Are you ready to start your day with a tasty twist? This Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole packs in bold flavors and hearty ingredients. It’s easy to make and perfect for any morning. With layers of breakfast sausage, eggs, and gooey cheddar cheese, you’ll have everyone coming back for seconds! Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking for a breakfast delight that will impress your family and friends!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This casserole is simple to make, allowing you to whip up a delicious breakfast without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite veggies or swap out the sausage for a meat-free option.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.
- Cheesy Goodness: The combination of cheddar cheese and savory sausage creates a comforting and satisfying flavor that everyone loves.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 pound breakfast sausage
– 6 large eggs
– 2 cups whole milk
– 4 cups cubed bread (sourdough or challah)
Flavor Enhancers
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup diced bell peppers
– 1 cup diced onion
– Garlic powder and paprika
Seasoning
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper
– Fresh parsley for garnish
The Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole starts with simple yet tasty main ingredients. First, you need breakfast sausage. I often use bulk sausage for ease. The eggs and milk create a creamy base. The cubed bread adds great texture. Sourdough or challah work best.
Next, we have flavor enhancers. Shredded cheddar cheese gives that rich, cheesy goodness. Diced bell peppers add color and a slight crunch. Diced onion brings sweetness and depth. Garlic powder and paprika give the dish a warm, inviting flavor.
Finally, seasonings complete the dish. Salt and freshly ground black pepper balance the flavors. Fresh parsley makes for a lovely garnish. It adds a pop of color and freshness.
These ingredients combine to create a hearty, satisfying breakfast. Each bite brings a mix of flavors and textures. You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish well. This helps the casserole not stick.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 pound of breakfast sausage. Cook until it turns brown and crumbles well. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any extra grease from the skillet.
Mixing Ingredients
1. In a big bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs and 2 cups of whole milk. Make sure it is smooth.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
3. In the greased dish, layer 4 cups of cubed bread evenly on the bottom. This gives a great base for your casserole.
4. Spread the browned sausage over the bread. Next, add 1 cup of diced bell peppers and 1 cup of diced onion. This will add color and flavor to your dish.
Baking and Serving
1. Carefully pour the egg mixture over the sausage and bread layers. Make sure it soaks into the bread nicely.
2. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top. This cheese will melt beautifully while baking.
3. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Look for a golden brown color on the edges. To test if it’s done, insert a knife in the middle. If it comes out clean, it’s ready!
4. After baking, let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This makes slicing easier.
5. Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm, cut into squares, and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
To evenly distribute the sausage and veggies, layer them carefully. Start with the bread cubes, then add sausage, bell peppers, and onions in a single, even layer. This way, each bite has a mix of flavors. The colors will also pop, making it look appealing.
Soaking bread cubes in the egg mixture is key. This step allows the bread to absorb the flavors. It helps bind the casserole together when it bakes. Make sure every piece gets soaked. This will keep the dish moist.
Serving Suggestions
For great sides to complement the casserole, think fresh fruit or a light salad. They add a nice balance to the rich flavors. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a side of yogurt for added creaminess.
For a beautiful breakfast table, cut the casserole into generous squares. Top each piece with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Arrange it on a large platter with fruit on the side. This makes for an inviting and vibrant spread that everyone will enjoy.
Pro Tips
- Use Day-Old Bread: For the best texture, use slightly stale bread. It absorbs the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicy kick.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Just bake it in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast.
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can switch up the cheese to find your favorite. Try mozzarella for a milder taste. Pepper jack adds a nice kick. Both melt well and bring different flavors.
If you want to change the sausage, turkey sausage is a good choice. It’s lighter but still tasty. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage. It gives you the same great flavor without meat.
Flavor Variations
Adding herbs or spices can make this dish more exciting. Italian seasoning brings warmth and depth. Chives add a fresh taste that brightens the casserole. Just sprinkle them in when mixing the egg and milk.
You can also add other veggies for more color and nutrition. Spinach is a great choice; it cooks down nicely and adds a rich green color. Mushrooms give a nice, earthy flavor. Just be sure to cook them a bit before adding to the casserole. This way, they won’t make the dish soggy.
Storage Info
Refrigeration
To store leftover casserole, first let it cool. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. In the fridge, the casserole stays good for about 3 to 4 days.
Freezing Instructions
For freezing, cut the casserole into portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then in foil. This helps to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
To reheat frozen portions, place them in a baking dish. Cover with foil and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until warmed through. Enjoy your tasty Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole even after freezing!
FAQs
How to make a Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole without eggs?
You can replace eggs with silken tofu or a mix of flaxseed and water. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. Blend until smooth, then follow the recipe as usual. The texture may differ slightly, but it will still be tasty!
Can this casserole be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this casserole the night before. Simply follow the recipe and cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, bake it straight from the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To reheat leftovers, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, heating in short intervals until hot.
This breakfast casserole is a tasty blend of sausage, eggs, and bread. You learned how to prepare it step by step. Keeping our tips in mind will make cooking easier and more fun. With flavor swaps and storage tips, you can customize your dish. Enjoy your meal and share it with others. This simple recipe can become a breakfast favorite in your hom
