I can’t tell you how much I adore breakfast casseroles! There’s something so comforting about waking up to the smell of something hearty baking in the oven. My favorite is this Cheesy Sausage & Egg Breakfast Casserole—it’s like a warm hug on a plate. I remember Sunday mornings at my grandma’s house, where we’d gather around the table, forks in hand, ready to dig into a big dish of cheesy goodness. This casserole is packed with fluffy eggs, savory sausage, and gooey cheddar cheese, making it the perfect start to any day. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a regular family breakfast, this dish always brings everyone together. Trust me, it’s a game-changer for breakfast lovers!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, casing removed
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, preferably sharp for extra flavor
- 1 cup milk, whole for creaminess
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, fresh ground for the best flavor
- 6 cups cubed bread, day-old works best for texture
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions, for a fresh kick
How to Prepare the Cheesy Sausage & Egg Breakfast Casserole
Preheat and Cook the Sausage
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This is the magic number for baking our casserole just right! While that’s heating up, grab a skillet and cook your breakfast sausage over medium heat. You’ll want to keep an eye on it and stir occasionally until it’s beautifully browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s all cooked through, make sure to drain the excess fat—nobody likes a greasy casserole!
Prepare the Egg Mixture
Now, let’s whip up that egg mixture! In a large bowl, crack those 8 large eggs and add in 1 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Grab a whisk and mix it all together until it’s nice and frothy. Trust me, you want to combine it really well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the casserole. A good mix here makes all the difference!
Combine Ingredients
Time to bring everything together! In the bowl with your egg mixture, add the 6 cups of cubed bread, the browned sausage, the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and the 1/2 cup of chopped green onions. Now, stir everything together gently but thoroughly—this is where the magic happens! You want every bit of bread to soak up that delicious egg mixture.
Bake the Casserole
Next, carefully pour the entire mixture into a greased baking dish. You want to spread it out evenly, so it cooks uniformly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and check for doneness by giving it a little shake; the eggs should be set and the top should be gloriously golden brown. It’s going to smell heavenly!
Cool and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This helps the casserole to set a bit more, making it easier to slice. When you serve it, you can add a sprinkle of extra green onions on top for a fresh touch. And there you have it—your Cheesy Sausage & Egg Breakfast Casserole is ready to be devoured!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying my Cheesy Sausage & Egg Breakfast Casserole, it’s always nice to have an idea of what’s on your plate. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving (that’s one slice, by the way):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. It’s always a good idea to adjust according to your dietary needs! Enjoying this casserole as part of a balanced breakfast is a delicious way to start your day!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Cheesy Sausage & Egg Breakfast Casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, use stale or day-old bread if you can—this helps absorb the egg mixture better, giving you that perfect texture. If you like a bit of heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sausage while it cooks. Also, don’t skip on greasing your baking dish; it makes a big difference when it comes to serving! If you’re making this ahead of time, feel free to assemble it the night before and let it sit in the fridge—just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. And lastly, let it cool a bit before slicing; this helps the layers hold together beautifully. Enjoy experimenting!
Variations of the Cheesy Sausage & Egg Breakfast Casserole
The beauty of this Cheesy Sausage & Egg Breakfast Casserole is how versatile it is! If you’re looking to mix things up, consider swapping out the breakfast sausage for turkey sausage or even diced ham for a different flavor profile. Want to go meatless? Try adding sautéed mushrooms or crumbled tofu for a hearty vegetarian option. As for cheese, swap the cheddar for pepper jack for a kick or even a blend of your favorites like mozzarella and gouda for a creamy twist. You can also toss in some colorful veggies—think bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini—to sneak in some extra nutrients and flavor. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to let your creativity shine in the kitchen!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Storing your Cheesy Sausage & Egg Breakfast Casserole is super simple. Just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is a breeze! Just pop a slice in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or until it’s heated through. If you prefer, you can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method really helps retain that lovely texture and flavor. If you want to freeze it, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and they’ll be good for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy every cheesy bite again!
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about my Cheesy Sausage & Egg Breakfast Casserole is how easy it is to prepare ahead of time. You can assemble the entire casserole the night before and just cover it with plastic wrap or foil, then pop it in the fridge. This way, all the flavors have time to meld together beautifully. In the morning, just take it out, let it sit for a few minutes to come to room temperature, and then bake it as directed. It’s a real lifesaver for busy mornings!
What can I substitute for breakfast sausage?
If you’re looking to switch things up or cater to dietary preferences, you’ve got plenty of options! Turkey sausage works great if you want a leaner choice. You can also go for plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version that still packs a punch of flavor. Another fun idea is to use diced ham or even crumbled bacon for a different twist. Feel free to get creative and pick your favorite protein!
How can I add more vegetables?
Want to sneak in some extra veggies? I totally get it! You can add chopped bell peppers, spinach, or even zucchini to the mix. Just sauté them lightly before adding to the egg mixture to soften them up a bit. You could also throw in some diced tomatoes for a fresh touch. The best part is that it not only adds nutrition but also brightens up the flavor and color of the casserole!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can definitely freeze leftovers! Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or store them in airtight containers. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or oven. It’s like having a delicious breakfast on standby for those busy days!
What sides pair well with this casserole?
This casserole is so hearty that it stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to enhance your breakfast spread, I recommend serving it with some fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or a mixed berry bowl. A light salad with a citrusy dressing can also be a refreshing complement. And if you’re feeling indulgent, consider some crispy hash browns or a side of buttery toast to round out the meal. You really can’t go wrong!
Print
Cheesy Sausage & Egg Breakfast Casserole: 5 Delicious Steps
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful casserole packed with cheesy goodness, sausage, and eggs.
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups cubed bread
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cubed bread, cooked sausage, cheese, and green onions to the egg mixture. Stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- This can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: Cheesy Sausage & Egg Breakfast Casserole, breakfast casserole, sausage casserole