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This hearty breakfast sausage and egg casserole has been my weekend savior for years, perfect for feeding a hungry crowd with minimal morning effort. I prepare it the night before big family gatherings, allowing me to enjoy coffee with everyone instead of standing over the stove flipping individual eggs.
I first created this casserole when hosting my in-laws for a holiday weekend. Everyone loved it so much that it's now requested at every family gathering, and I've tweaked the recipe over the years to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- Breakfast sausage: Brings savory richness; use high quality with minimal fillers for best flavor
- Day old bread: Works better than fresh; absorbs the egg mixture without becoming soggy
- Whole milk: Creates creaminess; lower fat milk works but results in less rich texture
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Provides the best flavor; mild cheddar disappears in the mix
- Bell peppers: Add color and sweetness; choose firm peppers with bright vibrant color
- Fresh garlic powder: Contains more potent flavor than the one sitting in your cabinet for years
- Eggs: Bind everything together; farm fresh eggs with bright orange yolks create a more vibrant dish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Thoroughly grease your 9x13 inch baking dish ensuring coverage in corners and up the sides. This crucial step prevents sticking and makes serving much easier.
- Brown the Sausage:
- Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium heat breaking it into small crumbles. Take your time with this step until the sausage develops a deep golden brown color. Drain thoroughly on paper towels to prevent a greasy casserole.
- Create the Egg Mixture:
- Whisk eggs and milk vigorously until the mixture is completely uniform. Add seasonings and whisk again. Let sit to allow the flavors to meld.
- Layer the Components:
- Start with bread cubes, scatter sausage, distribute peppers, and pour the egg mixture slowly over everything. Gently press down with a spatula.
- Top with Cheese and Bake:
- Sprinkle cheese evenly, cover with foil, bake, and remove foil for the final cooking period to create a golden brown cheesy crust.
- Rest Before Serving:
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking. This lets the eggs fully set and makes cutting easier.
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My favorite aspect of this casserole is how it brings my family together around the table. The aroma filling the house as it bakes has a magical way of getting even the latest sleepers out of bed on weekend mornings. There's something special about a recipe that creates memories beyond just the food itself.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This casserole was designed for busy mornings. To prepare ahead, complete all steps through adding the cheese, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding about 10 minutes to the covered baking time. The flavors actually develop beautifully during the rest, making this one of those rare dishes that improves with advance preparation.
Dietary Adaptations
This versatile recipe easily accommodates dietary preferences and restrictions. For a lighter version, substitute turkey sausage and reduced fat cheese while using whole grain bread for added fiber. Make it gluten free by using certified gluten free bread cubes or even cooked diced potatoes as the base. Vegetarians can replace the sausage with a plant based alternative or sautéed mushrooms. The basic formula stays the same while ingredients flex to meet your needs.
Serving Suggestions
While perfect on its own, this casserole pairs beautifully with fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast spread. A crisp green salad alongside makes it suitable for brunch or lunch. For dinner, serve with roasted vegetables for a complete "breakfast for dinner" experience. The casserole stays warm for quite a while, making it ideal for buffet style serving at gatherings. I typically provide hot sauce, salsa, and sour cream on the side for guests to customize their portions.
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Enjoy this hassle-free recipe that makes weekends smoother and more delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare this breakfast casserole the night before?
Yes! This casserole is perfect for preparing ahead. Assemble all ingredients in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the refrigerator.
- → What can I substitute for the breakfast sausage?
You can easily substitute the breakfast sausage with cooked bacon, diced ham, or for a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage alternatives or simply increase the vegetables with mushrooms and spinach for extra flavor and texture.
- → How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The casserole is done when the center is set and no longer jiggly, the edges are pulling away slightly from the sides of the dish, and the top is golden brown. You can also insert a knife in the center - if it comes out clean without raw egg mixture, it's ready.
- → Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?
Absolutely! Cut leftover casserole into individual portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
- → What bread works best for this casserole?
Day-old bread works best because it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming too soggy. French bread, sourdough, brioche, or plain white bread all work well. Whole wheat bread adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. Avoid very soft fresh bread which can make the casserole mushy.
- → What sides pair well with this breakfast casserole?
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, a simple green salad, roasted potatoes, or breakfast pastries like muffins or croissants. For beverages, serve coffee, orange juice, or mimosas for a complete brunch spread.