Breakfast casseroles are the ultimate game-changer for busy mornings! They’re versatile, hearty, and a great way to feed a crowd without breaking a sweat. My favorite is definitely the Pepperoni Pizza Breakfast Casserole. I remember the first time I made it for a sleepy Saturday brunch with friends. The aroma of pepperoni and melted cheese wafting through the house had everyone rushing to the table! It’s like a pizza and breakfast burrito had a delicious baby. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be dreaming of it long after the last bite. Perfect for lazy mornings or meal prep, this casserole is a breakfast win!
Ingredients List
- 6 slices of bread, cubed
- 1 cup of sliced pepperoni
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Pepperoni Pizza Breakfast Casserole
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden brown finish. I always set my timer for a few minutes before I actually start preparing the ingredients—this way, your oven is nice and toasty when you’re ready to pop that beauty in!
Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the 6 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I like to really whip it up until everything is well combined and frothy. It’s like a little workout for your arms! Make sure there aren’t any eggy lumps lingering; we want a smooth mixture that’ll soak into the bread perfectly.
Layer the Ingredients
Now, grab your greased baking dish and layer those cubed bread slices evenly across the bottom. Don’t be shy—make sure every nook and cranny is filled! Next, spread the sliced pepperoni over the bread cubes, distributing it as evenly as possible. Then, pour that glorious egg mixture over everything, making sure it seeps down into the layers. Finally, sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Oh boy, can you smell the cheese already? It’s going to be amazing!
Baking Process
It’s time to bake! Place your casserole in the preheated oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the casserole is set in the middle. If you gently press on it, it should feel firm and not jiggly. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to avoid overbaking—nobody wants a dry casserole!
Cooling and Serving
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This little wait is worth it because it allows the casserole to set up nicely and makes serving so much easier. You can cut it into squares or slices, and I love to serve mine with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top or a side of fresh fruit. Trust me, this dish is going to be the star of your breakfast table!
Nutritional Information
Before diving into this deliciousness, I want to give you a little heads-up: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and their brands, so these numbers are just estimates. But here’s a quick look at what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 15g
So, while you indulge in this Pepperoni Pizza Breakfast Casserole, you can feel good knowing you’re getting a good balance of protein and flavor to kickstart your day! Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy mornings.
- Easy cleanup—just one baking dish to wash!
- Kid-friendly flavors that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Versatile for different toppings—mix in your favorite veggies or switch up the cheese!
- Great for meal prep; make it ahead of time and reheat for breakfast all week.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd during weekend brunches or family gatherings.
- Comforting and satisfying, it’s like your favorite pizza and breakfast combined.
Tips for Success
Ready to make your Pepperoni Pizza Breakfast Casserole even more amazing? Here are some of my top tips to help you achieve breakfast perfection!
- Use Stale Bread: If you have some day-old bread lying around, use it! Stale bread soaks up the egg mixture better and prevents the casserole from becoming soggy.
- Don’t Skip the Seasoning: Make sure to season your egg mixture well. You can play around with spices like garlic powder or red pepper flakes for a little kick!
- Let It Rest: If you can, let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up a bit and makes cutting into it so much easier.
- Experiment with Cheeses: While mozzarella is a classic, try mixing in some cheddar or provolone for added flavor. You could even throw in some crumbled feta for a tangy twist!
- Add Veggies: For a nutritional boost, consider adding some chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach. Sauté them first to enhance their flavors before layering them in.
- Storage Made Easy: If you have leftovers (which I doubt will happen!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick breakfast fix!
- Personalize It: Don’t hesitate to get creative! Swap out the pepperoni for cooked sausage, ham, or even a meatless option if you want to switch things up.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a Pepperoni Pizza Breakfast Casserole that’s not only delicious but uniquely yours. Happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about the Pepperoni Pizza Breakfast Casserole is how easily it can be customized to fit your taste buds! Here are some fun variations to try:
- Cheese Swap: While mozzarella is delicious, feel free to mix it up! Try using cheddar for a sharper flavor, or provolone for a nice stretch. You could even add some crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist!
- Veggie Delight: Boost the nutrition and add some color by tossing in some sautéed vegetables. Think bell peppers, onions, or even spinach! Just make sure to cook them a bit beforehand to bring out their flavors.
- Different Breads: Switch up the base by using different types of bread! A hearty sourdough or whole grain bread can add a delightful texture. For something sweeter, try using brioche or challah for a unique flavor profile.
- Meat Lovers: If you’re a meat fan, consider adding cooked sausage or bacon alongside the pepperoni for even more heartiness. Just make sure to drain any excess grease before layering!
- Spice It Up: For those who like a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the egg mixture. It adds a nice kick that pairs perfectly with the cheesy goodness!
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs can elevate your casserole! Try mixing in chopped basil, parsley, or even oregano for a refreshing touch that brightens up the flavors.
With these variations, you can tailor your Pepperoni Pizza Breakfast Casserole to whatever you’re craving. So, get creative and have fun with it—every bite will be a delicious adventure! Enjoy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, if you happen to have any leftovers of this amazing Pepperoni Pizza Breakfast Casserole (which, let’s be honest, is a bit of a miracle!), you’ll want to store it properly to keep that deliciousness intact. I recommend transferring any leftovers to an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor, keeping your casserole as tasty as the day you made it!
You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply pop it in the microwave for a quick reheating option. I usually start with about a minute on high, then check to see if it’s heated through. If it needs more time, just add 15-second increments until it’s warmed to your liking. Easy peasy!
If you want to get a bit fancy, you can also reheat it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the casserole with foil to prevent it from drying out, and heat it for about 15-20 minutes or until it’s warmed all the way through. This method really helps maintain that lovely texture and cheesy goodness.
And if you end up with a lot of leftovers (again, what a miracle!), you can freeze portions for an even longer shelf life! Just slice it up, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready for your next breakfast treat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as mentioned above. Trust me, this casserole will still taste fantastic even after freezing!
Print
Pepperoni Pizza Breakfast Casserole: 7 Irresistible Tips
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: High Protein
Description
A delicious breakfast casserole featuring layers of pepperoni, cheese, and eggs.
Ingredients
- 6 slices of bread, cubed
- 1 cup of pepperoni, sliced
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Layer the bread cubes in a greased baking dish.
- Spread the sliced pepperoni over the bread cubes.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layers.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until set and golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables for extra flavor.
- This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: Pepperoni Pizza Breakfast Casserole