Let me tell you, this easy sausage breakfast casserole is my ultimate go-to for busy mornings! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, packed with hearty flavors that wake you up and get your day started right. I love how simple it is to throw together—just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s perfect for those lazy weekend mornings when you want to impress your family or even just to treat yourself. The best part? You can make it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready! Trust me, you’ll love how the savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheese combine to create a dish that’s not just easy, but truly satisfying. It smells heavenly as it bakes, and when it comes out golden and bubbly, you’ll be counting down the minutes until you can dig in!
Ingredients for Easy Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Gathering your ingredients for this easy sausage breakfast casserole is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound sausage: I usually go for a good breakfast sausage, but feel free to choose your favorite! You can also use turkey sausage if you’re looking for a lighter option.
- 6 eggs: Large eggs work best for this recipe. They’ll add that rich, fluffy texture we all love.
- 2 cups milk: Whole milk gives it a creamy consistency, but you can substitute with any milk you prefer—just keep it at the same measurement!
- 4 cups bread cubes: Use day-old bread for the best texture. I like a mix of white and whole grain, but any bread will do. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to soak up all that deliciousness!
- 2 cups shredded cheese: Cheddar is my go-to for that classic flavor, but feel free to mix it up with mozzarella or pepper jack for an extra kick!
- 1 teaspoon salt: This will enhance all those fantastic flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: A little bit of black pepper adds just the right amount of spice.
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go, so you can whip this up in no time! Trust me, you’ll be so glad you did when that savory aroma fills your kitchen.
How to Prepare Easy Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this easy sausage breakfast casserole! Don’t worry; it’s super straightforward, and I’ll guide you through each step. Just follow along, and soon you’ll have a delicious breakfast that everyone will love!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures your casserole cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden brown color. While the oven is warming up, you can tackle the next steps!
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook your sausage until it’s nicely browned—about 7 to 10 minutes should do the trick. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. This way, you’ll get that savory flavor in every bite! Keep an eye on it to avoid burning; we want it nicely browned, not crispy. Once it’s done, drain any excess fat and set it aside to cool a bit.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the 6 eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. You want to get it all nice and frothy! This mixture is the heart of your casserole, so make sure it’s well combined. You’ll love the creamy texture it brings to the dish!
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Now it’s time to add in the fun stuff! Toss the bread cubes, your cooked sausage, and 2 cups of shredded cheese into that egg mixture. Gently fold everything together until all the bread is coated and the ingredients are evenly distributed. This step is key—an even mix means every single bite will be packed with flavor!
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Pour your delicious mixture into a greased baking dish—make sure it’s well-coated so nothing sticks! Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and no longer jiggly. If you want to be extra sure, you can insert a knife in the middle; it should come out clean. Once it’s done, let it cool a bit before serving. And trust me, the aroma that fills your kitchen is absolutely irresistible!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this easy sausage breakfast casserole! Here are the estimated values per serving, which is one piece:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use. But overall, you’re getting a hearty, protein-packed breakfast that’ll keep you going through the morning! It’s a wonderful balance of flavors and nutrients that make this casserole a fantastic way to start your day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: This casserole comes together in just a few easy steps, making it perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends.
- Hearty Flavor: The combination of savory sausage, creamy eggs, and melting cheese creates a dish that’s bursting with flavor in every bite!
- Versatility: You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients—try different cheeses, add veggies, or switch up the sausage for a new twist!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it the night before and simply pop it in the oven in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
- Feeds a Crowd: This recipe yields 8 servings, making it perfect for family gatherings or brunch with friends.
- Leftover Love: It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy delicious breakfast all week long!
Tips for Success
To make your easy sausage breakfast casserole absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite pro tips that I’ve learned through trial and error!
- Choose the Right Bread: Using day-old bread enhances the texture, as it soaks up the egg mixture without becoming mushy. If you don’t have day-old bread, just leave fresh bread out for a few hours to dry out a bit.
- Get Creative with Cheese: While cheddar is classic, don’t hesitate to experiment! Try a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack for creaminess or a sharp white cheddar for a kick. You could even toss in some crumbled feta for a Mediterranean twist!
- Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture. It’ll give your casserole an exciting flavor boost!
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Want to sneak in some veggies? Spinach, bell peppers, or diced tomatoes can be folded in with the bread and sausage. Just sauté them briefly before adding to the mixture to help them retain their texture.
- Let it Sit: For even better flavor, let the assembled casserole sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight before baking. This allows the bread to absorb all those tasty flavors!
- Check for Doneness: Remember, baking times can vary a bit depending on your oven. Always check for doneness by inserting a knife in the center—if it comes out clean, you’re good to go!
- Cool Before Serving: Let your casserole cool for a few minutes before cutting it into squares. This will help it hold its shape and make for prettier servings!
With these tips, you’re well on your way to mastering this hearty breakfast dish. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of this easy sausage breakfast casserole is super simple, and trust me, you’ll want to keep every last bite! After the casserole has cooled down, cut it into squares and place them in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed well to keep that delicious flavor intact!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the oven for the best texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the casserole square on a baking sheet, and cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat it for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. Just check it occasionally so it doesn’t get too hot!
If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave individual portions. Just pop a square on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for about 1-2 minutes, checking to ensure it’s heated evenly. It may not be as crispy as when it’s baked, but it’ll still be delicious!
Now you can enjoy this hearty breakfast all week long without losing that amazing flavor and texture! Yum!
FAQ About Easy Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the easy sausage breakfast casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast that’s ready to go!
What type of sausage works best?
I usually use a classic breakfast sausage for that savory flavor, but feel free to experiment! Turkey sausage is a lighter option, and you can even use vegetarian sausage if you prefer. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly!
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, you can! Add-ins like spinach, bell peppers, or diced tomatoes work wonderfully. Just make sure to sauté them first to keep the texture nice and avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the center is set and no longer jiggles. You can also insert a knife in the middle; if it comes out clean, you’re good to go! It’ll also have a lovely golden color on top.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For the best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to keep it moist. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick snack, just be sure to check it for even heating!
Easy Sausage Breakfast Casserole: 5 Hearty Flavors to Savor
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A simple and hearty sausage breakfast casserole perfect for any morning.
Ingredients
- 1 pound sausage
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 4 cups bread cubes
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the sausage in a skillet until browned.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Add bread cubes, cooked sausage, and cheese to the egg mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until set.
Notes
- Can substitute sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Let the casserole cool before cutting into squares.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: easy sausage breakfast casserole
