Sausage Breakfast Casserole
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!
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.