Description
A hearty and comforting Cheesy Breakfast Sausage Casserole perfect for a weekend brunch or make-ahead breakfast. This dish combines savory sausage, melted cheese, eggs, milk, and bread or hash browns baked to golden perfection with optional vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 pound sausage (turkey or vegetarian)
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
Base
- 4 cups bread cubes or hash browns
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Vegetables
- Diced bell peppers
- Diced onions
- Chopped spinach
Instructions
- Assemble the Casserole: Layer the bread cubes or hash browns evenly at the bottom of a greased baking dish. Spread the cooked sausage evenly over the base layer. If using optional vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach, scatter them evenly over the sausage. Then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top to create a delicious cheesy layer.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until fully combined and smooth. This mixture will soak into the bread or hash browns and bind all the casserole ingredients during baking.
- Pour Egg Mixture Over Layers: Evenly pour the whisked egg and milk mixture over the assembled layers in the baking dish, ensuring it covers all ingredients to create a moist and cohesive casserole.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from over-browning. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, allowing the custard to set and ingredients to meld together.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top and fully set in the center. A knife inserted should come out clean when done.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the casserole with your favorite cheeses or sausage varieties.
- For a vegetarian version, opt for plant-based sausage and add more diced vegetables.
- Using slightly stale bread cubes helps absorb the egg mixture better.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning for convenience.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
