Bubble Up Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Bubble Up Breakfast C Casserole is a hearty, easy-to-make, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a lazy weekend dinner. This casserole combines the delicious comfort of scrambled eggs, sausage, cheese, and biscuit dough into a baked dish that “bubbles up” into a perfect, golden, cheesy masterpiece. It’s versatile, easy to assemble, and can be customized to your preferences. This guide will walk you through the ingredients, preparation, cooking techniques, tips, variations, and so much more to ensure your success in making this delectable casserole.
The Bubble Up Breakfast Casserole is a staple of easy and comforting breakfast casseroles, incorporating the simple, yet delicious flavors of sausage, eggs, cheese, and biscuit dough. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday mornings, or any occasion when you want a hearty meal with minimal fuss. The name “Bubble Up” comes from the way the biscuit dough “bubbles up” as it bakes, creating pockets of fluffy dough surrounded by savory eggs, sausage, and melted cheese.
This casserole is also ideal for meal prep, as you can make it ahead of time and reheat it. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a meal for yourself, this recipe is a hit that can be customized to suit your tastes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
A. Preparing the Ingredients
- Cook the sausage:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage and cook it until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes.
- Once browned, add the diced onion and sauté it with the sausage until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. If you’re adding garlic powder or any additional spices, toss them in here as well.
- Prepare the biscuit dough:
- Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. You don’t need to worry about cutting them perfectly, just aim for smaller pieces so they can “bubble up” in the casserole.
- If you’d like, you can preheat the oven while preparing the ingredients to save a little time. Set it to 375°F (190°C).
B. Assembling the Casserole
- Grease the casserole dish:
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter to prevent the casserole from sticking. This also helps with easy cleanup.
- Layer the biscuit dough:
- Spread the quartered biscuit dough pieces evenly over the bottom of the casserole dish. They may overlap, but that’s fine. As the casserole bakes, the dough will rise and cook through.
- Add the sausage mixture:
- Once the sausage and onion mixture is cooked, spoon it evenly over the biscuit dough in the casserole dish. The savory sausage adds flavor and richness to the casserole.
- Prepare the egg mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Pour this mixture evenly over the sausage and biscuit layer in the casserole dish. Make sure the egg mixture seeps into the dough and sausage.
- Top with cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, ensuring that it covers the entire surface. The cheese will melt and become golden and bubbly as the casserole bakes.
C. Baking the Casserole
- Bake the casserole:
- Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the eggs have set. You can test the eggs by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center of the casserole—it should come out clean when the eggs are fully cooked.
- Let it cool:
- Once the casserole is done, allow it to cool for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to slice.
Important Tips for the Perfect Casserole
- Use high-quality sausage: The flavor of the sausage is the backbone of this dish. Choose a quality breakfast sausage or even spicy chorizo for a more flavorful base.
- Don’t overcrowd the casserole: Make sure there’s enough room for the biscuit dough to bubble up. If the dish is too crowded, it can affect the texture.
- Don’t skip draining the sausage: Once the sausage is cooked, make sure to drain off any excess grease. This helps prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy.
- Add extra cheese: If you love cheese, feel free to add extra cheese to the top for an even more indulgent casserole.
- Use room temperature eggs: Room-temperature eggs combine more smoothly with the milk, ensuring a fluffy texture for the casserole.
Healthier Substitutions and Variations
While the Bubble Up Breakfast Casserole is already a relatively easy and comforting dish, there are ways to make it a little lighter or fit your dietary preferences.
Healthier Substitutions:
- Lean sausage: Opt for turkey sausage or a leaner pork sausage to reduce fat.
- Egg whites or egg substitutes: To cut down on cholesterol and fat, you can substitute all or part of the eggs with egg whites or egg substitutes.
- Low-fat milk: Swap out whole milk for skim or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Bubble Up Breakfast Casserole: Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for a veggie-packed option.
- Spicy version: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the casserole for some heat.
- Southwestern version: Add black beans, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cumin or chili powder to the sausage mixture for a southwestern twist.
Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Options
- Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and load up on vegetables like spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Add in some crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free biscuit dough, and make sure the sausage and other add-ins are gluten-free.
How to Make It Ahead of Time
If you’re planning ahead, the Bubble Up Breakfast Casserole can be assembled the night before and stored in the fridge. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake it as directed. This saves time on busy mornings.
How to Serve the Bubble Up Breakfast Casserole
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it can be served with a variety of sides or garnishes:
- Fresh fruit: A side of fresh berries, melon, or orange slices can complement the savory casserole.
- Green salad: A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the casserole.
- Toast or English muffins: For an extra carb boost, serve with whole grain toast or muffins.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as usual.
Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely! You can use mozzarella, Swiss, or even a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
How do I know when the casserole is done? The top should be golden brown, and the eggs should be set. You can insert a knife or toothpick into the center to check for doneness; it should come out clean.
Conclusion
The Bubble Up Breakfast Casserole is an incredibly versatile and easy-to-make dish that brings together all your favorite breakfast flavors in one pan. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, feeding your family, or making a meal ahead of time, this casserole is sure to please. By following this comprehensive guide, you can make the perfect casserole tailored to your preferences and dietary needs. So go ahead and try it out—you’ll be enjoying this cheesy, savory comfort food in no time!
Bubble Up Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Bubble Up Breakfast C Casserole is a hearty, easy-to-make, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a lazy weekend dinner. This casserole combines the delicious comfort of scrambled eggs, sausage, cheese, and biscuit dough into a baked dish that “bubbles up” into a perfect, golden, cheesy masterpiece. It’s versatile, easy to assemble, and can be customized to your preferences. This guide will walk you through the ingredients, preparation, cooking techniques, tips, variations, and so much more to ensure your success in making this delectable casserole.
Ingredients
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (ground)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 tsp onion powder (optional)
- Fresh herbs or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside. - Prepare the Biscuit Dough:
While the sausage is cooking, cut the biscuit dough into quarters. You can use kitchen shears or just tear them apart with your hands. - Whisk the Eggs:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined. - Assemble the Casserole:
In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer the biscuit dough quarters evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the biscuit dough.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and biscuits.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. - Bake the Casserole:
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is set, the top is golden brown, and the biscuits are fully cooked. - Serve:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or green onions if desired.
Notes
- Sausage Options: Feel free to use turkey sausage, or even bacon or ham, as an alternative to the ground sausage.
- Cheese Variety: You can mix it up with different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Add Vegetables: You can add veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or onions for added flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the sausage before adding them to the casserole.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this casserole the night before. Just assemble it, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake it as usual, but you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
- Non-Dairy Option: Use a non-dairy milk substitute like almond milk or oat milk and dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free version.