Start your day with a satisfying and protein-packed meal thanks to this incredible Kodiak cake breakfast casserole. This recipe transforms classic biscuits and gravy, adding the wholesome goodness of Kodiak waffles. Prepare it the night before for minimal morning effort, making it perfect for holidays or busy weekdays. Enjoy a hearty breakfast that truly fuels you. This make‑ahead casserole is a game‑changer for busy mornings.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Breakfast Casserole
You’ll want to make this casserole again and again for so many great reasons. It delivers on flavor, convenience, and wholesome ingredients.
- High-Protein Start: Kodiak waffles boost the protein content, keeping you full and energized. According to the American Society for Nutrition, a high-protein breakfast benefits muscle health and supports weight loss by increasing muscle mass and energy expenditure.
- Minimal Morning Effort: Overnight prep means you simply bake and serve when you wake up.
- Delicious Savory-Sweet Balance: Enjoy the rich sausage gravy with a hint of sweetness from the waffles.
- Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: This casserole easily serves a family or a gathering for a special brunch.
- Comfort Food with a Wholesome Twist: Get all the cozy flavors of a classic dish, made a little better for you.
Easy Kodiak Cake Breakfast Casserole
Equipment
- Large frying pan
- 9″x13″ baking dish
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 package Kodiak Buttermilk & Vanilla Thick & Fluffy Waffles defrosted
- 16 ounces pork sausage
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups whole milk
- 8 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups Colby Jack cheese shredded
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
Instructions
- Cook pork sausage in a large frying pan over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, breaking it into pieces as it cooks.
- Once the sausage is golden brown, stir in flour, onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, then sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add milk to the sausage mixture, stirring every 30 seconds until it comes to a boil and thickens, then remove from heat.
- Cut defrosted waffles into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly over the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
- Spoon the prepared sausage gravy evenly over the waffle cubes.
- Sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the gravy layer.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, black pepper, thyme, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt until well beaten.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the waffle and gravy layers in the baking dish.
- Cover the baking dish and refrigerate it overnight.
- Bake the casserole at 350° F for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
Notes
Ingredients
This delicious breakfast bake relies on quality ingredients to create its incredible flavor profile. Gather these items to get started on your overnight sensation.
- 1 package Kodiak Buttermilk & Vanilla Thick & Fluffy Waffles, defrosted
- 16 ounces pork sausage
- 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups whole milk
- 8 large eggs
- 1⁄2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Black pepper, to taste
Notes & Substitutions
- Kodiak Waffles: You can use other Kodiak waffle flavors or even the Buttermilk Power Cakes mix prepared as waffles. Ensure they are defrosted for best results.
- Sausage: Feel free to use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or a plant-based breakfast sausage for dietary preferences. Ground beef or even diced ham also work well.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are excellent substitutes for Colby Jack. Choose any cheese that melts well.
- Milk/Cream: Whole milk provides richness, but 2% milk works too. For a lighter touch, use half and half instead of heavy cream.
- Thyme: If you don’t have fresh thyme, use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Rosemary or sage also complement the sausage gravy wonderfully.
- Eggs: For a lower fat option, use half egg whites and half whole eggs, or an egg substitute. Adjust liquid slightly if needed.
Equipment
Gathering your tools before you start makes the cooking process smoother. You’ll need just a few basic kitchen items to prepare this hearty breakfast bake.
- Large frying pan A well-seasoned cast-iron pan offers a natural nonstick coating, allowing you to use less oil than with standard stainless-steel pans.
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife for cutting waffles
Instructions
Preparing this protein-packed kodiak cake breakfast casserole is straightforward. Follow these steps for a delicious and satisfying breakfast experience. Remember to let your waffles defrost fully before you begin.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you plan to bake the casserole immediately. Place the pork sausage in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the sausage for about 5 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles with a spoon or spatula as it browns. Ensure all the sausage is cooked through and golden.
Carefully drain any excess fat from the cooked sausage crumbles. Return the pan to the heat. Add the all-purpose flour, onion powder, and 1⁄2 teaspoon of salt to the browned sausage. Stir these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and coat the sausage. Cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the flour to lightly toast.
Gradually pour the 2 cups of whole milk into the sausage mixture, stirring continuously. Keep stirring every 30 seconds until the mixture comes to a boil and visibly thickens into a rich gravy. Remove the sausage gravy from the heat as soon as it reaches the desired consistency.
While the gravy cools slightly, cut the defrosted Kodiak waffles into 1-inch thick cubes. Spread these waffle cubes evenly across the bottom of your 9×13 inch baking dish. This forms the base of your casserole.
Spoon the prepared sausage gravy evenly over the layer of waffle cubes in the baking dish. Make sure the waffles are mostly covered. Next, sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese generously and evenly over the sausage gravy layer.
In a separate mixing bowl, add the 8 large eggs, 1⁄2 cup heavy cream, black pepper to taste, the 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried), and the remaining 1⁄2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until the eggs are well beaten and the mixture is thoroughly combined and frothy.
Carefully pour the whisked egg mixture evenly over the entire waffle, gravy, and cheese layers in the baking dish. Gently tilt the dish if needed to ensure the egg mixture distributes everywhere. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
Refrigerate the covered casserole overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the waffles to absorb the liquid. If you are baking immediately, skip the refrigeration step. Bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes. Bake until the cheese is bubbling, golden brown, and the egg mixture is fully set in the center.
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the casserole to set further and makes it easier to serve.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the perfect breakfast casserole is simple with a few smart tips. These suggestions will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure a delicious outcome every time.
- Ensure sausage is fully browned: This develops maximum flavor for your gravy base. Don’t rush this step.
- Don’t overcook the gravy: Remove the gravy from heat as soon as it thickens to prevent it from becoming too stiff.
- Cut waffles consistently for even baking: Uniform waffle cubes ensure they absorb liquid and bake evenly without becoming soggy or dry.
- Properly whisk eggs for smooth texture: Whisking until light and frothy creates a tender, consistent egg layer, preventing a rubbery texture.
Common Mistakes:
- Undercooked eggs: If the center is still jiggly, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. Cover loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly.
- Dry casserole: This usually happens from overbaking. Keep an eye on the cooking time and test for doneness promptly. Ensure you add enough liquid.
- Soggy waffles: Make sure your Kodiak waffles are defrosted, not wet from condensation. Pat them dry with a paper towel if necessary before cubing.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile Kodiak cake breakfast casserole shines on its own, but you can also enhance it with various additions and serving styles. Learn how to best enjoy and preserve your delicious creation.
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve individual slices with a drizzle of pure maple syrup for a delightful sweet and savory contrast.
- Offer hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy a little heat with their breakfast.
- Pair with fresh fruit salad or a light green side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
Storage:
- Refrigerate any leftover Kodiak cake breakfast casserole promptly within two hours of baking.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer to an airtight container.
- Leftovers will maintain their freshness and taste for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing:
- To freeze, allow the baked casserole to cool completely.
- Cut into individual portions for easy reheating. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, or place in a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat from frozen in the microwave or thawed in the oven.
Variations:
- Add Cooked Vegetables: Stir in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms with the sausage for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Incorporate Different Meats: Swap pork sausage for cooked bacon crumbles, diced ham, or even shredded chicken.
- Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.
- Try a Sweet Version: Use Kodiak Cinnamon Oat waffles, omit the savory gravy, and layer with cream cheese, fruit, and a cinnamon-sugar egg custard for a French toast-style bake.
Nutrition
Enjoying this casserole offers a robust and satisfying start to your day. It’s packed with protein to keep you feeling full.
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 690 |
| Protein | 31g |
| Total Fat | 48g |
| Carbs | 29g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional estimates are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and preparations.
FAQ
Got questions about making this fantastic breakfast casserole? Here are some common inquiries to help you master this recipe.
Can I use different Kodiak products?
Yes, you can substitute other Kodiak waffle flavors or even the Power Cakes mix prepared as waffles. Ensure they are defrosted first.
How long can I prep this ahead?
You can assemble this casserole up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Bake it fresh when you are ready.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based breakfast sausage and a vegetarian-friendly gravy base. You can also add more vegetables.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. Alternatively, cover and bake in a preheated oven at 300°F until hot.
Conclusion
This easy Kodiak cake breakfast casserole offers a simple yet incredibly satisfying way to enjoy a hearty breakfast. With its convenient overnight prep and protein-rich ingredients, it’s a perfect solution for busy mornings or special occasions. Its versatility allows for endless customization, ensuring it always hits the spot. Try this delicious breakfast bake soon and share your wonderful creations with Myriad Cooking!
