A Make ahead breakfast recipe to freeze
Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole
Regarding breakfast options, few dishes offer the convenience and comfort of a make-ahead breakfast casserole. Prepping one not only helps streamline morning routines but also provides hearty and nutritious meals to start the day off right. This delicious make-ahead breakfast idea got rave reviews in my house and was really easy peasy. Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole can be one of many freezer breakfast recipes and favorite breakfast recipes your entire family will crave the entire week.
Benefits of an Easy-Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole
Time-Saving Solutions for Busy Mornings
In our fast-paced world, it can be almost impossible to make a savory breakfast during busy weekday mornings. However, make-ahead breakfast casseroles offer a practical solution, allowing busy individuals to enjoy a hot and satisfying meal without the hassle of extensive morning prep. It’s also a great option for a Saturday or Sunday morning.
Convenience of Make-Ahead Meals
Imagine waking up to the aroma of a freshly baked breakfast casserole, knowing that minimal effort is required to transform it from oven to plate. Make-ahead breakfasts provide the ultimate convenience, freeing up valuable time for other tasks or simply a few extra minutes of relaxation.
Nutritious Options for a Hearty Breakfast
Contrary to the stereotype of quick and easy breakfasts, the options are typically lacking in nutritional value, make-ahead breakfast casseroles can be packed with wholesome ingredients. From protein-rich eggs and sausage to calcium-packed cheese, these casseroles offer a healthy breakfast and a well-rounded start to the day.
Freezer-Friendly for Easy Meal Prep
For those who like to plan, make-ahead breakfast casseroles are a game-changer. By preparing and freezing casseroles in advance, individuals can stock their freezers with delicious meals and delicious recipes that are ready to be thawed, reheated, and enjoyed at a moment’s notice.
Essential Ingredients for Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole
Main Ingredients
Biscuit Dough
The humble biscuit dough is at the heart of this savory delight, providing a comforting base for the flavorful layers above. This version of a Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole uses canned biscuits, I use Grands, but if you want to whip up your own biscuits, that’s a great way to add a personalized flair to the most important meal of the day. Need a biscuit recipe: Here’s my Montana Style Biscuits recipe
Whole Eggs
Eggs serve as a binding agent and a source of protein, adding richness and texture to the casserole. You can use egg whites for a lighter version, but you’ll need to use about 12 egg whites to equal the 6 whole eggs.
Peppered Gravy Mix
The secret to the signature flavor of biscuits and gravy lies in the peppery richness of the gravy mix, infusing the entire casserole with warmth and depth.
Pork Sausage
No biscuits and gravy casserole would be complete without the savory goodness of pork breakfast sausage, adding robust flavor and satisfying protein. If you are looking for healthy ingredients and another way to lighten this dish up try your favorite sausage, such as turkey sausage or vegetable-based sausages.
Cheese
A generous sprinkling of cheese not only contributes to creamy indulgence but also enhances the overall decadence of the dish. I recommend cheddar, pepper jack, cheddar jack, or a Colby jack.
*Cheese is a great option, but leaving it out is fair game as well.
Milk
Milk serves personally as the best way to enrich the egg mixture, ensuring a velvety texture and creamy consistency throughout the casserole. If you are looking for an alternative, use your favorite neutral-flavored milk. Water is another great
Salt and Pepper
A pinch of salt and pepper elevates the flavors of the dish, balancing the richness of the ingredients with subtle seasoning.
Preparation Steps
Preheating the Oven and Greasing the Pan
To ensure even baking and easy cleanup, start by preheating the oven and greasing a suitable baking dish.
Browning and Draining the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the pork sausage until cooked through, then drain any excess grease to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
Cutting and Layering the Biscuit Dough
Next, cut the biscuit dough into bite-sized pieces and arrange them in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming the foundation of the casserole.
Adding the Cooked Sausage and Shredded Cheese
Layer the cooked sausage evenly over the biscuit pieces, followed by a generous sprinkling of shredded cheese or pepper jack, creating a mouthwatering interplay of flavors and textures.
Whisking Eggs with Milk and Seasonings
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined, infusing the egg mixture with savory seasonings and ensuring a lusciously creamy consistency. Using mason jars with a sealable lid is another great way to blend the eggs.
Making and Pouring the Gravy Over the Casserole
Prepare the peppered gravy according to the package instructions, then pour it evenly over the assembled layers, allowing the rich gravy to permeate every bite of the casserole.
Cooking Instructions
Baking the Casserole to Perfection
Next, place the assembled casserole on a sheet pan and then into the preheated oven and bake until the eggs are set, the biscuits are golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Using a sheet pan helps prevent any spillage or bubbling over into the bottom of your oven.
Adjustments for Overnight Prep
For those who prefer to prepare the casserole ahead of time, simply assemble the ingredients the night before and increase the cooking time slightly to ensure thorough heating and optimal flavor development.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Warm and Enjoying Leftovers
Once baked to golden perfection, serve the biscuits and gravy casserole warm. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated for later.
Suggestions for Gravy Lovers
For lovers of savory gravy, consider doubling the amount used in the recipe or serving extra gravy on the side, allowing each diner to customize their servings.
Proper Storage in Airtight Containers
To maintain freshness and flavor, store any remaining portions of the casserole in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer, ensuring that delicious breakfast options are always within reach.
Additional Notes and Considerations
Increasing Cooking Time for Overnight Prep
When preparing the casserole the night before, be sure to increase the cooking time accordingly, allowing for thorough heating and proper setting of the eggs and biscuits.
Monitoring Browning During Baking
To achieve the perfect balance of golden brown goodness without excessive browning, keep an eye on the casserole during baking and tent with foil if needed to prevent over-browning.
Doubling Gravy for Extra Flavor
For those who simply can’t get enough of the rich, peppery goodness of gravy, doubling the amount used in the recipe ensures an extra indulgent dining experience, perfect for satisfying hearty appetites and discerning palates alike.
Doubling an Easy make ahead breakfast casserole recipe
As one of many perfect make-ahead breakfast ideas, go ahead and make a double batch and include it as one of your favorite breakfast freezer meals. Freeze all the ingredients separately or as a finished casserole in a disposable aluminum pan. Canned biscuits can be frozen in the can as well as the eggs in freezer freezer-safe container. Having these options not only helps you save time but a hot breakfast will be easy whether it’s your first time trying this recipe or you’re a pro from way back.
All in all, this Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole offers a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a hearty morning meal without the stress of last-minute preparation. With its flavorful layers of biscuit dough, savory sausage, creamy eggs, and rich gravy, this make-ahead breakfast casserole is sure to become a new favorite for busy mornings and leisurely brunches alike.
The versatility of this dish extends beyond its flavor profile; it’s also freezer-friendly, making it an ideal option for meal prep and planning. Whether you’re looking to simplify your morning routine or impress guests at a weekend brunch, this casserole delivers on taste, convenience, and satisfaction.
So why not add this delightful dish to your culinary repertoire and start your day off right with a satisfying and delicious breakfast option?
Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole
Equipment
- 1 Medium skillet
- whisk or mason jar
- 9×13 baking dish
- Liquid measuring cup
Ingredients
- 8 count package of canned biscuit dough. I find that the brand name biscuits can be just a bit bigger when baked.
- 6 eggs
- 1 package peppered gravy mix. The package should make at least 2 cups
- 1 lb pork sausage I prefer country style
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar, pepper jack, colby jack, or any other melty cheese will work great.
- 1/2 cup milk
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Grease a 13×9 pan, or similar sized pan. ( I used an oval pan in the same size range.)
- In a non stick skillet, crumble and brown the sausage.
- Cut each biscuit into 4 pieces and place them in the pan, in a single layer.
- Layer the sausage over the biscuits,
- If you want cheese, layer shredded cheese over sausage.
- Whisk or blend the eggs, milk, salt and pepper together and and pour it over the biscuits and sausage.
- Wipe out the warm skillet that was used for the sausage and prepare the gravy. This will add some sausage flavor and you won’t have to mess up a clean pot.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until eggs and biscuits are firm and cooked through.
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