Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
This Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and delicious dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making it ideal for busy mornings or feeding a crowd. With layers of sausage, eggs, cheese, and bread (or hash browns), this casserole is a comforting, all-in-one meal!
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
Base Ingredients:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or plant-based)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole milk or half-and-half for creaminess)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley (optional)
Casserole Layers:
- 6 slices of bread, cubed (white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
(OR substitute 3-4 cups of frozen hash browns) - 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 1/4 cup green onions or chives, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
- Cook the Sausage:
- In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess grease and set aside.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme (if using).
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the cubed bread (or hash browns) evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the bread or hash browns.
- Top with shredded cheese and green onions (if using).
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top, ensuring it soaks into the bread or hash browns.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set in the center and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Sausage Breakfast Casserole
- Make It Ahead:
- Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it with foil, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake it straight from the fridge (add 5-10 minutes to the baking time).
- Bread Options:
- Stale bread works best because it holds up better with the egg mixture. Sourdough, brioche, or French bread adds extra flavor.
- Hash Browns:
- If using frozen hash browns, thaw them first and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
- Cheese Choices:
- Use your favorite cheese blend, such as sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss, for added flavor.
- Avoid Overbaking:
- Check the casserole near the end of the baking time to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
Variations
- Vegetable Sausage Casserole:
- Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the layers for a veggie-packed version.
- Spicy Kick:
- Use spicy breakfast sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
- Southwestern Style:
- Swap the bread for tortillas (cut into strips), and add black beans, corn, and salsa for a Tex-Mex twist.
- Gluten-Free:
- Use gluten-free bread or hash browns as the base.
- Bacon or Ham:
- Replace the sausage with cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham.
Serving Suggestions
- Toppings: Serve with salsa, hot sauce, sour cream, or avocado slices for extra flavor.
- Sides: Pair with fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or buttery biscuits for a complete meal.
- Drinks: Enjoy with coffee, tea, or a mimosa for brunch gatherings.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze:
- Let the casserole cool completely, then freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat:
- Warm slices in the microwave or oven until heated through.
This Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a crowd-pleasing, customizable dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your breakfast rotation. 🍳🧀🥓
