Looking for a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and easy to prepare? This breakfast sausage and cheese casserole is your answer. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, planning holiday breakfasts, or simply prepping meals for the week, this recipe has got you covered. With its rich layers of savory sausage, gooey melted cheese, and fluffy eggs, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—customize it with your favorite ingredients to suit any taste or dietary preference.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is more than just delicious—it’s practical too! Here’s why it deserves a spot in your recipe collection:
- Easy to Make: With simple pantry staples and minimal prep time, this casserole is a breeze to whip up.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Assemble it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake when ready!
- Customizable: Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini, or experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors.
- Feeds a Crowd: Ideal for serving large groups during family gatherings, potlucks, or special occasions.
- Protein-Packed: A filling breakfast option that keeps hunger at bay for hours.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
To make this delightful casserole, you’ll need:
- Breakfast sausage (turkey works great here)
- Eggs
- Milk (or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (or another variety of your choice)
- Bread cubes (optional, for added texture)
- Onion (optional but recommended for extra flavor)
- Bell peppers (optional, for a pop of color and crunch)
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Butter (for greasing the baking dish)
For those looking to switch things up, consider substituting ingredients based on your preferences. For example, swap out the cheddar cheese for mozzarella for a creamier texture, or skip the bread entirely if you’re aiming for a low-carb version.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking. If you don’t have a 9×13 dish, smaller dishes can also work—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until fully browned. Break it into small crumbles as it cooks to ensure even distribution throughout the casserole later. Once done, drain any excess grease and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables (Optional)
If using onions or bell peppers, sauté them in the same skillet until they soften. This step enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish while adding some vibrant color.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture
Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl and whisk them thoroughly. Add milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and continue whisking until everything is well combined. The milk helps create a lighter, fluffier consistency in the baked eggs.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the cooked sausage evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. If you’ve sautéed vegetables, scatter them over the sausage layer next. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top. If you’re including bread cubes, distribute them evenly now.
Step 6: Pour the Egg Mixture
Slowly pour the egg mixture over the assembled layers, ensuring it seeps through all the nooks and crannies. Gently shake the dish to help the liquid settle evenly.
Step 7: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top turns a beautiful golden brown. To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center—if it comes out clean, the casserole is ready.
Step 8: Cool & Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together and makes serving easier.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8 people
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
Want to get creative? Here are some fun twists to try:
- Spicy Version: Use spicy sausage and toss in diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a meatless alternative.
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese for new flavor profiles.
- Gluten-Free Option: Skip the bread or use gluten-free bread to cater to dietary restrictions.
- Creamy Upgrade: Stir in ½ cup of sour cream into the egg mixture for a richer texture.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for a crispier finish.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully! Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about this recipe:
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake according to the instructions.
Do I have to use bread in the casserole?
Nope! While bread adds texture, you can omit it for a lower-carb version without compromising flavor.
What type of cheese should I use?
Cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack for variety.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted tomatoes would pair wonderfully with this dish.
How do I keep the casserole from being too dry?
Avoid overbaking, and consider adding a splash of extra milk or a bit more cheese if needed.
Can I bake this in a smaller dish?
Yes! However, keep in mind that a smaller dish will result in a thicker casserole, which may require additional baking time.
Conclusion
This breakfast sausage and cheese casserole is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly versatile, making it perfect for busy mornings, lazy weekends, or festive celebrations. Best of all, it’s easy to customize, so whether you’re feeding picky eaters or adventurous foodies, everyone will leave the table happy. Give this recipe a try today, and enjoy a warm, comforting start to your day!
Breakfast Sausage and Cheese Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (turkey works great)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 cups bread cubes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until fully browned. Break it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- If using onions or bell peppers, sauté them in the same skillet until soft.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Spread the cooked sausage evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. Add sautéed vegetables if using, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top. If using bread cubes, distribute them evenly now.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish. Gently shake the dish to help the liquid settle.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center—if it comes out clean, the casserole is ready.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
