There’s just something magical about waking up to the smell of a hearty breakfast wafting through the house, isn’t there? I still remember those cozy Sunday mornings at my grandma’s place, where a bubbling sausage and egg casserole would be the star of the table. It was comforting, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious! Now, as a busy home cook, I cherish this recipe even more because it feeds my family without taking up all my time. Just whip it up, pop it in the oven, and you can go about your morning while it bakes to perfection. Trust me, with every bite, you’ll feel that warm, nostalgic hug of home. Perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings, this casserole is your ticket to an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will love!
Ingredients List
Let’s gather what you’ll need for this delicious sausage and egg casserole. The ingredients are straightforward and easy to find:
- 1 pound of sausage (I usually go for breakfast sausage for extra flavor)
- 8 large eggs (the foundation of our casserole!)
- 2 cups of milk (whole or 2% works best, trust me)
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (I love using cheddar for that rich taste)
- 1 cup of diced bell peppers (any color you like, it adds a nice crunch)
- 1 cup of diced onions (for that savory depth)
- 1 teaspoon of salt (to season everything perfectly)
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper (a little kick never hurt!)
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder (for that aromatic flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of paprika (adds a lovely color and warmth)
With these ingredients, you’re all set to create a hearty meal that’s bound to impress!
How to Prepare a Sausage and Egg Casserole
Prepping the Ingredients
First things first, let’s get our ingredients ready! Start by dicing your bell peppers and onions into small pieces—this helps them cook evenly and blend nicely into the casserole. Next, in a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until it’s nice and browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s cooked, drain any excess fat and set it aside to cool slightly.
Mixing the Casserole
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the eggs and milk until it’s all frothy and combined—this is where the magic starts! Add in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, giving it another whisk. Next, gently fold in the cooked sausage, shredded cheese, diced bell peppers, and onions. Make sure everything is well mixed, but don’t overdo it; we want a fluffy casserole!
Baking Instructions
Pour the delicious mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean—no gooey egg should cling to it! Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it up. Trust me, the aroma will have everyone gathering around the kitchen, eager to dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sausage and egg casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a game-changer for busy mornings and social gatherings! Here’s why it’s sure to become a favorite:
- Quick to prepare—just a little chopping and mixing, and you’re done!
- Easy to customize with your favorite veggies or cheeses.
- Hearty and satisfying, keeping everyone full and happy.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
- Healthy ingredients packed into every slice—what’s not to love?
- Can be made ahead of time, saving you stress during brunch!
With all these benefits, this casserole is not only delicious but also a practical choice for any occasion!
Tips for Success
To make sure your sausage and egg casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, don’t skip greasing the baking dish—that’s the secret to easy serving and cleanup. If you want an extra creamy texture, try using half-and-half instead of milk. Also, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing; this helps it set up nicely. And don’t be afraid to get creative with your ingredients! Throw in leftover cooked vegetables or different cheese blends for a unique twist. Trust me, you can’t go wrong with this recipe!
Variations of Sausage and Egg Casserole
The beauty of a sausage and egg casserole is its versatility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or use up ingredients you have on hand. For a twist, try adding sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. If you’re a cheese lover like me, experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or feta for a tangy flavor. You could even swap the sausage for crumbled bacon or turkey sausage for a lighter option. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your sausage and egg casserole, simply let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, just preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and pop the casserole in for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick reheat, just be careful not to overdo it—nobody likes rubbery eggs! Enjoy every last bite!
Nutritional Information
Each slice of this delicious sausage and egg casserole is packed with flavor and nutrition! On average, you can expect about 300 calories, 20g of fat, 20g of protein, and 6g of carbohydrates per serving. Keep in mind these values are estimates, so adjust as needed based on your specific ingredients. Enjoy this hearty meal guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare your sausage and egg casserole the night before. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it in the morning.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Just cut the casserole into individual portions, wrap them well in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for about 2-3 months.
What’s the best way to reheat it?
For the best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices, but be careful not to overheat!
Can I use a different type of meat?
Of course! Feel free to swap the sausage for bacon, ham, or even ground turkey for a lighter version. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What if I don’t have all the ingredients?
No worries! This casserole is super flexible. You can mix and match with whatever veggies or cheese you have on hand. Just keep the basic egg and milk ratio!
Sausage and Egg Casserole: 7 Comfortable Morning Bites
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty sausage and egg casserole, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 1 pound sausage
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the sausage until browned.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Stir in the cooked sausage, cheese, bell peppers, and onions.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until set and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can add other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- This dish can be prepared a day in advance.
- 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 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: sausage and egg casserole, breakfast casserole, brunch recipe
