Breakfast Mac & Cheese

Breakfast Mac & Cheese: A Surprisingly Delicious Morning Meal

As a busy mom, I'm always on the lookout for quick, easy, and – let's be honest – exciting breakfast ideas. The usual toast and cereal routine can get old fast, especially when you're trying to fuel your family for a busy day. That's where this Breakfast Mac & Cheese comes in. It's a total game-changer, transforming the comforting classic into a surprisingly delightful morning meal.

The idea might sound a little unconventional at first – mac and cheese for breakfast? But trust me, this recipe works. The savory flavors of the sausage, the creamy cheese sauce, and the perfectly cooked pasta create a satisfying and surprisingly light breakfast. It's far from the heavy, greasy experience you might be imagining. The addition of biscuits adds a delightful textural element, while the peppers and onions add a freshness that complements the richness of the cheese.

My kids absolutely adore this recipe, and it's become a weekend staple in our household. I love that it's something different and exciting, but also incredibly easy to prepare. The prep time is minimal, and the baking time is perfectly manageable, even on a busy morning. The best part? Leftovers are equally delicious for lunch the next day!

Beyond the Basics: Making it Your Own

While this recipe is fantastic as it is, I encourage you to experiment and make it your own. Love spicy food? Add a little extra jalapeno or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Want a vegetarian option? Swap out the sausage for some sauteed mushrooms or spinach. Feel free to play with different cheeses as well – cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of your favorites would all work beautifully. The possibilities are endless!

Tips for Success:

Prepping Ahead: To make weekday mornings even easier, prep the vegetables and sausage the night before. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. You can even assemble the entire dish ahead of time and bake it in the morning.

Pasta Choice: I personally prefer cavatelli pasta for this recipe, as its shape helps it to hold the creamy cheese sauce beautifully. However, any short pasta will do. Penne, shells, or even rotini would work well.

Biscuit Options: You can use homemade biscuits or store-bought refrigerated biscuits for this recipe. Both options work great. If using store-bought, make sure to crumble them well to distribute evenly throughout the dish.

Serving Suggestions: Serve this Breakfast Mac & Cheese on its own, or pair it with a side of fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or even some crispy bacon for a truly decadent breakfast treat. No matter how you serve it, it's sure to be a hit.

More Than Just a Breakfast:

This Breakfast Mac & Cheese is versatile enough to be enjoyed beyond breakfast. It makes a fantastic brunch dish, a comforting lunch, or even a unique side dish for a casual dinner. It’s a crowd-pleaser no matter the time of day. This recipe’s adaptability makes it a go-to dish for any occasion. It’s just as easy to make a smaller portion for a quick lunch as it is to scale it up for a larger gathering.

So, next time you're looking for a breakfast that’s both delicious and easy, give this Breakfast Mac & Cheese a try. It's sure to become a new family favorite!

Step-by-step

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes.
• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until browned. Remove sausage from the pan, drain the fat off and set sausage aside. In the same skillet, add the onion, peppers and garlic salt and cook over medium-high heat until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Remove onion and pepper mixture from heat and set aside.
• Add butter to the same skillet and stir constantly until melted. Add the flour and stir constantly over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Slowly pour in the milk and whisk continuously until it is smooth and has thickened, about 4-6 minutes. Remove skillet from the heat and stir in 4 cups of colby jack and 1/2 cup of pepper jack along with salt and pepper to taste. Add the pasta, cooked sausage, onion/pepper mixture to the cheese mixture and stir until combined. Pour into a large buttered baking dish.
• In a small bowl, whisk all the eggs together. Add in remaining cheese and crumbled biscuits, stir until combined. Pour this mixture over the pasta in the baking dish.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.