This gluten-free breakfast casserole is a hearty and tasty dish, perfect for starting your day. It’s packed with eggs, veggies, and your favorite breakfast meats—all baked to perfection!
One of my favorite parts? It’s super easy to whip up ahead of time! Breakfast is ready to go, and I can finally hit snooze a few more times. Who wouldn’t love that? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: Eggs are the star of this casserole! They provide the structure and essential protein. If you’re avoiding eggs, consider using a chickpea flour batter mixed with water as an alternative.
Breakfast sausage: Make sure to choose gluten-free sausage. I’ve found turkey sausage can also be a lighter option. Feel free to use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist!
Bacon: Chopped bacon adds a nice crunch and flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, try turkey bacon or omit it altogether. Smoked tofu can also be a great substitute!
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but you can use any cheese you love. Try mozzarella, feta, or dairy-free cheese alternatives if you want a different flavor or need to keep it dairy-free.
Bell peppers and onions: These add great flavor and coloring. Mix things up by using spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms based on what’s in season or what you have on hand!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure My Casserole Sets Just Right?
It’s important to get the egg mixture just right so your casserole sets well. Here’s how to ensure perfect consistency:
- Whisk eggs thoroughly with milk and seasonings until well combined.
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking; an even temperature is key.
- Bake until the edges are set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. This usually takes 25-30 minutes.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Cutting too early can cause the casserole to fall apart.
Following these tips will help you achieve a beautifully set and delicious breakfast casserole! Enjoy it straight away or store leftovers for a quick meal later in the week.
Gluten Free Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 10 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (dairy or almond milk)
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (gluten-free)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped onions (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or parchment paper for prepping the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious breakfast casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes before your fantastic breakfast is ready to enjoy! Perfect for a lazy weekend morning or whenever you need a hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your casserole will bake evenly. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until it’s browned and fully cooked. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and let it drain on paper towels to get rid of any excess fat.
3. Cook the Bacon:
Next, add the chopped bacon to the same skillet. Fry it up until it’s crispy! This usually takes about 4-6 minutes. Like the sausage, remove the bacon and drain it on paper towels.
4. Sauté the Vegetables (Optional):
If you want, you can use the leftover bacon grease to sauté the chopped bell peppers and onions until they’re tender. This will add a wonderful flavor to your casserole!
5. Whisk the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper until everything is nicely combined. This is where you’ll get that delicious creamy base for your casserole!
6. Combine Meats and Veggies:
Spread the cooked sausage, crispy bacon, and any sautéed vegetables evenly at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This helps to layer the flavors beautifully.
7. Add the Egg Mixture:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top of the meat and veggies, ensuring that it covers everything nicely.
8. Sprinkle with Cheese:
Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This gives a delicious cheesy layer once baked!
9. Bake:
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. It’s ready when the eggs are fully set and the top is lightly golden.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let your gluten-free breakfast casserole cool for a few minutes. This helps everything settle. Then slice it up, serve, and enjoy a hearty, homemade breakfast!
This casserole is not just gluten-free but also totally customizable with different veggies or cheeses if you want! Enjoy a slice (or two!) and feel great about your breakfast choice!
Can I Use Egg Substitutes in This Casserole?
Yes! If you prefer to avoid eggs, you can use a chickpea flour mixture as a substitute. For every egg, combine 1 tablespoon of chickpea flour with 3 tablespoons of water, whisking until smooth. This will create a similar binding texture!
How Can I Make This Casserole Dairy-Free?
To make it dairy-free, simply substitute the milk with almond milk or any other plant-based milk of your choice. You can also use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a yummy, creamy finish!
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if you bake it straight from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Enjoy your delicious breakfast again!
