Breakfast is often touted as the most important meal of the day, and there’s no better way to start your day than with a warm, hearty meal that’s both filling and flavorful. Enter the Sausage Breakfast Casserole — a savory dish that brings together the richness of sausage, the creaminess of cheese, and the fluffiness of eggs to create a breakfast that’s sure to be a family favorite.
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, preparing a make-ahead meal for busy mornings, or simply craving something warm and delicious to start the day, this casserole has you covered. What makes this dish even more appealing is its flexibility. You can customize the ingredients based on what’s in your pantry or refrigerator — swap out the type of cheese, add different vegetables, or choose your favorite sausage.
Let’s dive into this easy-to-make casserole that’s perfect for any morning gathering or solo indulgence!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Easy to Make Ahead
One of the standout benefits of this Sausage Breakfast Casserole is that you can make it ahead of time. Assemble the ingredients the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake it fresh in the morning. This is especially helpful for busy mornings, holidays, or weekend brunches when you don’t want to be in the kitchen prepping while everyone else is enjoying their day.
2. Customizable Ingredients
While the classic combination of sausage, eggs, and cheese is unbeatable, you can easily tweak this recipe to suit your preferences. Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients, or try swapping in a different type of sausage or cheese for a unique flavor twist.
3. Hearty and Filling
With protein-rich eggs, savory sausage, and creamy cheese, this casserole will keep you satisfied for hours. It’s an ideal breakfast to fuel a busy day, whether you’re heading to work, school, or a family event.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You likely have many of these ingredients already in your kitchen.
- Sausage: 2 pounds of pork sausage (you can also use turkey or chicken sausage)
- Eggs: 12 large eggs
- Sour cream: 1 cup (regular or light)
- Milk: ¼ cup (any type)
- Kosher salt: 1 teaspoon
- Ground black pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Green onions: 4, chopped
- Green bell pepper: ½, diced
- Red bell pepper: ½, diced
- Cheddar cheese: 2 cups, shredded (feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Swiss or pepper jack)
These ingredients work together to create a casserole that’s savory, creamy, and satisfying. If you’re looking for ideas on how to customize it, feel free to add spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini.
Step-by-Step Recipe Guide
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This will help prevent the casserole from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 12 eggs, sour cream, milk, salt, pepper, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. This mixture forms the base of your casserole and ensures a rich, fluffy texture.
3. Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the 2 pounds of sausage until browned and crumbly. Be sure to break it into small pieces as it cooks. Once the sausage is fully cooked, drain the excess grease and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, sauté the diced green and red bell peppers along with the chopped green onions for about 3 minutes, or until they are softened. This adds a nice layer of flavor and texture to your casserole.
5. Combine Ingredients
Now it’s time to combine everything. Add the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables to the bowl with the egg mixture. Stir everything together until well-combined.
6. Bake the Casserole
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 35-50 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when the center no longer jiggles when you gently shake the dish.
7. Rest, Slice, and Serve
Once baked, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to cut. Serve warm and enjoy!
Recipe Variations
One of the best things about the Sausage Breakfast Casserole is that it’s incredibly adaptable. Here are a few ideas for variations that can suit different tastes or dietary preferences:
1. Cheese Variations
- For a spicier kick, swap out the cheddar for pepper jack cheese.
- For a milder flavor, try using Swiss cheese or a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Love cheese? Add an extra cup to make it extra cheesy!
2. Vegetable Additions
- Spinach: Add a handful of fresh spinach to the egg mixture for a nutrient boost.
- Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the bell peppers and onions for a more earthy flavor.
- Zucchini: Add diced zucchini for a light and fresh summer twist.
3. Sausage Alternatives
- Turkey Sausage: For a leaner option, swap out the pork sausage for turkey sausage.
- Chicken Sausage: Chicken sausage works well if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Vegetarian Sausage: You can even use plant-based sausage to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for this recipe. Please note that these values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific brands or ingredients you use.
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 239 mg
- Sodium: 669 mg
- Potassium: 327 mg
- Sugar: 1 g
- Vitamin A: 705 IU
- Vitamin C: 11.6 mg
- Calcium: 194 mg
- Iron: 1.8 mg
This casserole is a great source of protein and healthy fats, but it’s also low in carbs, making it an excellent choice for those following a keto or low-carb diet.
FAQs
1. Can I make this sausage breakfast casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best parts about this recipe is how easy it is to make ahead. You can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, just pop it in the oven and bake according to the recipe instructions. This makes it perfect for holiday mornings, when you want to spend more time with family and less time in the kitchen.
If you want to make it even further in advance, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before putting it in the oven.
2. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Leftover sausage breakfast casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, if you prefer a crispier texture.
Internal Linking Suggestions
If you’re looking for more delicious breakfast ideas, check out our Cinnamon Rolls or Broccoli Cheese Quiche for another savory option. Both of these recipes pair beautifully with the Sausage Breakfast Casserole and are perfect for a well-rounded brunch spread!
Conclusion
The Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a versatile, easy-to-make dish that can feed a crowd or provide you with delicious breakfasts for days. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday gathering or simply want a hearty, protein-packed start to your day, this casserole won’t disappoint. Try it with different cheeses, vegetables, or sausages to find your favorite variation!