Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite breakfast dish: the Caprese Breakfast Casserole! It’s like a warm, cheesy hug to start your day. You’ve got layers of juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and gooey mozzarella all mingling together in perfect harmony. Trust me, the first time I made this for my family, they couldn’t stop raving about it! It’s such a crowd-pleaser, whether it’s a cozy Sunday brunch or a special holiday gathering. Plus, it’s super versatile—feel free to throw in whatever veggies you have on hand. You’ll absolutely love how easy it is to whip up, and the flavors are just divine!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet fresh ingredients to make your Caprese Breakfast Casserole shine:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups diced tomatoes (I love using ripe, juicy ones for the best flavor!)
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped (the more, the merrier, right?)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (go for fresh if you can—it’s a game changer!)
- 1 cup bread cubes (stale bread works great, so don’t toss it out!)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Feel free to mix and match with your favorite ingredients, but sticking to this list will give you that classic Caprese flavor we all adore!
How to Prepare Caprese Breakfast Casserole
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness of making this Caprese Breakfast Casserole! Trust me, it’s super simple, and I’ll guide you through each step. Just follow along, and you’ll have a mouthwatering dish ready in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is key for even cooking, so don’t skip this step! Your casserole will thank you for it later.
Step 2: Whisk Eggs and Milk
In a large bowl, whisk together the 6 large eggs and 1 cup of milk until it’s nice and smooth. This step is super important because it helps create that fluffy texture we all love in a casserole. Make sure there are no lumps!
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasoning
Now, it’s time to add in the flavor! Toss in the 2 cups of diced tomatoes, 1 cup of chopped fresh basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all together until the tomatoes and basil are evenly distributed throughout the egg mixture. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 4: Combine with Bread and Cheese
Next, gently fold in the 1 cup of bread cubes and half of the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. I like to use my hands for this part; it feels more personal! Just be careful not to overmix— we want those bread cubes to soak up all that flavorful goodness.
Step 5: Pour and Bake
Pour the entire mixture into a greased baking dish and top it off with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is set and has a lovely golden top. Oh, the anticipation!
Step 6: Cooling Time
Once it’s out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes. This step is crucial because it helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to slice. Trust me, your patience will pay off!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 50 minutes!
- Hearty and filling, perfect for fueling your day.
- Packed with fresh ingredients that burst with flavor.
- Ideal for family gatherings or brunch with friends.
- Great for meal prep—enjoy leftovers all week!
- Versatile—easily customizable with your favorite veggies.
This Caprese Breakfast Casserole is a delightful way to start your day, and I promise it’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
Tips for Success
To make your Caprese Breakfast Casserole truly shine, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheeses—try goat cheese for a tangy twist or provolone for something a little smokier. If you want to sneak in more veggies, spinach, bell peppers, or even zucchini can be fantastic additions. Just make sure to chop them finely so they blend well! Also, letting the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving helps it hold its shape better. And remember, leftovers are just as delicious—reheating them in the oven keeps that cheesy goodness intact!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for a slice of this delicious Caprese Breakfast Casserole. Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, 15g of fat (with 7g being saturated), and 12g of protein. You’ll also find around 20g of carbohydrates and 3g of sugar, making it a hearty yet balanced breakfast option. Keep in mind, these values are estimates, so actual nutrition may vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. It’s always a good idea to adjust based on your dietary needs, but I promise, this casserole is a tasty way to kickstart your day!
FAQ Section
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about my beloved Caprese Breakfast Casserole:
Can I substitute the eggs for a vegan option?
Absolutely! You can use a flaxseed meal or chickpea flour mixture as a substitute for eggs. Just mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg, and let it sit until it thickens.
How do I store leftovers?
Simply cover any leftovers with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days! Just remember to reheat them well before enjoying.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pour it into the baking dish in the morning and bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs beautifully with a light salad or some fresh fruit. You could also serve it with a side of crispy bacon or sausage if you’re in the mood for something heartier.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure it’s fully cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It should last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Caprese Breakfast Casserole is super simple! Just cover any leftovers with plastic wrap or transfer them into an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, I recommend reheating in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then place the casserole in for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. This way, you’ll keep that cheesy goodness intact! If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave will work too, but watch it closely to avoid overcooking!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For information on the health benefits of tomatoes, visit Healthline.
Learn more about the nutritional value of mozzarella cheese at Healthline.
Print
Caprese Breakfast Casserole: 6 Layers of Pure Comfort
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and hearty Caprese Breakfast Casserole featuring layers of tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup bread cubes
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Add the diced tomatoes, chopped basil, and salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Stir in the bread cubes and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the casserole is set and golden on top.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Caprese Breakfast Casserole, Tomato, Basil, Mozzarella, Breakfast Casserole