There’s just something magical about a hearty breakfast that makes the morning feel special, isn’t there? That warm aroma wafting through the kitchen as you dig into a delicious Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Casserole is pure comfort food bliss. It’s like a cozy hug on a plate! I love making this casserole on lazy weekends when I can gather my family around the table. It’s so convenient to whip up—just mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen while you sip your coffee. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this dish always brings a smile to our faces!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color you like!)
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups cubed bread (stale bread works great for this!)
How to Prepare Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden brown top. While the oven warms up, you can get everything else ready! Trust me, you won’t want to skip this part.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Now, grab your skillet and cook that breakfast sausage over medium heat. You’ll want to break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally until it’s nicely browned—about 5 to 7 minutes should do the trick. Once it’s cooked through and no longer pink, drain off any excess fat. This will keep your casserole from getting too greasy—nobody wants that!
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 8 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Make sure to mix it well until it’s nice and frothy—this will help your casserole to be fluffy and delicious. It’s like giving your eggs a little workout!
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Now, it’s time for the fun part! Add in the cooked sausage, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup of diced bell peppers, 1 cup of diced onion, and 4 cups of cubed bread to your egg mixture. Stir everything together gently until it’s all evenly coated. You want every bite to be packed with flavor, so take a moment to really combine it well!
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Pour that glorious mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the center is set—no jiggling here! The smell will be heavenly, and you’ll have to resist the urge to dive in right away!
Step 6: Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let your casserole cool for a few minutes. This resting time is key because it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. When you’re ready, slice it into squares and serve! I love to serve mine with a side of fresh fruit or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends!
- Hearty and filling, this casserole will keep you satisfied all morning long.
- Customizable ingredients mean you can mix and match with your favorite veggies or cheeses.
- Great for feeding a crowd; it’s easy to double the recipe for brunch gatherings.
- Can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free morning.
- One dish means less cleanup, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your meal!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s talk about how to take your Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Casserole to the next level! Trust me, these little tips will make a big difference.
- Make it Ahead: One of my favorite tricks is to prepare the casserole the night before. Just mix everything up, cover it, and pop it in the fridge. In the morning, all you have to do is bake it! It’s a total game-changer for busy mornings.
- Get Creative with Veggies: Don’t be afraid to switch up the veggies! Spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini can add a nice twist. Just make sure to sauté any water-heavy vegetables before adding them to avoid a soggy casserole.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar is classic, try using pepper jack for some heat, or a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a gooey, melty texture. You can even add cream cheese for extra richness!
- Bread Choices: Stale bread is actually the best for this recipe because it soaks up all the egg mixture beautifully. But if you don’t have any, feel free to use fresh bread or even croissants for a flaky texture.
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce or some diced jalapeños to the sausage while it cooks for an extra kick. Your taste buds will thank you!
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your casserole with a fresh fruit salad or a side of yogurt to balance the richness. It’s a delightful combo!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to make a Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Casserole that will impress everyone at the table. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for each serving of your delicious Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Casserole. Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re serving up:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Cholesterol: 250mg
This hearty casserole is not only filling but also packs a punch with its protein content, making it a great choice for starting your day off right! Enjoy knowing you’re treating yourself to a satisfying meal that keeps you energized!
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I love making it the night before. Just mix all the ingredients, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready in the morning, bake it straight from the fridge—no need to let it come to room temperature first!
What can I substitute for the breakfast sausage?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausage works wonderfully! You could also use vegetarian sausage or even crumbled tofu for a plant-based twist. Just make sure to season it well for the best flavor!
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze individual portions for a quick breakfast later on. Just wrap them well and they’ll be good for up to 2 months!
What’s the best way to reheat the casserole?
For the best results, I recommend reheating slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave a slice for about 1-2 minutes, but the oven gives you that nice, crispy top!
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is great on its own, but I love pairing it with a fresh fruit salad or yogurt for a balanced meal. You could also serve it with a side of crispy hash browns or some avocado slices for an extra treat!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got leftovers from your delicious Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Casserole? No worries! Storing it properly will keep it tasting fantastic for days to come. First, let the casserole cool completely at room temperature, then transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days—perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks!
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze individual portions. Just wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they’ll stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Now, when it comes to reheating, I highly recommend the oven method for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place a slice on a baking sheet, and heat it for about 10-15 minutes until it’s warmed through and the top is nice and crispy. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop a slice in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, but just know it won’t have that same delightful crust. Either way, you’ll be ready to dig in again in no time!
Print
Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Casserole: 6 Ingredients for Bliss
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A hearty sausage and cheese breakfast casserole for a filling morning meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups cubed bread
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooked sausage, cheese, bell peppers, onion, and bread to the egg mixture. Stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until set and golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute other types of cheese.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 250mg
Keywords: Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Casserole