Easy Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Last Sunday, I woke up craving something warm and comforting, but I also needed it to be relatively quick and easy because, well, Sundays are for relaxing, right? I rummaged through my fridge, spotted some leftover sausage, and then it hit me: an easy sausage breakfast casserole! My family absolutely loves a good breakfast casserole, and this one is particularly special because it’s so customizable and comes together in a snap. Picture golden, bubbly cheese stretching as you scoop out a generous serving, the savory aroma of sausage filling the air – it’s pure comfort food!

Even on busy weekday mornings, I’ve been known to whip up this easy sausage breakfast casserole the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning. This easy sausage breakfast casserole is a lifesaver during the holidays when we have family visiting. My picky teenager actually asks for seconds of this easy sausage breakfast casserole, which is basically a culinary miracle in my book! Sometimes I even make this easy sausage breakfast casserole for dinner – breakfast for dinner is always a hit in our house. This easy sausage breakfast casserole is perfect for potlucks too.

I’ve learned through experience that prepping the ingredients ahead of time makes this easy sausage breakfast casserole even faster to assemble. Trust me, your family is going to love this easy sausage breakfast casserole as much as mine does!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious easy sausage breakfast casserole. This recipe is a staple in our house, and I’ve tweaked it over the years to perfection. I’ll share some of my secrets below!

• 1 pound breakfast sausage: I usually go for a mild sausage, but feel free to use spicy for an extra kick. My kids prefer the Jimmy Dean brand, but any breakfast sausage works.
• 6 large eggs: Make sure your eggs are fresh! I always buy mine from the local farmer’s market when I can.
• 1 cup milk: I’ve found that using whole milk instead of 2% gives the casserole a richer, creamier texture. For a richer flavor, consider using half-and-half or even a splash of heavy cream.
• 1 teaspoon salt: A little salt goes a long way in bringing out the flavors. Kosher salt is a great choice for even seasoning.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground pepper is always best! The aroma and flavor are noticeably better.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a nice savory depth. Sometimes I even throw in a pinch of onion powder too. For a bolder garlic flavor, try using fresh minced garlic sautéed with the sausage.
• 6 slices bread, cubed: I usually use whatever bread I have on hand – sourdough, Italian, or even just plain white bread works. The key is to cube it into bite-sized pieces. Day-old bread works best as it soaks up the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: My kids prefer mild cheddar, but you can absolutely use sharp cheddar for more flavor, or even a blend of cheeses. Monterey Jack or Colby Jack would also be delicious in this easy sausage breakfast casserole. A combination of cheddar and Gruyere offers a wonderful balance of flavors.
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Adds a nice fresh flavor and a pop of color. My husband loves it when I add green onions! Chives also make a lovely garnish.

For this easy sausage breakfast casserole recipe, I sometimes like to add a little bit of Dijon mustard to the egg mixture for a little tang. It’s a secret ingredient that my family loves, and nobody can ever quite put their finger on what makes my easy sausage breakfast casserole so good! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients in this easy sausage breakfast casserole to make it your own. One time, I accidentally used maple sausage for this easy sausage breakfast casserole and it turned out surprisingly delicious! Make sure you use high-quality sausage to create the best easy sausage breakfast casserole. I buy my cheese in bulk at Costco and freeze portions to save money.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making this easy sausage breakfast casserole. Don’t worry, it’s super simple!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This is crucial to prevent sticking! Use cooking spray or butter for best results.
2. Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the sausage until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy easy sausage breakfast casserole! Patting the sausage dry with paper towels after cooking can remove even more grease.
3. Prepare the egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure everything is well combined. Whisking vigorously will incorporate air and create a lighter, fluffier casserole.
4. Assemble the casserole: Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the bread. Then, pour the egg mixture over the sausage and bread. Make sure the bread is soaked with the egg mixture! Gently pressing down on the bread helps it absorb the liquid evenly.
5. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. Don’t skimp on the cheese! A generous layer of cheese creates a beautiful, bubbly topping.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen starts smelling absolutely amazing! Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
7. Let it rest: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps it set up and makes it easier to cut. I learned the hard way to let it rest for a few minutes – trust me on this one! The resting period allows the egg mixture to fully set, resulting in cleaner slices.

Here’s a tip I learned after making this easy sausage breakfast casserole countless times: lightly toast the bread cubes before assembling the casserole. This will help prevent them from getting soggy. Another thing I do to make this easy sausage breakfast casserole extra special is to saute some onions and peppers along with the sausage. This adds a nice depth of flavor. If you accidentally overbake this easy sausage breakfast casserole, don’t panic! Just cover it with foil and let it sit for a few minutes – it will still be delicious.

My husband always asks me to make extra of this easy sausage breakfast casserole because he loves the leftovers for lunch. When cooking the sausage for this easy sausage breakfast casserole, make sure to break it up into small pieces so it distributes evenly throughout the dish. Cooking this easy sausage breakfast casserole has become a tradition in my household, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Serving Ideas

This easy sausage breakfast casserole is incredibly versatile and can be served in so many ways. Here are some of our family’s favorites:

• Classic breakfast: Serve it warm with a side of fresh fruit, like berries or melon. We love this with a simple green salad and some crusty bread. The sweetness of the fruit complements the savory casserole perfectly.
• Brunch buffet: This is a perfect addition to any brunch spread. My kids always fight over who gets the crispiest pieces of this easy sausage breakfast casserole. Consider adding other brunch staples like pancakes, waffles, and a variety of beverages.
• Holiday gathering: It’s a great way to feed a crowd during the holidays. Preparing the casserole ahead of time can save you valuable time and effort on busy holiday mornings.
• Breakfast for dinner: Because why not? This has become our go-to for Sunday dinners with the grandparents. It’s a fun and easy way to switch up your dinner routine.
• Potluck dish: It’s always a hit at potlucks and get-togethers. The casserole is easy to transport and serve, making it a convenient option for potlucks.

I like to sprinkle fresh herbs on top of this easy sausage breakfast casserole – it makes it look so much fancier! A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce also adds a nice touch. This recipe says it serves 6, but in our house it barely feeds 4 hungry people! My daughter always asks for extra sauce on her portion of this easy sausage breakfast casserole. If we somehow have leftovers of this easy sausage breakfast casserole, they make the best lunch the next day.

I’ve even been known to crumble it up and use it as a topping for salads. For a heartier meal, you can serve this easy sausage breakfast casserole with a side of roasted potatoes. If you’re feeling extra fancy, you could even top each serving of this easy sausage breakfast casserole with a poached egg. The possibilities are endless!

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this easy sausage breakfast casserole, based on questions I’ve actually gotten from friends and family over the years.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This easy sausage breakfast casserole is perfect for making ahead. Just assemble it the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, you can! Bake the casserole as directed, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Q: Can I use different types of sausage?
A: Of course! Feel free to use any type of sausage you like – Italian sausage, chorizo, or even vegetarian sausage. I often switch it up depending on what I have on hand.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A: Definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to customize this easy sausage breakfast casserole. Some good options include chopped onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the casserole to ensure they cook through properly.

Q: What if I don’t have bread?
A: You can substitute the bread with cubed croissants or even leftover biscuits. I’ve even used crumbled crackers in a pinch! Consider using gluten-free bread or crackers for a gluten-free option.

Q: My casserole is browning too quickly – what should I do?
A: If the top of the casserole is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. I’ve definitely overcooked this before – here’s how to avoid that! This will help prevent the top from burning while the inside continues to cook.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use dairy-free milk and cheese substitutes. There are some great dairy-free options available these days. My mother-in-law is on a low-sodium diet, so here’s how I modify it for her: I use low-sodium sausage and reduce the amount of salt in the recipe. Making this easy sausage breakfast casserole can be as easy or as complicated as you want it to be. It’s completely up to you and your needs!

Conclusion

This easy sausage breakfast casserole has become a cherished staple in our home, a testament to the simple joys of cooking and sharing delicious food with loved ones. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a collection of memories, laughter, and comforting flavors that bring our family together.

Here are some of my best tips for making this casserole perfect every time:

• Use high-quality ingredients: It makes a world of difference in the final taste. Opt for fresh, flavorful ingredients whenever possible.
• Don’t overbake: Overbaking can make the casserole dry. Keep a close eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking.
• Let it rest before serving: This allows the casserole to set up and makes it easier to cut. The resting period is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.

My son loves this easy sausage breakfast casserole with extra cheese, while my daughter prefers it plain. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit any taste. This easy sausage breakfast casserole is truly a crowd-pleaser. Don’t be intimidated – if I can make this on a busy Tuesday night, you absolutely can too!

This recipe reminds me of my grandmother, who always made the most amazing breakfast casseroles. She taught me that the key to a good casserole is to use simple ingredients and lots of love. I hope this easy sausage breakfast casserole brings as much joy to your family as it has to mine.

I’d love to hear how this turns out for your family – drop me a comment! Happy cooking, and I hope this becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine! Be sure to check out my recipe for Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole! Or, try my Taco Crock Pot Hashbrown Casserole. Allrecipes Sausage Breakfast Casserole and Sausage, Egg and Cheese Breakfast Casserole are great options too!

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