Sourdough Breakfast Casserole

Sourdough breakfast casserole is the perfect make ahead recipe! It’s creamy, inexpensive, and can feed a crowd.

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Christmas Eve is one of my fondest childhood memories. My entire family would spend the night together, and wake up early to see what Santa had brought. Now as a mom with children of my own, I try to create traditions that they will cherish when they think of their childhood.

One of those traditions is Christmas morning with our family. We are blessed to live very close to our family. After opening gifts on Christmas morning, our parents come over and we all have breakfast together.

I try to make something special for breakfast that we don’t regularly eat. Easy Sourdough Breakfast Casserole fits the bill perfectly. It’s rich, hot, filling, and requires no effort from me on Christmas morning. We like to stay in our pajamas as long as possible drinking Wassail and being together.

I received this recipe several years ago from a dear friend, and have since modified it to suit our taste. I enjoy cooking with sourdough starter, but store-bought sourdough could be used. Simply skip over the bread making portion of this recipe.

Making The Bread

This site is great for getting started with sourdough. It’s very detailed, and will walk you through the process.

1. Start with bubbly active starter. I like to feed my starter the night before I want to bake so it is ready the next morning.
2. Begin by whisking the starter with warm water and olive oil.
3. Next, measure the flour and mix it with the salt. Combine the wet and dry ingredients in a large bowl to make a shaggy dough.
4. Once you have formed the dough cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest for around 1 hour.
5. After resting, knead the dough around in the bowl until it is smooth.
6. Stretch and fold the edges of the dough over into the center, working in a circle. Continue to stretch and fold the dough every 30 minutes for around 3 hours.
7. Next, cover the dough. Let it rise for 8-10 hours or until it has doubled in size.

8. After the first rise, turn the dough out on a floured surface.
9. Again stretch and fold the edges of the dough to the center working in a circle, then place the dough seam side down.
10. Gently pull the dough toward you forming a tight ball. I use a non-floured surface for this to get more traction.
11. Lastly, place the dough in a dutch oven lined with parchment paper to rise. This time, the dough should only rise for 1-2 hours.
12. While waiting for the second rise, preheat the oven to 450°F.
13. Score the bread using a sharp knife.
14. Before baking the bread, decrease the oven temperature to 500°F. Bake the bread for 20 minutes with the dutch oven lid on.
15. Remove the lid and decrease the temp to 475°. Continue baking for an additional 20 minutes.

My specific ratios for sourdough bread are:

• 150g active starter
• 275g warm water
• 25g olive oil
• 500g organic bread flour
• 12g salt

Allow the bread to rest for at least 30 min prior to slicing it.

Preparing This Easy Sourdough Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients

• Ingredients
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 12 slices Sourdough bread
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese I use extra sharp 
• 2 cups Cooked ham, chopped
• 1/2 cup Butter melted
• 6 Eggs
• 1 tsp Dry Mustard 
• 1 tsp Salt 
• Pepper to taste 
• 4 cups Whole Milk 

Directions

1. Before baking, butter a 9×13 deep casserole dish.
2. Cube the sourdough bread and place it in the bottom of the dish.
3. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese and ham on top of the bread. Bacon or ground sausage would also be yummy in this recipe! I would decrease the butter if using a protein with fat.
4. Pour the melted butter over everything.
5. Next, beat together the milk, eggs, dry mustard, and salt.
6. Pour the milk mixture over everything. Afterwards, place the casserole in the fridge for at least 6 hours or over night.

**I have found the longer the mixture sits prior to cooking, the better.

7. Next preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 1 hour or until there is a brown crust on top of the casserole. Serve warm!

Sourdough Breakfast Casserole FAQs

Do I need to use sourdough bread?

Yes! Sourdough bread adds a nice flavor and texture to the casserole. It also holds up well with the egg mixture, so it doesn’t get too soggy. You can use a store-bought sourdough if you want.

Can I use sourdough discard instead of bread?

You can! Just mix some sourdough discard into the egg mixture for extra flavor. This works best if you’re also using bread cubes, so the texture stays solid.

Do I have to let the casserole sit overnight?

Letting it sit overnight helps the flavors soak into the bread, but if you’re in a hurry, you can let it sit for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Can I make this casserole without eggs?

It’s tricky, but possible. You can try using a mixture of plant-based milk and cornstarch or a vegan egg substitute, though the texture will be different.

What kind of fillings can I add?

Almost anything! Try sausage, bacon, cheese, veggies like spinach and mushrooms, or even hash browns. Customize it to your taste!

What can I serve with sourdough breakfast casserole?

It’s great with a side of fresh fruit, some crispy bacon, or a small green salad for balance. It’s a filling meal on its own too!

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven until warm.

Can I freeze it?

Yes! You can freeze the casserole before baking or after baking and cooling. Wrap it tightly, and it’ll keep for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Making a sourdough breakfast casserole is an easy and delicious way to start the day! With just a few ingredients, you get a warm, hearty meal that’s perfect for family breakfasts, holiday mornings, or even meal-prepping for the week. Plus, you can customize it with all your favorite fillings, like sausage, veggies, or cheese. Whether you let it sit overnight or bake it right away, this casserole brings together the cozy flavor of sourdough with a filling, satisfying breakfast.

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I hope you enjoy this dish as much as we do. I also hope you create cherished memories with everyone you love.

For more of sourdough recipes, look at my previous post here.