Basic Breakfast Casserole Recipe --- Use What You Have

I really love the idea of breakfast casserole (or strata, if you prefer) but the recipes I've tried have been hit and miss with my family over the years. I've found that the ones they love best are the ones I just put together with basic ingredients I have in the fridge. Today I'm sharing the basic recipe for breakfast casserole and you can choose whatever ingredients your family loves! This is perfect for using up smaller amounts of leftovers, so get creative!

Breakfast Casserole

8 c. cubed bread (I've used leftover challah, garlic toast, french bread, whole wheat, hoagies, etc.)

1.5 c. grated cheese (or more! Any kind of cheese you love is great. I usually use sharp cheddar**)

8 eggs

1 c. cooked meat (I use ground turkey, smoked beef sausage, or non-pork bacon)

2.5-3 c. milk

2-3 TB dijon mustard (this changes everything!!)

seasonings (I usually do 1.5 tsp. salt; 1 tsp. pepper; 1 tsp. thyme; 2-3 TB chives)

other fillings (about 1.5 c. total): onions, garlic, tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, salsa, etc.

Instructions:

Begin by cooking your meat completely and set aside. Whisk the eggs, milk, and dijon mustard together and set aside. In a large bowl, add the cubed bread, grated cheese, and any other fillings and seasonings. Stir well before adding in the cooked meat and liquid mixture. Stir everything together and pour into a 13x9 baking dish. Preheat your oven to 350 and leave the dish on the counter or put in the fridge for 30 minutes. Then bake it uncovered for 50-60 minutes. Let it sit about 10-15 minutes, then cut and enjoy!

**Lately I've been buying sharp cheddar any time I need cheddar. Since grocery prices are skyrocketing, I'm looking for ways to conserve. I find that I can use less (in some recipes) when I use a richer cheese and get the same flavor.