Let me tell you about my absolute favorite breakfast dish: the Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Casserole! Seriously, it’s the kind of meal that just warms your soul and gets your day off to a fantastic start. Imagine waking up to the smell of sizzling sausage mingling with gooey, melty cheese – it’s irresistible! This casserole is hearty enough to keep you full until lunch, but it’s also super easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy mornings or leisurely weekends with family. I love how you can customize it with whatever cheese or bread you have on hand. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to breakfast option, too! It’s cozy, comforting, and just downright delicious!
Ingredients List
To make the most amazing Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Casserole, you’ll need a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage – I usually go for a nice, savory pork sausage, but feel free to use turkey if you want a lighter option!
- 8 large eggs – These are the backbone of the casserole, providing that lovely, fluffy texture.
- 2 cups milk – Whole milk makes it rich, but you can use any milk you prefer!
- 1 teaspoon salt – Just enough to bring out all the delicious flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – A little kick to the mix is always welcome!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Because garlic makes everything better, right?
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – For a touch of sweetness and depth.
- 4 cups shredded cheese – I love using sharp cheddar, but feel free to mix it up with your favorites!
- 6 cups cubed bread – Any bread will do, but I adore using a hearty sourdough or crusty baguette.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re all set to create a breakfast masterpiece!
How to Prepare the Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Casserole
Let’s get cooking! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this step is crucial for getting that golden-brown top! While the oven is warming up, grab a skillet and cook your breakfast sausage over medium heat until it’s beautifully browned and crumbled. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, and oh boy, the smell is going to be amazing!
While that’s happening, let’s whip up the egg mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together those 8 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Make sure it’s all well combined – we want every bite to be packed with flavor!
Once your sausage is cooked, drain any excess grease (don’t forget this step!), and then add it to your egg mixture. Now for the fun part – stir in 4 cups of shredded cheese and 6 cups of cubed bread. I like to use a spatula to gently fold everything together, so the bread gets nice and coated with that cheesy goodness.
Next, pour the entire mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly for even cooking. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set. You can check this by gently shaking the dish; if it doesn’t jiggle too much, you’re good to go! Let it cool for a few minutes before digging in, and enjoy your delicious creation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you why this Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Casserole is an absolute winner in my kitchen!
- Quick and easy preparation: It comes together in no time, making it perfect for those busy mornings when you still want something hearty!
- Hearty and filling: With the combination of sausage, eggs, and cheese, this dish will keep you satisfied until your next meal.
- Versatile with ingredient options: You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. Got some leftover veggies? Toss them in!
- Great for meal prep: Make it ahead of time, and you’ve got breakfast ready for the week. Just reheat and enjoy!
- Perfect for gatherings and family breakfasts: Whether it’s a holiday brunch or a simple weekend get-together, this casserole is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Seriously, once you try it, you’ll understand why I can’t stop raving about it!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Casserole turns out perfectly every time! First off, if you want to mix things up, feel free to swap the breakfast sausage for turkey sausage or even a meatless alternative – it’ll still be delicious! Also, don’t hesitate to use different cheeses; a mix of mozzarella and pepper jack will give it a nice kick!
When it comes to the bread, stale bread works wonders here and adds amazing texture. If you’re in a rush, you can also use pre-cubed bread to save time. Just keep an eye on your baking time; if your casserole starts browning too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent burning.
Lastly, think about serving it with fresh fruit or a side of avocado for a little extra flair! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Variations of Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Casserole
One of the best things about this Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Casserole is how adaptable it is! If you’re in the mood for a little twist, here are some fun variations to consider:
- Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick, or feta for a tangy flavor. A blend of mozzarella and cheddar can also create a fantastic melty texture!
- Veggie Delight: Sneak in some diced bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms for a burst of color and nutrition. Just sauté them lightly before adding to the mixture.
- Herbed Up: Add fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley to brighten the dish. A sprinkle of dried Italian seasoning can also elevate the flavor.
- Spice it Up: For those who love heat, throw in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.
These variations let you get creative and make the casserole your own, so have fun experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got some delicious Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Casserole leftovers? Lucky you! To store them properly, let the casserole cool completely first, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They should stay good for up to 2 months!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just take out what you need. For refrigerated leftovers, simply reheat in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re using frozen portions, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, and then reheat as you would the refrigerated ones. You can also pop it into the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes for that freshly baked taste. Yum!
Nutritional Information
When you whip up this Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Casserole, you’re not just treating yourself to a delicious meal – you’re also getting a pretty balanced dish! Each serving (about one slice) packs in around 350 calories, with 25 grams of fat and 20 grams of protein to keep you feeling satisfied. You’ll also find about 20 grams of carbohydrates, making it a hearty option for breakfast. Just keep in mind that these values can vary a bit depending on the specific ingredients you choose, like the type of sausage or cheese. But rest assured, you’re in for a tasty and filling breakfast treat!
FAQ Section
Got questions about the Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Casserole? I’ve got answers!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven in the morning – it’s perfect for busy days!
What can I substitute for sausage?
If you’re looking for alternatives, turkey sausage works great, or you could use plant-based sausage if you want a vegetarian option. Even crumbled bacon or ham can add a delicious twist!
Can I freeze leftovers?
You bet! Just let the casserole cool completely, then slice it into portions. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat!
These tips will help you make the most of your casserole experience!
For more delicious breakfast ideas, check out this collection!
Print
Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Casserole: 5 Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A hearty breakfast casserole featuring sausage and cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 6 cups cubed bread
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add the cooked sausage, cheese, and cubed bread to the egg mixture. Stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use any type of bread.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Casserole