This Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a hearty dish loaded with tasty sausage and melted cheese. It’s perfect for starting your day with a yummy boost!
Who wouldn’t love a warm and cheesy breakfast like this? I often make it for brunch, and it always disappears quickly. You might want to double the recipe! 😄
I enjoy how easy it is to prepare. Just mix everything up, bake, and enjoy! It’s great for feeding a crowd or having leftovers for busy mornings. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: Ground breakfast sausage is key for that rich meaty flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter meal, turkey or chicken sausage can work well. For a meat-free version, try using plant-based sausage or just skip it altogether for a veggie casserole.
Eggs: Large eggs are vital for a fluffy texture. For a vegan option, you can use a chickpea flour egg substitute or silken tofu blended until smooth. Just note that this will change the overall taste and texture slightly.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for a robust flavor. However, you could use Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a kick, or even a dairy-free cheese if needed. Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses!
Bell Peppers: Diced bell peppers add color and sweetness. If you don’t have bell peppers, frozen mixed veggies or sautéed mushrooms can be great alternatives. Even spinach would add a nice green touch!
Green Onions: They add a nice oniony flavor. Leeks or shallots can be used in place of green onions if you want something a bit different. Or just skip them if you prefer!
How Do I Make Sure My Casserole Sets Perfectly?
The key to a perfectly set casserole is in the baking time and temperature. Here’s how to ensure it turns out great:
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) before placing the dish inside.
- Check the casserole after 35 minutes. It should be puffed up and only slightly jiggly in the center when you gently shake the dish.
- If the cheese gets too brown before the center sets, cover it loosely with foil.
- Let it rest for a few minutes post-baking to firm up before slicing.
By following these steps, you can avoid an overly wet or undercooked casserole. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (ground)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional, red or green)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the baking dish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then you’ll need to bake it for 35-40 minutes. Altogether, expect to spend about 50 minutes before it’s ready to eat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave some cheesy goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This helps prevent sticking and makes for easy serving later!
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground breakfast sausage. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
3. Whisk the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, crack the 8 eggs and pour in the milk. Add the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk everything together until well combined and nice and frothy. This will give your casserole a great texture!
4. Combine Ingredients:
Now, add the cooked sausage back into the egg mixture along with the diced bell peppers (if you’re using them), chopped green onions, and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently until everything is mixed well.
5. Pour into Baking Dish:
Carefully pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This ensures every bit gets that cheesy goodness!
6. Add More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a delicious cheesy crust as it bakes!
7. Bake Until Perfect:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is set and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown. If it’s browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil.
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This cooling time helps it hold its shape when you cut it. Garnish with extra chopped green onions and fresh parsley, if you like!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Now your cheesy sausage breakfast casserole is ready! Serve it warm and enjoy a hearty meal with family and friends!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute the breakfast sausage with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the egg mixture.
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before! Simply follow the instructions up to pouring it into the baking dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, just bake it directly from the fridge, but add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it cooks through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Add Other Veggies?
Definitely! This casserole is very versatile. You can add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini in place of or in addition to the bell peppers. Just make sure to cook any extra vegetables beforehand to avoid extra moisture in the casserole!
