Bacon and Shiitake Bake and Other Easy Breakfast Casseroles

Once thought of primarily as a dinnertime dish, the humble casserole has become a popular breakfast option for the same reason it is favored in the evening: it’s an easy way to make a complete (and delicious) meal! Some casseroles are as simple as combining the desired ingredients into a dish and baking them — no additional cooking required. Whether you have friends or family staying with you or simply want to start the day with a little bit less to do, a breakfast casserole is a fantastic choice, because the last thing you want to do is spend time slaving away in the kitchen instead of visiting with your guests or bonding with your family.  

Click here to see the Easy Breakfast Casseroles (Slideshow)

Casseroles combine a few humble ingredients to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Just as dinnertime casseroles are based on delicious blends of simple ingredients like cream of mushroom soup, noodles, and chicken, breakfast casseroles combine such ingredients as eggs, sliced bread, and bacon. Even breakfast items like oatmeal can be reimaged in casserole form.

And, casseroles are a great choice for picky eaters; you can add just about anything to these one-dish oven-baked meals. A basic egg bake (a combinations of beaten eggs and pieces of bread), for example, provides a simple base for a casserole; throw in some bacon or sausage to take the dish in a savory direction, chocolate chips and raspberries to give it a sweet twist. Bell peppers, onions, and spinach? Those are delicious too.

These easy-to-make and easy-to-customize one-dish breakfast wonders are sure to wow with minimal effort required on your part. So, push the easy button, let the oven do the majority of the work for you, and enjoy all that extra free time — and the tasty results. 

Bacon and Shiitake Mushroom Bake

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Elevate an ordinary egg bake with this egg-straordinary recipe (see what I did there?). Shiitake mushrooms, garlic, and rosemary bread add a gourmet touch without the fuss. Plus bacon makes everything better. Click here for the recipe.

Baked French Toast Casserole

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Perfect for serving overnight guests for breakfast, this casserole can be prepared the evening before, then baked in the oven, no slaving away over a hot stove required. Serve with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fruit syrups for easy customization. Click here for the recipe.