If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing breakfast that’s bursting with flavor, you’ve just found it with this Cheesy Breakfast Sausage Casserole Recipe. It’s a delightful medley of savory sausage, gooey melted cheese, and soft bread or crispy hash browns, all brought together in a warm, golden bake. This dish is perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches when you want something hearty yet simple to prepare. Trust me, once you make this casserole, it will quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe arsenal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Breakfast Sausage Casserole Recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in flavor, texture, and color. Gather these essentials to create that perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory notes that make this dish irresistible.
- 1 pound sausage: Choose turkey, pork, or vegetarian sausage to add a savory foundation and satisfying protein.
- 2 cups shredded cheese: Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend adds gooey, melty richness and that irresistible cheesy crust.
- 6 large eggs: Eggs bind the casserole and create a luscious, custard-like texture throughout.
- 2 cups milk: Adds creaminess and moisture so every bite stays soft and luscious.
- 4 cups bread cubes or hash browns: This hearty component absorbs the egg mixture while adding a comforting, familiar base.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning that enhances all the other ingredients’ flavors.
- Optional diced vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, or spinach add color, texture, and a boost of freshness if you want to sneak in some greens.
How to Make Cheesy Breakfast Sausage Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Assemble the Base
Start by layering your bread cubes or hash browns evenly at the bottom of your casserole dish. This creates the cozy, slightly crispy foundation that soaks up all the delicious flavors that come next.
Step 2: Add the Sausage and Cheese
Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the bread or hash browns evenly, then generously cover with shredded cheese. This combination guarantees bursts of savory and melty goodness in every bite.
Step 3: Prepare and Pour the Egg Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and combined. Pour this mixture evenly across the layered ingredients to bind everything beautifully.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Cover the casserole dish with foil to trap moisture and bake in a preheated oven for 30 minutes. This step helps the custardy base set gently without drying out.
Step 5: Brown and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the casserole feels firm to the touch. This final touch adds a lovely texture contrast and gorgeous color.
How to Serve Cheesy Breakfast Sausage Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving for a pop of color and a bright contrast to the rich flavors. A dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of salsa can add a creamy or tangy note that elevates the dish further.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with light and fresh sides like mixed greens salad or sliced fresh fruit. Serving it alongside juicy orange segments or a crisp cucumber salad brings balance and refreshes the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming single-serving presentation that’s perfect for brunch guests. You can also cut it into squares and offer it buffet-style, where everyone can grab a perfect portion with ease.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Cheesy Breakfast Sausage Casserole Recipe, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making for quick breakfasts or snacks during busy mornings.
Freezing
If you want to keep this casserole on hand for longer, wrap it tightly and freeze in a freezer-safe dish. It freezes well for up to 2 months, so you can whip up a batch and enjoy it anytime the craving hits.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or place the casserole in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, then bake at 350°F until heated through. This restores the creamy texture without drying out the casserole.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage in this casserole?
Absolutely! This Cheesy Breakfast Sausage Casserole Recipe works great with turkey, pork, chicken, or vegetarian sausages. Just make sure to cook the sausage fully before adding it to the casserole.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the cheese and milk for dairy-free alternatives such as plant-based cheese and almond or oat milk. The casserole will still taste delicious but with a slightly different texture.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and keep it refrigerated. In the morning, bake it as directed for a fresh, warm breakfast ready with minimal effort.
What type of bread works best for this casserole?
Sturdy bread like French bread, sourdough, or even sandwich bread works well. Day-old bread cubes absorb the egg mixture better without becoming mushy, making your casserole perfectly textured.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes! Adding diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach is a wonderful way to add nutrition, color, and extra flavor. Just sauté them first to remove excess moisture before layering them in.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Breakfast Sausage Casserole Recipe is truly a comforting hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with family or friends any day of the week. Its simple ingredients and easy preparation make it a go-to for busy mornings or leisurely brunches. I hope you’ll find as much joy making and eating it as I do, turning it into a cherished part of your breakfast routine!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6–8
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and delicious Cheesy Breakfast Sausage Casserole that combines savory sausage, melty cheese, eggs, and bread or hash browns for a perfect morning meal. This easy-to-make casserole is great for feeding a crowd and can be customized with your favorite cheeses and optional vegetables.
Ingredients
Sausage and Cheese
- 1 pound sausage (turkey or vegetarian option)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
Egg Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Base
- 4 cups bread cubes or hash browns
Optional
- Diced vegetables (bell peppers, onions, spinach) – optional
Instructions
- Assemble the Casserole: Layer 4 cups of bread cubes or hash browns evenly at the bottom of a greased casserole dish to form the base of the casserole.
- Add Sausage and Cheese: Cook 1 pound of sausage until fully browned and drained. Spread the cooked sausage evenly over the bread or hash brown layer. Then sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly on top. If using diced vegetables, distribute them evenly over the sausage before adding the cheese.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour Egg Mixture: Carefully pour the whisked egg and milk mixture evenly over the assembled casserole layers, making sure it soaks through the bread or hash browns.
- Bake with Covering: Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes to allow the eggs to start setting and the flavors to meld.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top and fully set in the center. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey sausage with vegetarian sausage for a plant-based option.
- Feel free to customize the cheese types according to your preference or what you have on hand.
- Adding diced vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach adds flavor and nutrition but is optional.
- Use either bread cubes or hash browns as the base depending on your texture preference.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to make slicing easier.
