Easy & Cheesy Paula Deen Brunch Casserole Recipe for Beginners

Paula Deen’s brunch casserole offers a mouthwatering morning feast that transforms ordinary breakfast ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Southern comfort meets gourmet creativity in this delightful dish that celebrates rich, layered flavors.

Hearty ingredients mingle together, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

Warm, inviting aromas will fill your kitchen, promising a meal that satisfies even the most discerning breakfast enthusiasts.

Cheese melts luxuriously between soft bread cubes and savory sausage, promising a decadent start to your day.

Subtle hints of sage and spices elevate this casserole from simple to spectacular, making every bite a delightful surprise.

Professional chefs and home cooks will appreciate the straightforward preparation and impressive results: get ready to wow your breakfast crowd.

Why Paula Deen’s Brunch Casserole is the Ultimate Morning Feast

• Effortlessly Elevate Breakfast: This brunch casserole transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering morning masterpiece that'll make everyone jump out of bed with excitement.
• Layer-by-Layer Flavor Explosion: The strategic assembly of buttered bread, savory sausage, aromatic sage, and two types of melty cheese creates a texture-rich dish that delivers complex flavors in every single bite.
• Make-Ahead Morning Magic: Prep this casserole the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and enjoy a stress-free, restaurant-quality breakfast without hours of kitchen work – perfect for weekend gatherings, holiday brunches, or lazy Sunday mornings.
• Customize Your Comfort: With easy ingredient swaps like different meats, cheese varieties, or spice levels, this recipe becomes your culinary playground, allowing personal creativity while guaranteeing delicious results every single time.

What You’ll Need for Paula Deen’s Brunch Casserole

• Bread Cubes: Soft, buttered bread provides a hearty foundation for the casserole.
• Butter: Helps create a rich, golden base for the bread layer.

• Sausage: Adds savory flavor and protein to the breakfast casserole.
• Sage: Classic herb that enhances the sausage's earthy taste.

• White Cheddar Cheese, Yellow Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Creamy, melty cheeses that add richness and depth to the dish.
• Eggs: Essential binding ingredient that holds the casserole together.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a smooth, custard-like texture.

• Cayenne Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and kick to the casserole.
• Dry Mustard: Provides a tangy, sharp undertone to the flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild, warming spice.
• Paula Deen's Hot Sauce: Optional finishing touch for extra heat and flavor.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Brunch Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), ensuring the rack is centered for even cooking.

Step 2: Sizzle The Sausage

Cook sausage in a skillet over medium heat until thoroughly browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.

Step 3: Build The Base

Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer cubed bread across the bottom, creating a soft foundation.

Step 4: Scatter Savory Layers

Distribute cooked sausage and fresh sage evenly over the bread layer.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

• White cheddar
• Sharp yellow cheddar

Spread them generously across the sausage layer.

Step 6: Whip The Egg Mixture

• Eggs
• Milk
• Cayenne pepper
• Dry mustard
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk ingredients until smooth and well-integrated.

Step 7: Pour And Spread

Gently pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients, ensuring even coverage.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes until golden brown and set.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

Drizzle with hot sauce, slice into hearty portions, and serve warm for a crowd-pleasing brunch delight.

Tips for Perfecting Paula Deen’s Brunch Casserole

• Crumble Sausage Strategically: Break down sausage into small, uniform pieces to distribute flavor evenly throughout the casserole.
• Layer Ingredients Carefully: Place bread, cheese, and sausage in distinct layers to create a balanced bite with multiple textures.
• Drain Excess Moisture: Pat sausage and cheese with paper towels to remove extra grease, preventing a soggy final dish.
• Rest Casserole Before Serving: Allow the dish to sit for 10 minutes after baking, which helps set the eggs and makes cutting easier.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a food thermometer to ensure eggs reach 160°F for safe and perfectly cooked results.

How to Keep Paula Deen’s Brunch Casserole Fresh

Vacuum Seal for Freshness: Lock in the delicious flavors and prevent freezer burn by vacuum sealing individual portions. This method extends the casserole’s shelf life up to 4 months and maintains its original taste and texture perfectly.

Portion and Protect: Divide the casserole into single-serving containers with tight-fitting lids. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap before placing in containers to create an extra barrier against moisture and air infiltration.

Quick Reheat Strategy: Sprinkle a few drops of water over the casserole before microwaving to restore moisture. Reheat at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming and prevent dried-out edges.

Creative Twists for Paula Deen’s Brunch Casserole

• Vegetarian Veggie Blast: Replace sausage with roasted bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms for a nutrient-packed vegetarian version.
• Mexican Morning Fiesta: Add diced jalapeños, salsa, chorizo, and pepper jack cheese to create a spicy southwestern breakfast casserole.
• Herbed Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs like oregano and thyme for a Mediterranean-inspired breakfast dish.
• Bacon Lover's Dream: Swap sausage with crispy bacon pieces and sprinkle extra bacon crumbles on top for an indulgent bacon-focused breakfast casserole.

Final Thoughts on Paula Deen’s Brunch Casserole

Southern comfort meets breakfast brilliance in Paula Deen’s legendary brunch casserole.

Sausage, cheese, and custardy eggs create a symphony of flavors that dance across taste buds.

Layers of buttered bread provide a crisp foundation for this hearty morning masterpiece.

Cheese melts into golden pools while sage whispers subtle herbal notes throughout each bite.

Morning gatherings become magical moments with this simple yet spectacular dish.

Readers who crave culinary adventure – snap a photo, share this recipe, and spread deliciousness across social media platforms!

Paula Deen Brunch Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Paula Deen’s Brunch Casserole delivers a hearty Southern breakfast experience with layers of crispy bread, savory sausage, and melted cheese. Comfort and flavor combine in this crowd-pleasing dish that fills hungry plates with pure morning satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) loose pork breakfast sausage
• 7 eggs

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup sharp yellow cheddar cheese, shredded
• 3 cups milk

Bread and Seasonings:

• 8 thick slices country white bread, buttered and cubed
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon dry mustard
• salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste
• Paula Deen’s Hot Sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F, positioning the rack in the center to ensure even heat distribution.
2. Place a skillet over medium heat and cook the sausage thoroughly, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains. Drain excess fat using a colander and set aside.
3. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4. Arrange the cubed, buttered bread as a uniform base layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Evenly distribute the cooked sausage crumbles over the bread layer, followed by a sprinkle of fresh sage for added aromatic flavor.
6. Create a generous cheese layer by scattering both white cheddar and yellow sharp cheddar across the sausage and bread foundation.
7. In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs until well combined, then incorporate milk, cayenne pepper, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper to create a smooth, seasoned custard.
8. Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients, ensuring an even distribution that penetrates all layers.
9. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the center sets firmly.
10. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-7 minutes to allow the casserole to stabilize before serving.
11. Optional: Drizzle with Paula Deen’s Hot Sauce just before serving to add an extra kick of flavor.

Notes

• Bake Until Golden and Set: Golden-brown edges and a firm center signal your casserole has reached perfect doneness, ensuring a delightful texture and flavor.
• Soak Bread for Full Flavor: Allowing bread slices to luxuriate in the egg mixture lets every morsel absorb rich, savory seasonings and create a harmonious blend.
• Whisk Eggs Thoroughly: Vigorous whisking transforms eggs into a smooth, silky base that guarantees consistent flavor and a luxurious, creamy texture throughout.
• Cook the Sausage Fully: Completely cooked and drained sausage prevents unwanted greasiness, delivering a cleaner, more robust taste profile in every bite.
• Use Thick Bread Slices: Substantial, hearty bread slices provide superior structure and absorb liquid perfectly, preventing sogginess and maintaining delectable crispness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 635 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 0.4 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 192 mg