Looking for an easy breakfast that packs flavor? Try my Cheesy Sausage and Egg Casserole! This dish combines savory sausage, rich cheese, and fluffy eggs in one simple bake. Perfect for busy mornings or a cozy brunch, it’s a crowd-pleaser you can customize easily. Let’s dive into the ingredients and simple steps that will make your mornings deliciously effortless!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 pound breakfast sausage (Italian or spicy)
– 1 dozen large eggs
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 3 cups cubed day-old bread (preferably sourdough or whole grain)
– 1 cup diced bell peppers (mix of red and green for color)
– 1/2 cup chopped onions
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
To make a great Cheesy Sausage and Egg Casserole, start with quality ingredients. You can choose between Italian or spicy breakfast sausage. Both add rich flavor to the dish. Next, use a dozen large eggs to create a fluffy base. Whole milk helps make it creamy.
For cheese, I recommend a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella. The cheddar gives a strong taste, while the mozzarella adds a nice melt. Don’t forget the bread! Cubed day-old sourdough or whole grain works best. It soaks up the egg mixture, making every bite delicious.
Adding bell peppers and onions brings color and taste. Use a mix of red and green bell peppers for a vibrant look. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for a well-rounded flavor. Lastly, fresh parsley or chives make a lovely garnish.
This recipe is not just about the ingredients; it’s about bringing them together to create something special. For the full recipe, check out the complete details.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Ingredients
Cooking the sausage
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of breakfast sausage. You can choose Italian or spicy based on your taste. Cook the sausage for about 7-10 minutes. Stir it often to break it apart. The sausage should turn brown and be fully cooked. Once done, drain any extra grease and set the sausage aside.
Whisking the egg mixture
In a large mixing bowl, crack 12 large eggs. Add 2 cups of whole milk to the bowl. Then, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk everything together until it looks smooth and well mixed.
Assembling the Casserole
Mixing everything together
Now, it’s time to combine all the ingredients. Add the cooked sausage to your egg mixture. Then, toss in 1 cup of diced bell peppers and 1/2 cup of chopped onions. Next, mix in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Preparing the baking dish
Grease a large baking dish, about 9×13 inches, using cooking spray or butter. Then, fold in 3 cups of cubed day-old bread into the mixture. Make sure all the bread pieces are moistened with the egg mixture. Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Baking Instructions
Oven settings and timing
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake it for 45-50 minutes. You know it’s ready when it is set and slightly golden on top. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Resting and garnishing the casserole
After baking, pull the casserole out of the oven. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the casserole set. Finally, you can garnish it with fresh parsley or chives for added color and flavor. Enjoy your Cheesy Sausage and Egg Casserole! For the full recipe, check out the details above.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Casserole
To cook the sausage evenly, use medium heat. Break it apart as it cooks. This helps you avoid big chunks. Brown it until no pink remains. Drain excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
For cheese to melt well, use shredded cheese instead of blocks. Shredded cheese melts faster and blends better. Mix both cheddar and mozzarella for a nice flavor combo. Add cheese to the egg mixture and stir gently. This ensures every bite has gooey cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this casserole with fresh fruit. Sliced strawberries or a fruit salad adds color and sweetness. You can also serve it with crispy bacon or sausage links. For brunch, serve with mimosas or coffee.
For a fun presentation, cut the casserole into squares. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives. This adds a pop of color and freshness to each plate. If you want to impress guests, serve with a side of avocado slices.
Explore the [Full Recipe] for detailed instructions and tips to make this dish your own.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap some ingredients for healthier choices. Try using turkey sausage instead of regular sausage. It cuts fat but keeps flavor. You can also use egg whites or low-fat milk. These changes help make the dish lighter.
For a vegetarian option, replace the sausage with black beans or sautéed mushrooms. They add texture and flavor. Use plant-based cheese for a dairy-free dish. This keeps the casserole rich without meat.
Flavor Enhancements
Adding spices and herbs can elevate your casserole. A pinch of smoked paprika gives a nice kick. You might also try adding chopped fresh herbs. Basil, thyme, or oregano can brighten flavors.
Experiment with different cheese blends. Use pepper jack for a spicier taste or gouda for a smoky twist. Mixing cheeses adds depth and richness. Both options make this dish even more fun to eat!
For the full recipe, click here: [Full Recipe].
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Cheesy Sausage and Egg Casserole fresh, let it cool first. Cooling helps prevent condensation. Once cool, cut it into portions for easy storage. Use airtight containers to seal in flavor and moisture. Glass or plastic containers work well. If you prefer, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This keeps it safe from freezer burn if you decide to freeze it.
Reheating Instructions
When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, reheating is key. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place your portion in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This helps keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warm. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between. This helps maintain the texture and flavor of the casserole. Enjoy your meal! For the full recipe, check out the provided link.
FAQs
How long to bake Cheesy Sausage and Egg Casserole?
You should bake the Cheesy Sausage and Egg Casserole for 45 to 50 minutes. The casserole is done when it is set and slightly golden on top. To check, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your casserole is ready!
Can I prepare it the night before?
Yes, you can prepare this casserole the night before! Just follow the recipe steps up to pouring the mixture into the baking dish. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. In the morning, bake it straight from the fridge. It may need a few extra minutes to cook through.
What are some side dishes that pair well with this casserole?
This casserole goes well with many side dishes. Here are some tasty options:
– Fresh fruit salad
– Crispy bacon or sausage links
– A light green salad with vinaigrette
– Roasted potatoes or hash browns
Feel free to mix and match! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Enjoy your cooking!
This blog post shared how to make a Cheesy Sausage and Egg Casserole. We covered ingredients, from breakfast sausage to cheese choices. I provided step-by-step instructions for prepping, assembling, and baking the dish. You learned tips to perfect your casserole and ideas for variations. Storage info helps keep leftovers fresh.
In the end, this casserole is great for breakfast or brunch. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and make it your own!
