Sausage, Egg & Cheddar Breakfast Casserole

Looking for simple breakfast casserole recipes? This sausage, egg & cheddar casserole is a real crowd-pleaser! Make ahead for easy mornings. Get the recipe!

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever stare into the fridge on a sunday morning, craving something warm and satisfying? these breakfast casserole recipes are your answer! imagine waking up to a delicious sausage cheese breakfast casserole that feeds a crowd and tastes incredible.

It's like a party in your mouth, honestly.

Brief Overview

This recipe has roots in classic american comfort food. it's a simple dish, perfect for novice cooks. plan for about an hour of prep and cook time.

It yields 8-10 servings, ideal for a family brunch or potluck.

Main Benefits

Beyond the sheer deliciousness, a make ahead sausage breakfast casserole is a lifesaver for busy mornings. plus, it’s packed with protein to keep you energized.

This particular recipe is special because it's easily customizable to suit any taste! you can easily make a sausage egg and cheese casserole crescent breakfast bake .

It is just so versatile.

Sausage Casserole Dreams: Unlocking Breakfast Bliss

Let's be real, breakfast can be a drag. but this easy egg and sausage breakfast casserole changes everything. it’s so good, it’s practically a half baked harvest breakfast casserole contender (okay, maybe a little less fancy, but just as satisfying).

The aroma alone is enough to drag even the sleepiest family member out of bed. i remember one christmas breakfast sausage casserole attempt where i accidentally used maple syrup.

Turns out, it was the best mistake ever!

Sausage and Cheese Casserole: Your New BFF

This isn’t just any casserole; it’s a hug in a dish. you can even use sausage link breakfast casserole for a change, giving it a fun, different texture.

If you want to take a leap and make a sausage souffle breakfast casserole you will be happy with a twist on the classic comfort food.

Next, we'll dive into the ingredients. it’s a super straightforward list, so no need to feel intimidated!

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's get this show on the road. first, the stuff you'll need. i mean, no sausage cheese breakfast casserole magic happens without ingredients, right? honestly, some of the best breakfast casserole recipes are super simple.

Main Ingredients - The Stars of the Show

• Breakfast sausage: 1 pound (450g) . Look for sausage that’s pink and smells, well, like sausage! Avoid grey or slimy looking stuff.
• White bread: 6 slices , cubed. Day-old bread is perfect. Trust me.
• Whole milk: 1 cup (240ml) . Any milk will work, but whole milk makes it richer.
• Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (120ml) . This makes it extra decadent.
• Large eggs: 6 . Gotta have eggs for a good casserole.
• Cheddar cheese: 2 cups (225g) , shredded. Sharp cheddar is my jam.

Seasoning Notes - Flavor Power-Ups

Okay, so these seasonings are KEY. They turn ordinary into "Oh my gosh, this is amazing!"

• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon . Enhances all the flavors.
• Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon . A little kick.
• Garlic powder: 1/4 teaspoon . Because everything is better with garlic.
• Onion powder: 1/4 teaspoon . Adds depth.
• Fresh chives: 1/4 cup , chopped. Adds a fresh, herby note. Green onions work too.

Don't have chives? a little dried parsley will do in a pinch. the essential spice combinations here are garlic and onion powder.

They give that breakfast-y vibe. you can totally customize to your taste, though. this really is one of the easiest easy egg and sausage breakfast casserole out there

Equipment Needed - Keepin' it Simple

• 9x13 inch baking dish. The size of a normal lasagna pan.
• Large skillet. For browning that sausage!
• Whisk. Gets those eggs nice and fluffy.
• Mixing bowl. For mixing the egg mixture.

No fancy gadgets needed! If you don’t have a whisk, a fork works just fine. And if you are looking for something festive, a Christmas breakfast sausage casserole would be great, like this but you could shape the bread into Christmas trees on top

Honestly, this sausage egg and cheese casserole crescent breakfast bake is so adaptable, you can tweak it to your liking.

And, in case you want to change it up, you could easily turn this base recipe into a half baked harvest breakfast casserole with just a few tweaks.

Sausage, Egg & Cheddar Breakfast Casserole: The Weekend Winner

Honestly, who doesn't love a good sausage cheese breakfast casserole ? i mean, seriously. it's the perfect brunch staple. forget about that boring cereal; we're making a showstopper! this isn't just breakfast; it's an experience.

I’ve made a sausage egg and cheese casserole so many times. each time, i add a personal twist. one time, i even threw in some leftover roasted veggies.

It was a hit. let's get started!

Prep Like a Pro, Eat Like a King

First, mise en place , as the fancy chefs say. that means getting everything prepped and ready. makes life easier, trust me.

It also avoids those "oh crap" moments mid-recipe. grab your pound of sausage and 6 slices of bread. cube 'em up.

Get those eggs cracked.

Essential mise en place: Sausage browned and drained. Bread cubed. Cheese shredded. It's all about efficiency, baby!

Let's Get Cooking

1. Brown that sausage like your life depends on it. Medium heat is your friend. Break it up! Drain the grease. No one wants a greasy casserole.
2. Cube the bread and spread evenly in your greased baking dish. Pro Tip: Slightly stale bread works best.
3. Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and chives.
4. Sprinkle the sausage all over the bread. Pour the egg mix on top. Gently press down. We want everything soaked.
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes. Or even overnight! This is key for a good Make Ahead Sausage Breakfast Casserole .
6. Sprinkle that glorious cheddar cheese on top.
7. Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 45- 55 minutes . Until golden brown and set.
8. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Patience, young Padawan.

Pro Tips for Casserole Supremacy

Don't skip the chill time! it makes a huge difference. seriously. the bread soaks up all that eggy goodness. it prevents a dry casserole.

A dry casserole is sad casserole. and always ensure the baking dish is well-greased to prevent sticking!

One time I accidentally used sweet Italian sausage. It was...interesting. Not terrible, but definitely not what I was going for. Now I stick to breakfast sausage. Also, don’t overbake it!

I always get requests for my Christmas Breakfast Sausage Casserole . It’s a holiday tradition. And this is the base of it!.

This is the Easy Egg And Sausage Breakfast Casserole recipe you've been searching for. Enjoy!

Okay, let's chat more about making this breakfast casserole a real winner! I'm thinking about the little details that can really elevate it.

Recipe Notes

Serving It Up Right

Okay, so you've got this beautiful, golden sausage and cheese casserole . How do you make it look as good as it tastes? Honestly, presentation is key!

• Plating and Presentation Ideas: Think rustic chic. Don't overthink it. A simple slice on a plate with a sprig of parsley is lovely. Or, for a brunch party, arrange smaller squares on a platter. A dusting of paprika adds a pop of color.
• Complementary Sides or Beverages: This casserole is pretty rich, so lighter sides are best. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is perfect. Or maybe some fresh fruit like berries or melon. Coffee is a must, of course! But hey, no judgement if you want to pair it with a mimosa.

Keeping It Fresh

Let's be real, sometimes we have leftovers. Here's how to handle them.

• Storage Tips: Refrigeration Guidelines: Store any leftover easy egg and sausage breakfast casserole in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll be good for about 3-4 days. Honestly, it never lasts that long in my house.
• Freezing Options (if applicable): Yep, you can freeze it! Cut the casserole into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. It'll keep for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating Instructions: The microwave is your friend for a quick reheat. But for a crisper texture, try reheating it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through.

Mixing It Up

Want to make it your own? Here are some ideas!

• Variations: 1-2 Dietary Adaptations:
  • Gluten-Free : Use gluten-free bread. Seriously, it's that easy!
  • Lower Carb : Use cauliflower rice instead of bread. It changes the texture a bit, but it's still delicious!
• Seasonal Ingredient Swaps:
  • Fall : Add some cooked butternut squash or chopped apples.
  • Spring : Asparagus or fresh herbs like dill would be amazing.

All About the Nutrition

I'm no nutritionist, but here's the basic idea...

• Nutrition Basics: Simplified Nutrition Information: Okay, so this isn't exactly a health food. But it does have protein and some vitamins. Just enjoy it in moderation, you know?
• Key Health Benefits: Eggs are packed with protein! And cheese has calcium. So, it's not all bad! Think of it as fuel for your busy day, or your Christmas breakfast sausage casserole feast.

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know to make this breakfast casserole recipes a success. Don't be afraid to experiment, have fun, and most importantly, enjoy every bite! You got this! Making sausage link breakfast casserole and even a half baked harvest breakfast casserole is easier than you think!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare breakfast casserole recipes the night before?

Absolutely! In fact, prepping this breakfast casserole recipe the night before is highly recommended. It gives the bread cubes a chance to really soak up the egg mixture, leading to a much better texture when baked. Just assemble everything, cover it tightly, pop it in the fridge, and bake it fresh in the morning. Consider it your own little "Ready Steady Cook" moment!

What's the best way to store leftover breakfast casserole?

Leftover breakfast casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool it completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in foil for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake or microwave until heated through. This breakfast casserole recipe really is the gift that keeps on giving!

Can I use different types of sausage or cheese in this breakfast casserole recipe?

Definitely! This breakfast casserole recipe is super versatile, like a good pair of wellington boots; it can handle almost anything you throw at it! Feel free to swap the pork sausage for turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative. As for cheese, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a spicy pepper jack would all work wonderfully. Just remember that different sausages will have different salt levels, so taste and adjust seasoning accordingly. And think about some bacon instead of sausage!

My breakfast casserole is soggy, what did I do wrong?

A soggy casserole is a common problem, but easily fixed! The main culprit is usually too much liquid or not enough baking time. Make sure you're using slightly stale bread, which absorbs liquid better, and don't skip the optional chilling time – this allows the bread to fully soak. Also, ensure your oven is at the correct temperature and that you're baking it long enough for the eggs to set. If you're adding extra vegetables, sauté them first to remove excess moisture. Think of it as avoiding a soggy bottom in the Great British Bake Off!

Can I make this breakfast casserole vegetarian?

Yes, absolutely! Making this a vegetarian breakfast casserole recipe is simple. Just swap out the sausage for a vegetarian sausage alternative, or use a medley of your favourite veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and spinach. Sauté them before adding them to the casserole to release some of their moisture. You could also add some crumbled feta cheese for a salty kick. It's all about creating a veggie version that's still full of flavour!

Is this breakfast casserole recipe healthy?

While delicious, this particular breakfast casserole recipe is more of an indulgence than a health food, though you can always make changes! It's relatively high in fat and sodium, so portion control is key. To make it healthier, consider using leaner sausage (or turkey sausage), reducing the amount of cheese, adding more vegetables, and using whole wheat bread. It's all about striking a balance between enjoyment and nutritional awareness! Think of it as a "treat yourself" kind of dish.

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