Leftover Pizza Breakfast Casserole

I love turning my leftover pizza into a breakfast casserole—it’s a fun, modern American twist on repurposing dinner for a hearty morning meal. I start by whisking 6 eggs with 1 cup milk, stirring in cheese and chopped pizza, then bake it at 375 degrees until it’s golden and set. It’s customizable with extras like veggies or different cheeses. Explore the full scoop on history, tips, and tools next.

History

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The Leftover Pizza Breakfast Casserole is a modern American invention, likely emerging in the late 20th century as a creative way to repurpose Italian-inspired pizza leftovers into a hearty breakfast dish, blending Italian culinary roots with U.S. comfort food traditions.

Regional variations add unique significance; for instance, in the Northeast, it might incorporate New York-style pizza toppings like pepperoni and cheese, while Southern versions could feature grits or spicy sausage for a local twist.

Typically served on casual weekends or as a quick family brunch, it symbolizes resourceful home cooking and is popular during holiday mornings or potluck gatherings where leftovers are transformed into something new and satisfying.

Ingredients

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• 6 large eggs: Ah, the heart of any breakfast casserole, those 6 large eggs bring that creamy, custardy magic to the mix – ever think about how they turn simple leftovers into something almost fancy, without any real effort on your part?
• 1 cup milk: Now, 1 cup of milk keeps everything moist and dreamy, like that reliable friend who shows up to make sure the party doesn’t dry out; it’s the unsung hero that blends flavors together, whispering, “Let’s make this casserole extra comforting.”
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese: Oh, 1/2 cup of shredded cheese – because who could resist that melty, gooey goodness that pulls everything together, you know, like wrapping a warm blanket around your taste buds on a lazy morning?
• 2 cups leftover pizza (chopped): Here’s where the fun starts with 2 cups of chopped leftover pizza, turning yesterday’s slice into today’s star ingredient – imagine all those toppings, from pepperoni to veggies, getting a second chance to shine, because really, who wants perfectly good pizza to go to waste?
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste: And don’t forget that 1/2 teaspoon of salt, plus a little extra if you’re feeling it, to amp up the flavors just right – it’s that simple touch that says, “Hey, let’s not overcomplicate things,” though I might joke that even my shaky hand with the shaker could make this pop.

Cooking Steps

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Let’s jump into making this Leftover Pizza Breakfast Casserole, where turning last night’s pizza into a morning masterpiece feels like a clever kitchen hack.

First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, giving it time to get nice and toasty while you prep everything else – after all, who doesn’t love that warm, welcoming oven smell wafting through the house?

Now, in a large mixing bowl, crack open those 6 large eggs and whisk them together with 1 cup of milk until the mixture is smooth and well combined, like you’re blending a simple dream into reality.

Add in the 1/2 cup of shredded cheese and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, stirring gently to make sure everything gets cozy; this is where the flavors start to mingle, turning ordinary ingredients into something that might just surprise your taste buds.

1. Chop and mix: Take your 2 cups of leftover pizza and chop it into bite-sized pieces – no need for perfection, just aim for even chunks so they bake evenly and don’t turn into a gooey mess. Fold the chopped pizza into the egg mixture, giving it a few good stirs to distribute all those toppings like pepperoni or veggies throughout.
2. Bake it up: Grease a baking dish, about 8×8 inches, and pour in the whole mixture, spreading it out evenly with a spoon or your fingers if you’re feeling adventurous. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set – you’ll know it’s ready when a knife inserted in the middle comes out mostly clean, like checking if your cake is done without the drama.
3. Rest and serve: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before slicing, which gives it time to firm up a bit and makes serving easier; it’s that patient wait that rewards you with neat pieces instead of a sloppy heap.

Tips and Variations

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If you’re tweaking your Leftover Pizza Breakfast Casserole, why not play around with that 1/2 teaspoon of salt by tasting as you mix—sometimes your leftover pizza already packs a punch, so a light hand keeps things balanced without overwhelming the flavors.

For variations, swap in different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or feta for a tangy twist, or toss in extras such as diced bell peppers or mushrooms to bulk it up; it’s like giving your breakfast a surprise makeover, making mornings more exciting and turning simple leftovers into a clever, crowd-pleasing dish that might just have you grinning at your own kitchen creativity.

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