Ah, breakfast! It’s that magical time of day when the aroma of fresh coffee mingles with the sizzling sounds of something delicious cooking. Growing up, Sunday mornings in my house always meant a big family breakfast, and sausage and egg casserole was a staple. I love how this easy sausage and egg casserole brings everyone together, making it perfect for lazy weekends or festive brunches. It’s just so simple to whip up! You can toss everything in a baking dish, and let the oven do the work while you enjoy a cup of coffee or share stories with loved ones. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a breakfast tradition in your home too!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound sausage: I prefer using a savory breakfast sausage, but feel free to choose your favorite or even a spicy variety for a kick!
- 6 eggs: Large eggs work best here. They create that lovely fluffiness in the casserole.
- 1 cup milk: Whole milk gives it a creamy texture, but you can use low-fat if you’re watching calories.
- 2 cups shredded cheese: I love a good mix of cheddar and mozzarella for that melty goodness! You can also use pre-shredded cheese for convenience.
- 4 cups bread cubes: Day-old bread is perfect for this! Use any bread you have on hand, like French, whole wheat, or even sourdough for extra flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Just the right amount to enhance all those delicious flavors!
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Freshly cracked pepper adds a nice touch of heat without being overpowering.
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your casserole goes in!
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until it’s browned and crumbled, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir it occasionally so it cooks evenly.
- While that’s cooking, grab a bowl and whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until everything’s well combined. You want it to be nice and fluffy!
- Now, in a greased baking dish (I like to use a 9×13 inch dish for this), layer the bread cubes evenly across the bottom. Then, sprinkle the cooked sausage over the bread, followed by the shredded cheese.
- Pour the egg mixture over all those delicious layers, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Give it a little shake to help the mixture settle in.
- Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is set in the middle and golden on top—just the way we like it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-dish wonder that saves you time on cleanup—always a bonus!
- Hearty and filling, it keeps everyone satisfied, making it perfect for brunch gatherings.
- Quick preparation means you can whip it up even on busy mornings!
- With layers of sausage, cheese, and fluffy eggs, every bite is packed with flavor.
- It’s easily customizable; add your favorite veggies or spices for a personal touch!
- Leftovers (if there are any!) reheat beautifully, so you can enjoy it all week.
Tips for Success
- Use day-old bread: It soaks up the egg mixture better, giving you a more cohesive texture. Fresh bread can get too soggy!
- Mix it up: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, like pepper jack for some heat or feta for a tangy twist.
- Veggie boost: Add in some sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to cook them first to reduce moisture!
- Cover while baking: If the top is browning too fast, cover it with foil for the last 10 minutes to prevent burning.
- Let it cool: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking; it’ll help it set and make serving easier!
Variations
- Veggie Delight: Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for a nutritious twist.
- Cheesy Spin: Swap in different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smoky flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Sprinkle in fresh herbs like chives or parsley to brighten up the dish.
- Meat Medley: Mix in different meats like diced ham or crispy bacon for a hearty blend.
- Southwestern Flair: Add black beans, corn, and a dash of salsa for a zesty, southwestern version.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers of this easy sausage and egg casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it up! If you want to keep it longer, feel free to freeze individual portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave slices for a quick breakfast fix, just be careful not to overheat them!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one slice of this easy sausage and egg casserole. Each serving packs a satisfying punch with about 300 calories, 20g of fat, and 15g of protein—perfect for keeping you energized throughout the morning! You’ll also find 18g of carbohydrates, with just 2g of sugar and 1g of fiber to balance it out. Plus, it contains 600mg of sodium and 200mg of cholesterol. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, so they may vary based on the specific ingredients you use!
FAQ Section
Can I prepare this easy sausage and egg casserole the night before?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything in the baking dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Just pop it in the fridge overnight, and bake it in the morning when you’re ready!
What types of sausage work best?
I recommend a classic breakfast sausage for that hearty flavor, but feel free to use turkey sausage or a spicy Italian sausage for a different kick. Whatever you love!
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is ready when it’s set in the middle and has a lovely golden top. You can insert a knife; if it comes out clean, you’re good to go!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, leftovers freeze beautifully! Just make sure to portion them out in airtight containers, and they’ll stay tasty for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This dish pairs perfectly with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a light salad for a complete breakfast or brunch spread. Enjoy!
Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole: 5 Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A simple and hearty sausage and egg casserole perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 1 pound sausage
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 4 cups bread cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- In a greased baking dish, layer the bread cubes, cooked sausage, and cheese.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layers.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until set and golden.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or onions.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: easy sausage and egg casserole
