Easy Sausage Breakfast Casserole for Busy Mornings
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious start to your day, this Sausage Breakfast Casserole is your new best friend. Packed with hearty flavors, simple ingredients, and ready in no time, this casserole fits perfectly into busy mornings when you need something satisfying and fuss-free. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want an easy meal prep option, this dish brings warm, comforting goodness to your breakfast table without any hassle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy preparation: Ready in under an hour, making mornings stress-free.
- One-dish convenience: Minimal cleanup with everything baked together in one pan.
- Hearty flavors: Savory sausage combined with eggs and cheese for the perfect bite.
- Customizable: Easily adapted to your favorite veggies, cheeses, or spices.
- Great for meal prep: Makes several servings to enjoy throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sausage Breakfast Casserole relies on simple yet essential ingredients that blend to create a flavorful and comforting dish. Each component plays a role in adding taste, texture, and that irresistible golden color you want in a breakfast casserole.
- Ground sausage: Adds a robust, savory base that’s the star protein of the casserole.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide fluffy richness.
- Milk: Keeps the casserole moist and tender as it bakes.
- Shredded cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy perfection, adding creaminess.
- Bread cubes: Soak up the egg mixture and give the casserole a hearty texture.
- Onion and bell pepper: Fresh vegetables that bring a mild sweetness and color.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
Variations for Sausage Breakfast Casserole
This recipe is delightfully easy to customize so you can make it your own. Feel free to swap or add ingredients depending on what you have in your fridge or dietary needs.
- Vegetarian swap: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives.
- Spicy kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat.
- Cheese options: Try cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles.
- Extra veggies: Incorporate spinach, tomatoes, or zucchini for a veggie boost.
- Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free bread or skip the bread cubes altogether.
How to Make Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Cook the sausage
Start by browning the ground sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and slightly crispy. Drain any excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the vegetables
In the same skillet, sauté diced onion and bell pepper until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This adds a layer of sweetness and color to the casserole.
Step 3: Mix the egg base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until fully combined and slightly frothy.
Step 4: Combine all ingredients
Add the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, shredded cheese, and bread cubes to the egg mixture. Gently fold everything together so the bread starts soaking up the eggs.
Step 5: Bake until golden
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 35-40 minutes or until the casserole is set and the top is golden and bubbly.
Pro Tips for Making Sausage Breakfast Casserole
- Use day-old bread: It soaks up the egg mixture better than fresh bread, preventing sogginess.
- Don’t overmix: Gently fold ingredients to maintain a fluffy texture in the baked casserole.
- Cheese placement: Sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top for a crisp, melty crust.
- Let it rest: Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the egg mixture before baking and add spices or herbs as desired.
How to Serve Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions brightens up the casserole with fresh color and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your casserole with fresh fruit salad or a crisp green salad for a balanced breakfast spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in individual ramekins for a touch of elegance or create casserole “muffins” in a muffin tin for on-the-go breakfasts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy breakfasts throughout the week.
Freezing
Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftover casserole in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a 350°F oven until heated through to keep it deliciously fresh.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives to keep it both creamy and lactose-free.
Is it possible to prepare this the night before?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh in the morning for a quick, hands-off breakfast.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Feel free to swap ground pork sausage for turkey, chicken, or even a spicy chorizo for different flavors.
What bread works best for this casserole?
Sturdy breads like French bread, sourdough, or Italian bread hold up well and soak the egg mixture without becoming mushy.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply replace regular bread with gluten-free bread crumbs or cubes, and double-check that your sausage contains no gluten fillers.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Breakfast Casserole is truly a game-changer for busy mornings, combining simplicity, taste, and nourishing ingredients all in one dish. Whether you’re rushing off to work or enjoying a relaxed weekend breakfast, this casserole delivers warmth, comfort, and satisfaction every time. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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PrintSausage Breakfast Casserole
A quick and delicious sausage breakfast casserole that combines savory sausage, eggs, cheese, and bread cubes baked to golden perfection. Perfect for busy mornings, meal prep, or feeding a crowd with minimal cleanup and customizable options to suit any taste or dietary need.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free Optional
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack recommended)
- 4 cups bread cubes (day-old French, sourdough, or Italian bread preferred)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: Start by browning the ground sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and slightly crispy. Drain any excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté diced onion and bell pepper until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This adds a layer of sweetness and color to the casserole.
- Mix the egg base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until fully combined and slightly frothy.
- Combine all ingredients: Add the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, shredded cheese, and bread cubes to the egg mixture. Gently fold everything together so the bread starts soaking up the eggs.
- Bake until golden: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 35-40 minutes or until the casserole is set and the top is golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Use day-old bread to prevent sogginess and better soak up the egg mixture.
- Gently fold ingredients instead of overmixing to maintain a fluffy texture.
- Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top before baking for a crispy, melty crust.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Taste the egg mixture before baking and adjust seasonings or add herbs as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
Keywords: sausage breakfast casserole, easy breakfast casserole, breakfast casserole, sausage and eggs casserole, meal prep breakfast, gluten free breakfast casserole