Aunt Millie’s Breakfast Casserole

Aunt Millie’s Breakfast Casserole 🍳

Aunt Millie’s Breakfast Casserole is a delightful and hearty breakfast dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a lazy weekend morning. This casserole combines layers of bread, eggs, sausage, cheese, and a flavorful custard to create a satisfying breakfast treat.

History:
The exact origin of Aunt Millie’s Breakfast Casserole is not well-documented, as it’s more of a classic home-cooked dish rather than a famous restaurant creation. It likely has roots in traditional American breakfast casseroles, which have been popular for generations. The name “Aunt Millie” suggests a cozy, family-style recipe passed down through the generations, similar to other beloved home-cooked dishes.

Components:

1. Bread: You’ll need slices of bread as the base. White bread, whole wheat, or even croissants can be used, depending on your preference.
2. Eggs: Eggs are a crucial component that binds the casserole together. They create a custard-like texture.
3. Sausage: Ground breakfast sausage provides a savory and flavorful element. You can also use bacon or ham if you prefer.
4. Cheese: Shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, adds richness and a gooey texture.
5. Milk: Milk is used to make the egg mixture creamy and tender.
6. Seasonings: Common seasonings include salt, pepper, and optional herbs like parsley or chives.

Preparation:
Here are the steps to prepare Aunt Millie’s Breakfast Casserole:

1. Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook the sausage: In a skillet, cook the breakfast sausage until it’s browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease.

3. Prepare the casserole dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the slices of bread at the bottom of the dish, covering it evenly.

4. Add the sausage: Spread the cooked sausage evenly over the bread.

5. Sprinkle with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the sausage.

6. Mix the eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and any optional herbs.

7. Pour the egg mixture: Pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the casserole dish.

8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

9. Serve: Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it into squares or wedges. You can garnish with more herbs or salsa, if desired.

Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Aunt Millie’s Breakfast Casserole is approximately 1 hour, including preparation and baking time. This makes it an excellent option for a leisurely breakfast or brunch when you have guests to impress or when you simply want to treat yourself to a delicious morning meal. 😊🍽️

Certainly! Here are some nutrition facts and health information related to Aunt Millie’s Breakfast Casserole:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):

• Calories: The calorie content can vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving size, but a typical serving may contain around 350-400 calories.

• Protein: The dish is a good source of protein, with about 15-20 grams per serving, primarily from the eggs and sausage.

• Carbohydrates: Each serving may contain around 20-25 grams of carbohydrates, mainly from the bread and a small amount from the milk.

• Fats: Expect 20-25 grams of fat per serving, primarily from the sausage, cheese, and eggs.

• Fiber: The fiber content is relatively low, around 1-2 grams per serving, as this dish is not particularly high in fiber-rich ingredients.

• Sodium: The sodium content can be moderate to high, depending on the sausage and cheese used. A serving may contain 600-800 milligrams of sodium or more.

• Vitamins and Minerals: The dish provides essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and B vitamins from the cheese and eggs. It also contains iron and protein from the sausage.

Health Information:

1. Protein: Aunt Millie’s Breakfast Casserole is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. However, if you’re looking to reduce the fat content, consider using leaner sausage and less cheese.

2. Calories: The calorie content in this dish can vary, so portion control is essential if you’re watching your calorie intake. Smaller servings can help manage calorie consumption.

3. Sodium: Depending on the ingredients used, the sodium content can be quite high. High sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure, so it’s advisable to choose lower-sodium sausage and cheese options.

4. Fiber: This dish is not particularly high in fiber. To increase its fiber content, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or tomatoes to the casserole.

5. Nutrient Variability: Keep in mind that the nutrition facts can vary based on ingredient choices. Using whole-grain bread and leaner meat can make the casserole a healthier option.

In summary, Aunt Millie’s Breakfast Casserole can be a satisfying and protein-rich breakfast option, but it’s essential to be mindful of portion sizes and ingredient choices to make it a healthier dish. You can adapt the recipe to your dietary preferences and nutritional goals. 😊🍳🥦