Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite breakfast casserole recipe with sausage! This dish is a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for brunches where you want to impress your friends or family. I remember the first time I made it for a holiday gathering; the aroma filled the house, and everyone just couldn’t wait to dig in! It’s hearty and satisfying, packed with sausage, eggs, and cheesy goodness, making it the ultimate comfort food. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your loved ones. Trust me, once you serve this, it’ll become a staple at all your gatherings!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create the best breakfast casserole recipe with sausage, and you’ll be well on your way to a delicious meal!
- 1 pound sausage, casings removed – I love using a mild or spicy sausage, depending on the crowd!
- 8 large eggs – Fresh eggs really make a difference in flavor and texture.
- 2 cups milk – Whole milk is my go-to for creaminess, but feel free to use what you have!
- 4 cups cubed bread – Day-old bread works wonders here, giving the casserole great texture.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – I prefer sharp cheddar for that extra flavor kick.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Just enough to enhance all those flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly cracked is always best!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – A staple in my kitchen for added depth.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – This adds a lovely sweetness.
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions – For that fresh, vibrant touch on top!
With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to whip up a breakfast that will have everyone asking for seconds!
How to Prepare the Best Breakfast Casserole Recipe with Sausage
Alright, let’s get cooking! This step-by-step guide will have you whipping up the best breakfast casserole with sausage in no time. Just follow along, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready to impress!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because starting with a hot oven helps the casserole cook evenly and gives it that lovely golden-brown top we all crave. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Cook the Sausage
Now, grab a large skillet and cook your sausage over medium heat until it’s nicely browned. I like to break it up into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s no longer pink and has that delicious crispiness around the edges. Once cooked, drain the excess fat to keep the casserole from getting too greasy—nobody wants that!
Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure everything is well combined; this ensures that every bite of your casserole is packed with flavor! The key here is to really whisk it up until it’s nice and frothy; this will help create a fluffy texture.
Combine Ingredients
Next, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cubed bread and cooked sausage to your egg mixture and gently stir to combine. Then, fold in the shredded cheese and chopped green onions. Be gentle when folding; you want to keep some of that bread’s structure intact for a delightful texture!
Bake the Casserole
Pour this glorious mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and the top is golden brown and slightly puffed. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will make it easier to cut and even more delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and filling – This casserole is a complete meal that keeps everyone satisfied!
- Easy to prepare – With simple steps, you can whip this up in no time.
- Perfect for gatherings – It feeds a crowd, making it ideal for brunches or family gatherings.
- Versatile with ingredient substitutions – Customize it with your favorite ingredients to make it your own!
Tips for Success
To truly elevate your breakfast casserole game, here are some pro tips that I swear by! First, always use day-old bread; it soaks up the egg mixture beautifully and gives you that perfect texture. If you like a little kick, consider using hot sausage or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for some extra heat. When it comes to cheese, I recommend a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for a nice melting quality, but feel free to experiment with your favorites! And don’t forget, letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking helps it set up nicely, making slicing much easier!
Variations
One of the best things about this breakfast casserole recipe with sausage is how easily it adapts to your taste! For a different flavor profile, try using spicy sausage for a kick or swap in turkey sausage for a leaner option. If cheese is your thing, experiment with alternatives like gooey mozzarella or pepper jack for a bit of heat. You can also boost the nutrition by adding colorful vegetables—think diced bell peppers, fresh spinach, or even sautéed mushrooms. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also add a pop of color to your dish. Feel free to mix and match until you find your perfect combination!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this hearty breakfast casserole. Keep in mind these values are based on common ingredients and can vary slightly based on your specific choices:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 200mg
With this filling dish, you’re getting a good balance of protein and carbs to start your day right!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, if you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), here’s how to store and reheat your breakfast casserole to keep that flavor intact. First, let it cool completely before storing. I like to cut it into individual slices for easy serving. Place the slices in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You’ll be amazed at how well it holds up!
Your Turn to Try This Recipe!
I can’t wait for you to try this breakfast casserole recipe with sausage! It’s such a joy to make and share, so I’d love to hear how yours turns out. Don’t forget to leave a comment below with your thoughts or any tweaks you made. And if you snap a photo, share it on social media! Tag me so I can see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!
Print
Best Breakfast Casserole Recipe with Sausage for Everyone
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A hearty breakfast casserole featuring sausage, eggs, and cheese, perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 pound sausage, casings removed
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 4 cups cubed bread
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add the cubed bread and cooked sausage to the egg mixture. Stir to combine.
- Fold in the shredded cheese and green onions.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use hot sausage.
- You can substitute different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack.
- Add vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: best breakfast casserole recipe with sausage
