Start your day with a comforting and nutritious Cornbread Breakfast Casserole! This protein-packed dish combines the rich flavors of golden cornbread, eggs, cheese, and wholesome veggies, making it a perfect choice for a balanced breakfast. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or feeding a crowd, this easy-to-make casserole will keep you full and energized. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cornbread while adding fresh ingredients for a delicious and healthy twist.

What is Cornbread Breakfast Casserole?

Cornbread Breakfast Casserole is a baked dish featuring crumbled or cubed cornbread as the base, soaked in a seasoned egg mixture and loaded with savory fillings like cheese, vegetables, and protein (such as turkey sausage or beans for a vegetarian option). It’s a southern-inspired comfort food that blends the sweetness of cornbread with the heartiness of a traditional breakfast casserole. This dish is versatile, easy to prepare, and can be customized with healthy ingredients to suit your dietary needs.

Ingredients

For the Cornbread Base:

• 2 cups crumbled cornbread (homemade or store-bought)

• 1/2 cup milk or unsweetened almond milk

For the Casserole Mixture:

• 5 large eggs

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or cottage cheese for extra creaminess)

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or dairy-free alternative)

• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)

• 1/2 cup chopped spinach or kale

• 1/2 cup cooked turkey sausage or crumbled tofu (for a vegetarian option)

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for spice)

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.

2. Spread the crumbled cornbread evenly in the dish and drizzle with milk to soften.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture

3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, Greek yogurt, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Step 3: Add Fillings

4. Stir in cheese, diced bell peppers, spinach, and turkey sausage (or tofu for vegetarian option).

5. Pour the egg mixture over the cornbread, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

6. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.

7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

8. Serve warm with avocado slices, salsa, or a side of fresh fruit for a well-rounded meal.

Healthy Tips

✔ Use whole-grain cornbread for added fiber.
✔ Add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or tomatoes.
✔ For a dairy-free option, use almond milk and nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
✔ Make it high-protein by adding extra egg whites or cottage cheese.

This Cornbread Breakfast Casserole is perfect for meal prep and makes a hearty, nutritious start to your day! Would you like variations, such as a spicy or keto-friendly version?