Need a hearty, flavorful breakfast that’s easy to prep? Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a Hearty Breakfast Bake that combines savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese in a savory breakfast casserole. Perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings, this cheesy breakfast bake is ready in under an hour and can be made ahead. Let’s make this Sausage Breakfast Casserole and start your day with cozy, satisfying flavors!
Why You’ll Love Sausage Breakfast Casserole
- Easy Prep: Simple ingredients and steps for a fuss-free meal.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the night before to save morning time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with flavors that kids and adults love.
- Customizable: Add veggies or swap cheeses to suit your taste.
- Filling: Keeps you energized with protein and hearty ingredients.
Ingredients for Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need for this savory breakfast casserole (serves 6):
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
- 4 cups (200g) day-old bread cubes (French or sourdough)
- ½ cup (75g) diced onion (optional)
- ½ cup (75g) diced bell pepper (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil (for sautéing)
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredient Tips
- Sausage: Use pork for rich flavor or turkey for a leaner cheesy breakfast bake.
- Bread: Day-old or stale bread prevents sogginess in this breakfast casserole.
- Cheese: Try pepper jack or feta for a flavor twist.
- Milk: Swap for plant-based milk (e.g., almond) for a dairy-free option.
- Veggies: Add onion and bell pepper for color; spinach or mushrooms work too.
Directions for Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Let’s make this Sausage Breakfast Casserole—a warm, comforting dish!
Cook Sausage and Veggies
- In a large skillet over medium heat, I cook 1 lb breakfast sausage, breaking it into crumbles, until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
- I drain excess grease and set aside.
- In the same skillet, I heat 1 tbsp butter or olive oil and sauté ½ cup diced onion and ½ cup diced bell pepper (if using) for 3–4 minutes until tender.
Prepare Egg Custard
- In a large bowl, I whisk 6 eggs, 1 cup milk, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper until frothy for a creamy savory breakfast casserole.
Assemble Casserole
- I grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and layer 4 cups day-old bread cubes evenly.
- I sprinkle the cooked sausage, sautéed veggies, and 1 cup shredded cheddar over the bread.
- I pour the egg mixture evenly over the top, pressing gently to ensure the bread soaks up the custard.
Bake
- I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole uncovered for 40–45 minutes until golden and set.
- I let it rest for 5–10 minutes to firm up before serving.
Serve
- I cut the casserole into squares or scoop portions, garnishing with fresh parsley or chives, and serve this cheesy breakfast bake warm.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Total Time: ~55–60 minutes
- Servings: 6 (about 1 cup per serving)
- Calories: ~350–400 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 20g carbs, 20g protein, 25g fat, 2g fiber
Variations for Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Try these twists for your cheesy breakfast bake:
- Vegetarian: Swap sausage for mushrooms or plant-based sausage, inspired by LaylaCooks’ Cauliflower Rice Spinach Artichoke Casserole.
- Spicy Kick: Add ¼ cup diced jalapeños or ¼ tsp cayenne for heat.
- Cheese Swap: Use feta or gouda for a unique savory breakfast casserole.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute bread with gluten-free bread or hash browns.
- Veggie Boost: Mix in ½ cup spinach or zucchini, inspired by LaylaCooks’ Beet Salad with Arugula.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with LaylaCooks’ Cucumber Blueberry Feta Salad for a fresh contrast.
- Serve with LaylaCooks’ Vanilla Raspberry Iced Latte for a light pairing.
- Enjoy with LaylaCooks’ The Best Peach Sorbet for a sweet finish.
Storage
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezing, I cool the casserole, wrap in foil, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. I thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve in squares or ramekins for a charming brunch look.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with parsley or chives for freshness.
- Pairing: Enjoy with a fruit salad or LaylaCooks’ Coconut Cooler for balance.
- Portion Size: 1 cup per person for a hearty breakfast.
- Occasions: Perfect for brunches, holidays, or meal prep.
FAQs About Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Here are answers to common questions about this dish:
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, assemble this Sausage Breakfast Casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning, adding 5–10 minutes if cold.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Swap sausage for mushrooms or plant-based sausage and use veggie broth if desired for a vegetarian breakfast casserole.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free cheesy breakfast bake.
Related Posts
- Easy 5-Ingredient Casserole by Dolly Parton
- Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole
- Cauliflower Rice Spinach Artichoke Casserole
Conclusion
Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that makes mornings delicious and stress-free. This savory breakfast casserole is easy to prep, customizable, and perfect for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings. Whip up this cheesy breakfast bake and enjoy its warm, comforting goodness!
Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound breakfast sausage pork or turkey
- 8 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk dairy or plant-based
- 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar, mozzarella, or blend
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil for sautéing
Produce
- 1/2 cup diced onion optional
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper optional
Bakery
- 6 cups bread cubes day-old or slightly stale bread such as French bread, sourdough, or sandwich bread
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the sausage and vegetables: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked. Remove sausage from pan. In the same skillet, sauté diced onions and bell peppers in butter or oil until tender, about 3-5 minutes. This step intensifies the savory flavors.
- Prepare the egg custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until fully combined and slightly frothy. This custard will soak into the bread cubes and sausage to create a creamy texture after baking.
- Assemble the casserole: Grease a baking dish and evenly layer the bread cubes inside. Sprinkle the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables over the bread. Then evenly distribute the shredded cheese. Pour the egg mixture over the top, pressing lightly to ensure the bread absorbs the custard.
- Bake until golden and set: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled casserole for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden and the eggs are fully set. Let cool for a few minutes to allow the casserole to firm up before serving.
Notes
- Use day-old bread to prevent sogginess and achieve perfect custard absorption.
- Mix sharp and mild cheeses for a deeper flavor profile.
- Season each component adequately with salt and pepper to avoid blandness.
- Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate to save morning prep time.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking to make slicing easier.
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