking dish, cover it tightly. This helps the bread soak up the egg mixture overnight. When morning comes, just pop it in the oven. This saves you time and stress on busy mornings. This casserole pairs well with fresh fruit. You can serve it with berries, melon, or citrus for a bright touch. A side of yogurt adds creaminess and protein. Consider adding a light salad for a fresh crunch. You can also serve it with coffee or tea to round out the meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the best results. Just cover it with foil to keep it moist. You can also microwave individual portions for quick meals. Enjoy this savory dish on another busy morning or even for lunch! {{image_4}} You can easily make this casserole vegetarian. Replace the breakfast sausage with sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Both options add great flavor and texture. You can even use a mix of your favorite veggies like zucchini or asparagus. This way, you keep it hearty and delicious without meat. Cheese is key in this dish. While sharp cheddar shines, you can mix it up. Try using mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for a kick. Feta cheese adds a nice tang. If you want something creamy, go for cream cheese. Each choice changes the flavor and texture. If you like heat, add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce. You can also sprinkle in some chili powder or cayenne pepper. These spices enhance the dish's warmth. For a smoky flavor, consider adding chipotle powder. These spicy options will make your casserole extra exciting and bold. For the full recipe, check out Fireman’s Fiery Overnight Breakfast Casserole . To store leftover casserole, let it cool first. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also use an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. Cut the casserole into portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. Label each packet with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, take the casserole out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until hot. For a nice top, take off the foil for the last 5 minutes. Enjoy your meal! For the complete cooking process, check out the Full Recipe. Yes, you can prepare this casserole the night before. In fact, this recipe shines when you let it sit overnight. The flavors blend well, making each bite tasty. Just follow the instructions and refrigerate it before baking. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to put them in an airtight container. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to three months. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge before reheating. Absolutely! You can use different types of bread. French bread, sourdough, or even gluten-free bread work well. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to soak up the egg mixture without getting too soggy. You can serve fresh fruit, yogurt, or a light salad. A side of crispy bacon or sausage links also pairs nicely. If you want a drink, consider fresh juice or coffee to complete your meal. The Fireman’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole offers numerous ways to enjoy breakfast. You learned about key ingredients and how to customize your dish. I shared steps to prepare and cook it perfectly. Tips for busy mornings, serving ideas, and best practices for leftovers will help you out. With various options and storage advice, this casserole fits any routine. Try it your way and enjoy a delicious meal that’s easy to make and share.

Fireman’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Start your morning with a delicious twist using Fireman’s Fiery Overnight Breakfast Casserole! This hearty dish combines savory breakfast sausage, colorful bell peppers, and gooey cheddar cheese, all baked to perfection. With easy prep the night before, you can enjoy tender, flavorful slices in the morning. Click through to discover this mouthwatering recipe that will fire up your breakfast routine and impress everyone at the table!
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Ingredients
  

8 slices of hearty whole grain bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 pound of breakfast sausage, crumbled

1 cup of vibrant bell peppers, diced (mix red, yellow, and green for visual appeal)

1 cup of onion, finely diced

2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

8 large eggs

2 cups of whole milk

1 teaspoon of garlic powder

1 teaspoon of onion powder

1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the crumbled breakfast sausage. Cook it thoroughly until browned, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. If there is excess fat, drain it off before setting the sausage aside to cool slightly.

    In a substantial mixing bowl, combine the cubed whole grain bread, the cooled cooked sausage, diced bell peppers, diced onion, and 1 ½ cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Use a spatula to mix all the ingredients together until they’re well combined.

      In a separate mixing bowl, crack open the 8 large eggs and whisk them together with the milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.

        Gradually pour the egg mixture over the bread and sausage mixture. Gently stir to ensure every piece of bread is coated with the egg mixture, creating a uniform combination.

          Transfer this delightful mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly for uniform cooking. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

            The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, remove the cover from the casserole and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.

              Bake the casserole uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the center is set, and the top has turned a beautiful golden brown and is bubbly.

                Once cooked, take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for approximately 10 minutes. This resting time will help it set further and make slicing easier. Just before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes | Servings: 8

                    - Presentation Tips: For an inviting presentation, serve the casserole slices on individual plates, garnished with extra parsley and a side of fresh fruit to brighten up the dish.