When the sun rises, I think of family brunches. They were filled with laughter and yummy smells. The sausage, egg, and cheese casserole always made me happy.
This dish is not just food. It warms our hearts. It’s great for big gatherings or a cozy Sunday.
On a cold Christmas morning, I made this casserole. It was a hit with my family. Everyone loved it, and we had a wonderful time.
This recipe is more than food. It creates special memories. It’s perfect for feeding many and becoming a family favorite.
Let’s explore this tasty dish. It turns simple ingredients into a delicious masterpiece. It’s great for any time!
What is a Breakfast Casserole?
A breakfast casserole is a tasty dish made from many ingredients. It has eggs, meats like sausage, and cheese. It also has veggies for extra flavor and texture.
This dish is great for big meals or busy mornings. It’s perfect for special days or when you’re in a hurry.
What makes a breakfast casserole special is how easy it is to make. I can make it ahead of time. This way, I can serve a healthy meal without much work.
When it cooks in the oven, it looks and tastes amazing. You can change it up by adding different ingredients. This lets me make it just the way I like it.
Why Choose Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Casserole?
This Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Casserole is perfect for families and gatherings. It has a 5 out of 5 rating from 7,530 people. It’s easy to make, so mornings are stress-free.
The mix of flavors from the sausage, eggs, and cheese is comforting. It’s a dish everyone enjoys.
The recipe uses 1 pound of breakfast sausage and 12 eggs. It’s a hearty meal that makes everyone happy. You can store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months.
Each serving has only 385 calories. It’s healthy and delicious. It’s the best way to start your day or serve at brunch.
Ingredients for a Hearty Breakfast Casserole
Making a tasty breakfast casserole begins with picking the right stuff. I choose fresh and tasty parts to make it great. Here are the key ingredients for a breakfast casserole with sausage. You can also add extra things to make it even better.
Essential Ingredients
- 1 pound of pork sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups of half-and-half
- 2.5 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 18 slices of white sandwich bread
- 0.5 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- Scant teaspoon of salt
- 0.25 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh spinach
- Broccoli florets
- Different cheese varieties for a unique taste
By mixing these ingredients, I can make the casserole just how I like it. Adding proteins and veggies makes it taste better and is healthier. It’s a great way to start the day.
How to Make Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
Making a tasty sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast casserole is easy and fun. It’s ready in about one hour, great for busy mornings or brunch. Even beginners can make it.
First, cook 1 lb. of breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. This takes 5-7 minutes. While the sausage cooks, mix 12 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, and 1 cup of sour cream in a big bowl.
Then, mix the cooked sausage, frozen diced potatoes (about 2 cups), and egg mixture together. Add 2 cups of shredded pepper jack cheese. Make sure everything is well mixed. Pour it into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. It makes about 12 servings, each with 291 calories.
If you have leftovers, you can reheat them in the oven or microwave. This recipe has a 4.62 rating from 165 votes and has been shared 38.9K times. It’s a hit with everyone!
Easy Breakfast Recipe for Busy Mornings
When mornings are busy, a tasty make-ahead breakfast is a lifesaver. My Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Casserole is perfect. I make it the night before. Then, I just bake it in the morning while I get ready.
Make-ahead Breakfast Ideas
To make the best breakfast bake, mix everything the night before. Put the egg mix, sausage, and bread together. Let it chill in the fridge for the best taste.
In the morning, heat your oven to 350°F. Bake the casserole for about 50 minutes. Add fresh fruit or pastries for a complete breakfast.
- Seasonal fruit salad with berries and melons
- Flaky croissants or muffins for that extra touch
- Yogurt parfait with granola for a refreshing twist
This casserole is more than just a quick meal. It’s a key part of your breakfast. With a few make-ahead ideas, mornings become less stressful and more fun.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Breakfast Sausage | 1.5 lbs |
| Large Eggs | 9 |
| Whole Milk | 3 cups |
| White Bread (torn) | 4 slices |
| Dry Mustard | 1.5 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Cooking Time | 50 minutes |
| Servings | 8 |
Tips for the Best Breakfast Bake
Creating the perfect breakfast casserole is all about choosing the right ingredients. Each part adds flavor and texture. I focus on sausage types and cheese varieties to make it special.
Choosing the Right Sausage Type
I pick different sausages for my casserole. Breakfast sausage adds a savory taste. Turkey sausage is leaner but just as tasty.
Spicy and mild sausages add excitement. They let you customize the casserole to your liking.
Cheese Varieties to Enhance Flavor
Cheese is key to a great breakfast bake. I mix sharp cheddar and creamy Monterey Jack. This mix makes the flavor rich and complex.
Pepper jack cheese adds a spicy kick. It makes the dish even better. Cheese balances the flavors perfectly.
| Sausage Type | Flavor Profile | Suggested Use |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast Sausage | Savory, classic flavor | Traditional breakfast casserole |
| Turkey Sausage | Lean, mildly flavored | Health-conscious alternatives |
| Pork Sausage | Rich and hearty | Heartier casseroles |
| Spicy Sausage | Bold and zesty | For a kick in flavor |
| Cheese Variety | Texture | Flavor Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Sharp Cheddar | Firm and crumbly | Strong, tangy flavor |
| Monterey Jack | Creamy and smooth | Mild, creamy taste |
| Pepper Jack | Soft and creamy | Spicy, adventurous flavor |
| Extra-Sharp Cheddar | Crumbly and robust | Intense, savory notes |
Using these tips will make your breakfast bake a hit. Your guests will love it.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Breakfast Casserole
After enjoying my breakfast casserole, I think about how to store leftovers. They stay fresh for up to five days in the fridge. I seal them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Freezing is great for longer storage. I can freeze leftovers for up to two months. When thawing, I move it to the fridge the night before reheating.
To reheat, I use the microwave for single servings or the oven for the whole dish. In the microwave, I heat for two to three minutes. In the oven, I preheat to 350°F and warm for 15 to 20 minutes.
Making This a Breakfast for a Crowd
Scaling a breakfast casserole recipe for a big group is fun and tasty. I make sure to keep the flavors everyone loves. I just need to adjust the ingredients and cooking methods.
Scaling the Recipe
To feed a crowd, I double the recipe. Here’s how:
- Start with 2 pounds of pork sausage, ensuring there’s plenty of flavor.
- Use 20 eggs, lightly beaten, to create a fluffy texture.
- Increase the milk to 6 cups for extra creaminess.
- Opt for 12 cups of cubed bread, making the casserole hearty and satisfying.
- Incorporate 4 cups of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese for that rich, cheesy goodness.
I add a full teaspoon of black pepper and 1 cup of diced red pepper for extra taste. This makes about 20-24 servings.
I use a bigger 11×15 inch baking dish. Preheat the oven to 350°F for even baking. It takes 60-75 minutes to cook perfectly.
This casserole is great for big groups. It keeps in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 20 minutes.
| Ingredient | Original Amount | Doubled Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pork Sausage | 1 pound | 2 pounds |
| Eggs | 10 eggs | 20 eggs |
| Milk | 3 cups | 6 cups |
| Cubed Bread | 6 cups | 12 cups |
| Shredded Cheddar Cheese | 2 cups | 4 cups |
Creative Variations of Breakfast Casserole
Thinking about a creative breakfast casserole makes me excited. It’s all about trying new things. For example, you can add taco seasoning and fresh salsa for a Mexican twist. Black beans and jalapeños add a spicy touch.
Adding fresh veggies like spinach or asparagus is great too. They make your dish colorful and healthy. You can mix and match to find your favorite.
Want something sweet? Try cinnamon rolls or maple syrup on top. Every time I cook, I try something new. It’s fun to see what works best.
