Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe

Few dishes evoke the comfort and warmth of home quite like a hearty Sausage and Egg Casserole. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that combines savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese baked together to golden perfection. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, holiday celebration, or a cozy weekend morning, this recipe delivers both flavor and simplicity.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make: Minimal prep work with straightforward steps.
2. Customizable: Tailor the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
3. Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the night before for a stress-free morning.
4. Nutritious: Packed with protein and satisfying enough to fuel your day.
5. Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for serving a group or meal-prepping for the week.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sausage

1. Cook the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
2. Drain Excess Fat: Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any grease. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture

1. Whisk the Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk until smooth.
2. Add the Milk and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the milk, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the Bread: Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Add the Sausage and Veggies: Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the bread layer. If using bell peppers and onions, scatter them on top.
3. Pour the Egg Mixture: Slowly pour the egg mixture over the bread and sausage, ensuring even coverage.
4. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set, and the top is golden brown.
3. Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick or knife in the center. If it comes out clean, the casserole is ready.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Cool Slightly: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped green onions or chives for a fresh touch.
3. Serve: Cut into squares and serve warm with your favorite sides.

Tips for Success

1. Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better, resulting in a firmer casserole.
2. Customize the Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack, gouda, or Swiss for unique flavors.
3. Prep Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake as directed.
4. Adjust Bake Time: If using a smaller or deeper dish, you may need to increase the baking time slightly.
5. Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest after baking to make slicing easier and to let the flavors meld.

Variations

Meat Options

• Bacon and Sausage: Combine crumbled bacon and sausage for extra indulgence.
• Ham: Use diced ham for a leaner option.
• Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini for a veggie-packed casserole.

Flavor Enhancers

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the egg mixture.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme, basil, or cilantro can elevate the flavor profile.
• Sauces: Drizzle with hot sauce, hollandaise, or salsa for added flair.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this sausage and egg casserole with:

• Fresh Fruit Salad: Light and refreshing, it complements the richness of the dish.
• Buttermilk Biscuits: Serve warm biscuits for a Southern-inspired breakfast spread.
• Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns make an excellent side.
• Mimosas or Fresh Juice: Brighten the meal with a celebratory beverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Freeze This Casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully! Bake it first, let it cool completely, and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F until warmed through.

How Long Can I Store Leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.

Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free bread or omit the bread entirely and add more veggies to bulk up the casserole.

History of Breakfast Casseroles

Breakfast casseroles have a rich history, rooted in the tradition of making hearty, one-dish meals that can feed a crowd. The combination of eggs, bread, and meat was popularized in American kitchens during the mid-20th century, offering a way to use up leftovers while creating a filling and delicious meal. Over the years, this classic dish has evolved to include endless variations, making it a beloved staple at breakfast tables worldwide.

Conclusion

The Sausage and Egg Casserole is more than just a dish—it’s a tradition, a comfort, and a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re enjoying it on a lazy Sunday morning or preparing it for a festive holiday brunch, this casserole is sure to delight everyone at the table.

So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and savor the joy of making and sharing this timeless recipe!

Yield: 8

Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe

Print

Few dishes evoke the comfort and warmth of home quite like a hearty Sausage and Egg Casserole. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that combines savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese baked together to golden perfection. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, holiday celebration, or a cozy weekend morning, this recipe delivers both flavor and simplicity.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground breakfast sausage
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
• 10 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 4 cups bread, cubed (French, sourdough, or sandwich bread)
• 1 tablespoon butter or non-stick spray (for greasing the dish)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

2. Cook the Sausage

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
2. Add the onion and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.

3. Prepare the Egg Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.

4. Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the greased baking dish.
2. Layer the cooked sausage mixture over the bread.
3. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage.
4. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top, ensuring all the bread is soaked.
5. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top.

5. Bake the Casserole

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the eggs are set, and the top is golden and bubbly.

6. Cool and Serve

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
2. Serve warm with your favorite breakfast sides like fresh fruit, hash browns, or a simple salad.

Notes

• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Bake it fresh in the morning.
• Customizable: Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
• Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or a cheese blend to mix up the flavors.