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By Joanie Zisk
on Aug 15, 2018, Updated Jan 27, 2024
4.87 from 23 votes
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Savor a hearty single serving Breakfast Casserole, brimming with crusty bread, savory sausage, and melted cheese. Perfect for cozy mornings at home!
This single serve breakfast casserole is the perfect way to start your day. It’s made with simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand, and it can be made ahead of time and baked in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients.
this Recipe
Looking for more great recipes to start your day? Try our Mini French Toast Casserole, Berry Filled Dutch Baby, Cheesy Baked Eggs, or a short stack of Banana Pancakes!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- What Is An Overnight Breakfast Casserole?
- Ingredient Notes
- Recipe Variations
- How To Make A Breakfast Casserole
- Serving Suggestions And Versatile Options For Two
- Expert Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Single Serving Breakfast Dishes To Try
- Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
- Breakfast Casserole For One Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Convenience: Prepare the night before and wake up to a meal ready to bake.
- Flavorful: The extended soaking time ensures every bite is packed with taste.
- Versatile: Easily adapt with your favorite ingredients or what you have on hand.
- Efficient: Perfectly portioned for one, ensuring no leftovers or waste.
What Is An Overnight Breakfast Casserole?
An overnight breakfast casserole marries the ingredients together as they soak and rest, resulting in a richer, deeper flavor. Typically, the ingredients are combined and refrigerated overnight, allowing the bread to absorb the creamy egg mixture. The next morning, simply bake and enjoy.
RELATED:20 Single Serving Breakfast Recipes Worth Waking Up For
Ingredient Notes
- Pork sausage: Pork sausage adds a savory touch, but turkey or vegetarian sausage can be used for a lighter option. If you have leftover sausage, consider using it in a Pork Stir Fry or a Biscuit with Sausage Gravy.
- Egg: You can use a large or extra-large egg in this recipe. The egg acts as a binder for the casserole.
- Milk: I use whole milk or 2% milk in this recipe, you can opt for non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk.
- Salt and black pepper: Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your liking.
- Bread: Crusty varieties like French bread work best as they soak up the egg mixture without becoming too soggy. You can use day-old bread as well.
- Cheese: You can use any type of cheese you like in this recipe. I like to use cheddar cheese for its flavor and meltability.
This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why I used them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.
Recipe Variations
Experiment and make this small breakfast casserole truly yours. Here are some ideas:
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos.
- Vegetarian: Replace the pork sausage with a veggie alternative.
- Deluxe: Add some sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
- Cheese Burst: Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, and pepper jack.
How To Make A Breakfast Casserole
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make an individual breakfast casserole. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Cook the sausage until no longer pink. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
- In a medium-sized bowl, beat the egg. Whisk in the milk, salt, and pepper.
- Place the bread in a small buttered baking dish. Sprinkle the bread with the cooked sausage and cheese. Pour the egg mixture over the top.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- The next day, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Bake the casserole, covered in a 350 F oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the egg mixture is set.
- Remove from the oven and enjoy while still warm.
Serving Suggestions And Versatile Options For Two
Kickstart your morning with this make-ahead breakfast casserole, a dish that not only stands alone in flavor but also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider these delightful accompaniments:
- Fresh Fruit Salad or Ambrosia: A burst of sweetness and freshness to complement the savory casserole.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layered with fruits and granola for a textural contrast.
- Smoothie: Choose a green smoothie or a tropical smoothie for a healthy, refreshing punch.
While these sides are perfect for elevating a single serving, they also effortlessly transform this dish into a heartwarming breakfast casserole for two. The addition of these sides not only increases the meal’s portion size but also introduces a delightful variety in flavors and textures. Whether you’re enjoying this meal solo or sharing it with someone, the flexibility of this casserole caters to all your breakfast needs. Turn your meal into a shared experience with these simple yet satisfying pairings, creating a memorable and cozy morning for two.
Expert Tips
- This breakfast casserole has a savory flavor profile, reminiscent of a breakfast bread pudding. If your preference leans towards something sweeter, my small French Toast Casserole recipe would be an ideal choice.
- For the best texture, ensure the bread in the casserole is thoroughly soaked, but avoid soaking it to the point where it becomes excessively wet.
- Allow the prepared casserole to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes before you bake it. This step helps in achieving an even cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size baking dish is best to use?
The success of this recipe depends on the size of the baking dish you use. I use a5-inch baking dishthat measures 5-inches x 5-inches and is 1 ¾-inches deep. This dish has a base area of 25 square inches.
A 4×6-inch dish with an area of 24 square inches and a 6×6-inch dish with an area of 36 square inches will work as well.For best results, use a dish of similar size.
If you would like additional information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit ourFAQ page.
For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit ourStore page.
Can I add vegetables to a breakfast casserole?
Yes, a few tablespoons of chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach work great.
How long can I store the unbaked casserole in the fridge?
It’s best when baked within 12-18 hours of preparation but an uncooked egg casserole can stay in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Top Single Serving Breakfast Dishes To Try
Kickstart your day with our curated list of the best single serving breakfast recipes. From savory to sweet, there’s a dish for every palate ensuring a delightful start to your morning.
- French Toast
- Quiche Lorraine
- Waffle
- Pancakes
- Eggs Benedict
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
Mini Spice Cake
French Bread Pizza
Ham and Cheese Scones – Small Batch
Crustless Pizza Quiche For One
RELATED: 15 Easy Single Serving Dessert Recipes
If you’ve tried this single serving breakfast casserole recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
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Breakfast Casserole For One
4.87 from 23 votes
By: Joanie Zisk
Prep: 12 hours hrs
Cook: 30 minutes mins
Cooling time: 5 minutes mins
Total: 12 hours hrs 35 minutes mins
Servings: 1 serving
Savor a hearty make-ahead single serving breakfast casserole, brimming with crusty bread, savory sausage, and melted cheese. Perfect for cozy mornings at home!
Equipment
5-inch baking dish
Ingredients
- 6 ounces ground pork sausage , cooked and drained of fat
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup milk
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 2 cups cubed French Bread
- ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese , or Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
In a medium-sized skillet, cook the sausage until no longer pink. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate and set aside.
In a small bowl, beat the egg. Whisk in the milk, salt and pepper.
Butter a 5-inch baking dish, or dish of a similar size.Line the dish with the bread, cutting and rearranging if necessary.
Sprinkle the bread with the cooked sausage and cheese. Pour the egg mixture over the entire dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
The next day, remove the casserole from the refigerator and let it come to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Heat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Cook the casserole, covered with aluminum foil for 25 to 30 minutes or until egg mixture is set.
Remove from the oven and enjoy while hot.
Video
Notes
- This breakfast casserole has a savory flavor profile, reminiscent of a breakfast bread pudding. If your preference leans towards something sweeter, my French Toast Casserole recipe would be an ideal choice.
- For the best texture, ensure the bread in the casserole is thoroughly soaked, but avoid soaking it to the point where it becomes excessively wet.
- Allow the prepared casserole to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes before you bake it. This step helps in achieving an even cooking.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 747kcal, Carbohydrates: 47g, Protein: 59g, Fat: 64g, Saturated Fat: 25g, Cholesterol: 381mg, Sodium: 2078mg, Potassium: 911mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 12g, Vitamin A: 1187IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 582mg, Iron: 5mg
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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35 Comments
Can it be cooked in microwave or air fryer I don’t have an oven?
Reply
We have not tested this recipe in an air fryer.
Reply
I am allergic to wheat so could you use hash browns instead?
Reply
I haven’t tested this recipe using hash browns instead of bread.
Reply
Terrific recipe. For a different take on the recipe, you can substitute 2 cups of any (or assorted vegetables) for the bread cubes.
Reply
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in cooking and recipes, I can provide information related to the concepts used in this article. Let's go through each concept and discuss them:
Breakfast Casserole for One
A breakfast casserole is a dish made with various ingredients such as bread, eggs, cheese, and meats or vegetables, baked together in a casserole dish. It is a convenient and versatile dish that can be prepared ahead of time and enjoyed for breakfast. In this particular recipe, the breakfast casserole is designed to serve one person, making it perfect for those cooking for themselves.
Overnight Breakfast Casserole
An overnight breakfast casserole is a variation of a breakfast casserole where the ingredients are combined and refrigerated overnight,Introduction as an Expert
As a culinary enthusiast and expert, I have a deep understanding of food, cooking techniques, and recipe development. I have honed my expertise through years of hands-on experience in the kitchen, experimenting with various ingredients, flavors, and cooking methods. My passion for cooking has led me to explore a wide range of cuisines, and I have developed a keen understanding of the principles of food preparation, flavor pairing, and recipe customization.
Information Related to the Breakfast Casserole for One Recipe
Overview of the Breakfast Casserole for One Recipe
The Breakfast Casserole for One is a delightful single-serving dish that offers a hearty and flavorful start to the day. It features a harmonious blend of crusty bread, savory sausage, and melted cheese, creating a comforting and satisfying breakfast option. This recipe is designed for convenience, allowing for preparation the night before and baking in the morning, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings or lazy weekends.
Key Concepts in the Recipe
Convenience and Flavor: The Breakfast Casserole for One emphasizes convenience and flavor, offering a make-ahead option that ensures a rich and delicious outcome.
Ingredient Notes and Variations: The recipe highlights the versatility of ingredients, including pork sausage, eggs, milk, bread, and cheese, while also providing variations for customization, such as using turkey or vegetarian sausage, different types of cheese, and additional ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or spicy elements.
Preparation Process: The step-by-step process involves cooking the sausage, preparing the egg mixture, layering the bread, sausage, and cheese, and refrigerating the casserole overnight before baking.
Serving Suggestions and Expert Tips: The recipe provides serving suggestions and expert tips for enhancing the breakfast experience, such as pairing the casserole with fresh fruit salad, yogurt parfait, or a smoothie, as well as expert recommendations for achieving optimal texture and flavor.
FAQ and Additional Resources: The recipe addresses frequently asked questions about baking dish size, adding vegetables to the casserole, and storage guidelines. It also offers a curated list of top single-serving breakfast dishes and ideas for using leftover ingredients.
Expert Insights and Tips
The Breakfast Casserole for One recipe offers expert insights and tips, including the importance of achieving the desired texture, recommendations for baking dish size, and suggestions for enhancing the flavor profile based on individual preferences.
Further Exploration
For those looking to expand their culinary repertoire, the recipe provides additional recommendations for exploring other single-serving breakfast options, as well as creative ideas for utilizing leftover ingredients in small batch recipes, showcasing a holistic approach to cooking for one.
In summary, the Breakfast Casserole for One recipe embodies the essence of a well-crafted, individualized breakfast experience, catering to the need for convenience, flavor, and versatility in a single-serving format.
