Introduction:
Best Breakfast Casserole Recipe with Sausage is the ultimate morning centerpiece, perfect for weekend brunch, holiday gatherings, or a hearty start to any day. This casserole is a delightful combination of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, cheesy goodness, and your favorite mix-ins, all baked together to golden perfection. It’s a dish that effortlessly feeds a crowd and offers a comforting, satisfying start to the day.
Imagine waking up to the aroma of savory sausage and warm, cheesy eggs baking in the oven. Each bite of this breakfast casserole is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, from the crispy edges to the tender center. It’s a complete breakfast in one dish, offering protein, carbohydrates, and dairy in a comforting, easy-to-serve format.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, feeding a hungry family, or simply want to prep breakfast ahead of time, this Best Breakfast Casserole with Sausage recipe is your go-to. Its straightforward steps and customizable ingredients make it an ideal choice for any occasion. Prepare to experience the ultimate breakfast comfort and flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
You’ll absolutely adore this Best Breakfast Casserole Recipe with Sausage because it’s truly the epitome of breakfast perfection. This recipe is designed for ease and maximum flavor, ensuring a simple and stress-free cooking experience. It’s incredibly convenient for meal prepping, allowing you to assemble it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
The flavor profile is undeniably crowd-pleasing. The savory sausage, combined with the richness of eggs and cheese, creates a classic breakfast taste that everyone loves. The customizable nature of the recipe means you can tailor it to suit your family’s preferences, adding their favorite vegetables, cheeses, or seasonings.
Moreover, this casserole is incredibly versatile and efficient. It’s a one-dish wonder, minimizing cleanup, and it’s perfect for feeding a large group. Leftovers are just as delicious, making it a practical choice for busy households. This breakfast casserole is guaranteed to become a weekend brunch staple for its ease, flavor, and flexibility.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
To create the Best Breakfast Casserole Recipe with Sausage, you will need a selection of simple, wholesome, and flavor-packed ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the hearty and satisfying layers of this breakfast classic. Let’s explore each ingredient and its contribution to the final casserole.
The star of this breakfast is sausage. Breakfast sausage, either in bulk or links (casings removed), provides a savory and flavorful protein base. You can choose between mild, medium, or hot sausage depending on your spice preference. Pork sausage is traditional, but you can also use turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
Eggs are the binding and richness element of the casserole. Large eggs create the custard-like texture that holds the casserole together and adds protein and richness. You’ll need a substantial quantity of eggs to ensure the casserole sets properly.
Cheese is essential for adding cheesy goodness and flavor. Cheddar cheese, shredded, provides a classic sharp and savory flavor that melts beautifully into the casserole. Sharp, medium, or mild cheddar can be used, or a blend of cheddar and other cheeses for more complex flavors. Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack are also excellent choices.
Bread forms the hearty base of the casserole, absorbing the flavors and adding texture. Bread, cubed, such as day-old bread, sourdough, French bread, or even croissants, works best. Stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better, preventing a soggy casserole. You can also use bread cubes or tear bread into bite-sized pieces.
Vegetables add flavor, color, and nutrition. Onion, diced, and bell pepper, diced (any color), form an aromatic base, adding sweetness and depth of flavor. These vegetables provide essential nutrients and balance the richness of the sausage and cheese. You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
Dairy components add creaminess and moisture to the casserole. Milk, whole milk or 2% milk, provides moisture and helps to create a custard-like texture when combined with eggs. You can also use half-and-half or heavy cream for an even richer casserole.
Seasoning is crucial for bringing all the flavors together. Unsalted butter is used for sautéing vegetables and greasing the baking dish, adding richness. Dried mustard enhances the savory flavors and adds a subtle tang. Salt and black pepper are essential seasonings to balance the flavors and enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
Optional additions include fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley for garnish, adding freshness and visual appeal. Hot sauce is perfect for serving on the side, allowing individuals to customize the spice level of their portion.
HOW TO MAKE “Best Breakfast Casserole”:
Making Best Breakfast Casserole with Sausage is a straightforward and satisfying process. It involves a few key steps that, when followed methodically, will result in a comforting and flavorful breakfast dish. Let’s break down the general method to understand the flow of the recipe.
First, you will prepare the sausage and vegetables. Sausage is browned and crumbled, and onions and bell peppers are sautéed until softened. This initial step develops savory flavors and creates a flavorful base for the casserole. Browning the sausage and sautéing the vegetables enhances their taste and texture.
Next, you will prepare the bread base. Bread is cubed and optionally toasted or left as is to form the base layer in the baking dish. The bread absorbs the egg mixture and provides structure to the casserole.
Then, you will whisk together the egg mixture. Eggs, milk, cheese, and seasonings are whisked together to create the creamy custard base that will bind the casserole ingredients. This mixture is essential for creating the casserole’s texture and flavor.
Assemble the casserole. Bread cubes are layered in a greased baking dish, followed by the sausage and vegetable mixture, and then topped with the egg mixture and more cheese. Layering ensures even distribution of ingredients and flavors throughout the casserole.
Bake the casserole in the oven. The casserole is baked in a preheated oven until the eggs are set, the cheese is melted and golden, and the casserole is heated through. Baking is the key step that cooks the eggs, melds the flavors, and creates the comforting casserole texture.
Finally, let it rest and serve. After baking, the casserole is allowed to rest slightly before serving. This resting period allows it to set up a bit more and makes slicing and serving easier. Garnish and serve hot to enjoy your delicious homemade breakfast casserole.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Let’s delve into a more detailed, step-by-step guide for preparing your Best Breakfast Casserole with Sausage. Each step is broken down further to provide clarity and ensure even beginner cooks can confidently create this flavorful and hearty breakfast dish.
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Preparing the baking dish ensures the casserole doesn’t stick and is easy to serve after baking.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Vegetables.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add breakfast sausage (removed from casings if using links) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet after browning the sausage to prevent the casserole from becoming too oily. Add diced onion and diced bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Sauté the vegetables until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Sautéing these vegetables releases their sweetness and aroma, building a flavorful base for the casserole. Remove the skillet from heat after sautéing.
Step 3: Prepare Bread Cubes.
Cube about 6 cups of bread into approximately 1-inch pieces. If using fresh bread, you can lightly toast the bread cubes in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to dry them out slightly, which helps them absorb the egg mixture better. Alternatively, use day-old bread or let fresh bread sit out for a few hours to become slightly stale. Set bread cubes aside.
Step 4: Whisk Egg Mixture.
In a large bowl, whisk together 12 large eggs, 2 cups of milk (or half-and-half for richer casserole), 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese (reserving ½ cup for topping), 1 teaspoon of dried mustard, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk until well combined, ensuring all ingredients are evenly incorporated into the egg mixture. This mixture forms the custard base of the casserole.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole.
Spread the bread cubes evenly in the greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables evenly over the bread cubes. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage, vegetables, and bread in the baking dish. Gently press down with a spatula to ensure the bread is submerged in the egg mixture. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set, the eggs are cooked through, and the top is golden brown and bubbly. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the depth of the casserole. Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out mostly clean.
Step 7: Let Rest and Serve.
Remove the Best Breakfast Casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Resting allows the casserole to set up further, making it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty and flavorful breakfast casserole. Offer hot sauce on the side, if desired.
USEFUL TIPS:
To consistently create delicious and satisfying Best Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, consider these useful tips. These suggestions cover everything from ingredient selection to baking techniques, designed to elevate your casserole-making skills and ensure a flavorful outcome every time.
Use good quality breakfast sausage for the best flavor. The quality of the sausage significantly impacts the overall flavor of the casserole. Choose a breakfast sausage you enjoy, whether it’s mild, hot, or flavored with maple or herbs.
Day-old or slightly stale bread works best. Using slightly stale or day-old bread helps prevent the casserole from becoming soggy. Stale bread absorbs the egg mixture more effectively without losing its texture during baking.
Don’t skip sautéing the vegetables. Sautéing onions and bell peppers before adding them to the casserole enhances their flavor and softens them to the perfect texture. Raw onions and peppers might not fully cook and soften during the casserole baking time.
Use a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor. While cheddar is classic, consider using a blend of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or pepper jack for a richer and more complex cheesy flavor. A cheese blend can add depth and nuance to the casserole.
Customize with your favorite vegetables. Feel free to add other vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, diced zucchini, or roasted red peppers to customize the casserole to your liking. Ensure vegetables are cooked or softened beforehand to prevent them from making the casserole watery.
For a make-ahead option, assemble the casserole the night before. You can assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, bake as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time as starting from a cold temperature will require slightly longer to heat through.
If you want a crispier top, bake uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes. Baking the casserole uncovered for the last portion of the baking time allows the cheese on top to brown and become slightly crispy, adding textural contrast to the creamy casserole.
Let the casserole rest before slicing. Allowing the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking is crucial for it to set up properly, making it easier to slice and serve without it falling apart. Resting also helps to distribute the moisture evenly throughout the casserole.
DETAILS:
Let’s explore the specific details of this Best Breakfast Casserole Recipe with Sausage. Understanding these details will help you plan your cooking process and appreciate the elements that contribute to the casserole’s overall success and satisfying nature.
Prep Time: Approximately 30 minutes. This includes the time needed to brown sausage, sauté vegetables, cube bread, shred cheese (if not pre-shredded), and assemble all casserole ingredients. Efficient preparation makes the baking process smoother and quicker.
Bake Time: Approximately 40-50 minutes. Baking time is essential for the eggs to set, the cheese to melt and brown, and the casserole to be heated through. Baking until golden brown on top ensures a visually appealing and perfectly cooked casserole.
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes (including prep). This represents the combined prep and bake times, providing a clear picture of the total time commitment from start to finish. It’s a relatively quick and easy meal overall, especially for a breakfast casserole.
Yield: 8-10 servings. This recipe is designed to comfortably serve 8 to 10 people, making it ideal for family brunches, holiday gatherings, or potlucks. Serving sizes can be adjusted based on individual appetites and any accompanying side dishes.
Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Casserole, Main Course. Best Breakfast Casserole with Sausage clearly falls into the category of breakfast and brunch dishes, and is substantial enough to be a main course, particularly for morning meals. It’s a classic casserole preparation.
Method: Baking, Sautéing. The primary cooking method for this recipe is baking in the oven. Sautéing the sausage and vegetables is a preliminary step to enhance flavor before baking the casserole.
Cuisine: American, Breakfast/Brunch. Breakfast casseroles are a quintessential American breakfast and brunch dish, beloved for their hearty and comforting nature. This recipe embodies classic American breakfast cuisine.
Diet: Not specified. This recipe, as written, is not specifically tailored to any particular diet. For a lower-fat version, you could use leaner sausage (like turkey or chicken sausage), reduced-fat cheese and milk, though this may slightly alter the richness and flavor.
NOTES:
Consider these additional notes for making your Best Breakfast Casserole with Sausage even more personalized and successful. These insights provide flexibility and address potential variations, ingredient substitutions, and important considerations for different preferences and situations.
For a spicier casserole, use hot breakfast sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage while browning. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy cheese element. Diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) can also be added to the vegetable sauté for extra heat.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with vegetarian breakfast sausage crumbles or sautéed mushrooms. Vegetarian sausage crumbles or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and vegetables can provide a savory and hearty base for a vegetarian breakfast casserole.
To add more vegetables, consider incorporating cooked and crumbled bacon or diced ham along with the sausage for a meatier and richer flavor. Cooked bacon or ham can be added to the casserole mixture, enhancing the savory and hearty nature of the dish.
For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk, and use dairy-free shredded cheese alternative. Dairy-free milk alternatives and cheese substitutes allow those with dairy sensitivities or preferences to enjoy a breakfast casserole. Be aware that dairy-free cheese may melt and taste differently than traditional dairy cheese.
If you want to add a crunchy topping other than cheese, consider using panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, or crushed cornflakes or potato chips for a different textural element. Crunchy toppings add textural contrast to the creamy casserole and can enhance the overall eating experience.
For a make-ahead freezer option (unbaked), assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time as starting from frozen will require longer to heat through.
For individual servings, you can bake this casserole in muffin tins or ramekins for breakfast casserole cups. Grease muffin tins or ramekins, fill with casserole mixture, and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until set and golden. Cupcake or ramekin versions are great for portion control and individual serving convenience.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Let’s address some frequently asked questions about making Best Breakfast Casserole with Sausage. These answers are designed to provide clarity and solutions to common queries, ensuring a smooth and successful cooking experience.
Q: Can I use different types of bread for the casserole?
A: Yes, you can use various types of bread for this casserole. Good options include day-old French bread, sourdough, Italian bread, challah, or even croissants for a richer, flakier base. Heartier breads like whole wheat or rye can also be used but may result in a denser casserole. White sandwich bread is less ideal as it can become too soft and mushy.
Q: My casserole is soggy in the middle. What did I do wrong?
A: A soggy casserole can be caused by several factors, including using too much liquid, not using stale enough bread, or underbaking. Ensure you use day-old or lightly toasted bread, measure milk accurately, and bake the casserole until the eggs are fully set in the center and no longer jiggly. Overcrowding the baking dish can also lead to sogginess as it prevents proper evaporation, so use the recommended dish size.
Q: Can I add potatoes to this breakfast casserole?
A: Yes, you can definitely add potatoes to this breakfast casserole for extra heartiness. Diced and cooked potatoes (such as hash browns, diced roasted potatoes, or small cooked potato cubes) can be added to the casserole mixture along with the sausage and vegetables. Ensure potatoes are cooked beforehand as the baking time in the casserole is primarily for setting the eggs and heating through, not cooking raw potatoes.
Q: How do I prevent the cheese on top from burning before the casserole is cooked through?
A: If you notice the cheese on top browning too quickly before the casserole is fully cooked, you can loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil to shield the cheese and prevent further browning while the casserole continues to bake. Remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes if you want the cheese to brown more.
Q: Can I cook this breakfast casserole in a slow cooker?
A: While oven baking is the traditional and recommended method for breakfast casserole, you can adapt it for a slow cooker, although the texture will be different. Layer bread, sausage mixture, and egg mixture in a greased slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until eggs are set. Slow cooker casseroles will have a softer, less browned top and a moister texture compared to baked versions.
Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with breakfast casserole?
A: Breakfast casserole is often a complete meal on its own, but good side dishes to complement it include: fresh fruit salad, yogurt parfait, simple green salad, roasted asparagus or other vegetables, muffins or scones, or a side of breakfast potatoes (if you didn’t incorporate potatoes in the casserole itself). Choose sides that balance the richness of the casserole and add freshness or variety.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and flavor of your leftover Best Breakfast Casserole with Sausage. Follow these instructions to ensure your casserole remains delicious and safe to eat even after being stored.
Refrigeration: Allow the Best Breakfast Casserole with Sausage to cool completely to room temperature after baking. Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or transfer portions to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator. Properly refrigerated casserole will last for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat leftover Best Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, the oven is recommended for best texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and reheat for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Microwave reheating is also possible for individual portions, but may slightly alter the texture. Reheat in intervals on medium power until heated through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when reheating.
Freezing (Baked Casserole): For longer storage, baked Breakfast Casserole can be frozen. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly using either the oven or microwave method described above. Note that casseroles with eggs and dairy may sometimes undergo slight texture changes upon freezing and thawing, potentially becoming slightly less firm, but will still be safe and flavorful to eat.
RELATED RECIPES
If you enjoyed the hearty and satisfying Best Breakfast Casserole Recipe with Sausage, you’ll surely appreciate these other related breakfast and brunch casserole recipes. These dishes offer similar ease of preparation, comforting flavors, or feature ingredients that complement breakfast casserole beautifully.
French Toast Casserole (Sweet Breakfast): For a sweeter breakfast casserole option, try French Toast Casserole. This casserole features bread soaked in a sweet custard, often with fruit and a streusel topping, baked to golden perfection. It’s a delightful sweet brunch dish perfect for special occasions.
Spinach and Feta Breakfast Casserole (Vegetarian Option): For a lighter and vegetable-focused casserole, Spinach and Feta Breakfast Casserole is an excellent choice. This vegetarian casserole features spinach, feta cheese, eggs, and often sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts, offering a Mediterranean-inspired and flavorful vegetarian brunch option.
Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole (Classic Combination): If you prefer ham to sausage, Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole is a classic and comforting alternative. This casserole features diced ham, cheese, eggs, and bread, offering a different but equally beloved breakfast flavor profile.
Mexican Breakfast Casserole (Spicy Kick): For a breakfast casserole with a spicy and Southwestern flair, try Mexican Breakfast Casserole. This casserole features chorizo or Mexican sausage, cheese, eggs, tortillas or bread, and often includes ingredients like black beans, corn, and salsa, offering a flavorful and zesty brunch option.
Overnight Oats Casserole (Make-Ahead Ease): For a unique and make-ahead cold breakfast casserole, Overnight Oats Casserole is a great option. This casserole is prepared the night before and chilled, offering a convenient and healthy breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings. It’s a different texture and serving style from baked casseroles but provides similar make-ahead convenience.
CONCLUSION
Best Breakfast Casserole Recipe with Sausage is more than just a breakfast dish; it’s a heartwarming and versatile recipe that brings people together with its comforting flavors and effortless preparation. With its straightforward steps and customizable nature, this casserole is perfect for anyone looking for a reliable, crowd-pleasing option for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or easy meal prepping. The savory sausage, cheesy eggs, and customizable mix-ins create a truly satisfying and beloved breakfast experience.
This recipe provides a clear and detailed guide, ensuring that even novice cooks can confidently recreate this iconic breakfast casserole in their own kitchens. From browning the sausage and sautéing vegetables to assembling and baking the casserole to golden perfection, each step is designed for ease and maximum enjoyment. Imagine the satisfaction of serving a warm, fragrant Best Breakfast Casserole, the inviting aroma filling your kitchen, and the happy smiles as everyone enjoys a serving of this classic comfort.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch gathering, feeding a hungry family on a weekend morning, or simply want a delicious and make-ahead breakfast option, Best Breakfast Casserole with Sausage is a recipe that promises to become a cherished favorite. It’s versatile, wonderfully delicious, and remarkably easy to make – embodying all the qualities of perfect breakfast comfort food. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on the delightful journey of making your own Best Breakfast Casserole with Sausage. You’re just moments away from creating a truly unforgettable and deliciously comforting culinary experience that will be savored and appreciated by all.
