Savory Breakfast Sausage and Cheese Casserole Recipe

Hearty Savory Breakfast Sausage and Cheese Casserole Recipe

Mornings brighten when a hearty breakfast sausage and cheese casserole emerges from the kitchen, promising comfort and flavor.

Layers of golden eggs, crisp sausage, and melted cheese create a morning masterpiece.

Comfort food rarely looks this tempting, with each bite promising rich, satisfying textures.

Home cooks know the secret to weekend happiness lies in simple, delicious dishes.

Minimal preparation meets maximum enjoyment in this crowd-pleasing breakfast centerpiece.

Weekends demand something special, and you’ll find pure deliciousness waiting in every forkful.

This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary morning celebration that everyone will adore.

Make Breakfast Casserole from Start to Finish

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 375F (190C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and coat it generously with cooking spray.

Step 2: Sizzle The Sausage

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage:
  • Break into small crumbles
  • Cook until deeply golden
  • Drain away excess fat

Step 3: Whip The Liquid Magic

Grab a large mixing bowl and create a creamy egg base:
  • Crack fresh eggs
  • Pour milk
  • Add heavy cream
  • Sprinkle salt
  • Dust with pepper
  • Shake garlic powder
  • Dust onion powder
  • Chop fresh parsley

Whisk everything until smooth and well combined

Step 4: Build The Flavor Foundation

Spread bread cubes across the prepared baking pan. Scatter cooked sausage evenly and sprinkle half the cheese on top.

Step 5: Shower With Egg Mixture

Pour the whisked egg mixture over the entire casserole. Gently press down to help bread absorb all the delicious liquid.

Step 6: Crown With Cheese

Shower the remaining cheese over the top. Drizzle melted butter across the entire surface.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide into the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until the top turns golden and center sets firmly.

Step 8: Rest And Devour

Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes. Slice and serve while warm. Enjoy your incredible morning feast!

Pro Tips for Morning Casserole Wins

  • Customize Bread Selection: Choose rustic sourdough or hearty white bread for extra texture and flavor absorption in your casserole.
  • Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover with foil, and refrigerate overnight to save morning cooking time.
  • Control Spice Level: Swap regular sausage for spicy varieties or add red pepper flakes to increase heat according to your taste preferences.
  • Make It Gluten-Free: Replace traditional bread cubes with gluten-free bread or cauliflower florets for a low-carb alternative that maintains the dish's delicious profile.
  • Freeze for Later: Portion and freeze individual servings for quick reheatable breakfasts, maintaining up to one month of freshness when properly stored in airtight containers.

Keeping Breakfast Casserole Ready for Days

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
  • Heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even warming and prevent cold spots.

Sausage Casserole Partners Well With These

  • Bright, citrusy mimosas cut through the rich, hearty casserole, balancing the savory flavors with a refreshing orange juice and champagne blend.
  • Crisp, tangy mixed berries and melon chunks provide a light, sweet counterpoint to the dense, cheesy breakfast dish, adding nutritional variety.
  • A robust, dark roast coffee with slight chocolate undertones complements the sausage's richness and enhances the casserole's warm, comforting profile.
  • Crispy, garlic-rosemary roasted potato wedges add a crunchy texture and earthy dimension to complement the soft, cheesy casserole layers.

New Ways to Style Your Breakfast Casserole

  • Vegetarian Breakfast Bake: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap bread cubes with gluten-free bread or diced hash browns to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diners.
  • Low-Carb Keto Casserole: Use cauliflower florets instead of bread and add extra cheese and cream for a high-fat, low-carb breakfast alternative.
  • Mediterranean Style: Incorporate feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano for a Greek-inspired breakfast casserole with fresh Mediterranean flavors.

FAQs About Breakfast Sausage and Cheese Casserole

  • Can I use different types of bread for this casserole?

Yes, you can use any sturdy bread like sourdough, challah, or brioche. Just ensure the bread is day-old or slightly stale for better absorption of the egg mixture.

  • Is it okay to prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking directly from the refrigerator.

  • Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?

Yes, you can use whole milk or half-and-half as alternatives. The texture might be slightly less rich, but it will still taste delicious.

  • What if I want to make this casserole vegetarian?

Replace the sausage with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. You can also use plant-based sausage crumbles for a similar protein boost.

Sausage & Cheese Casserole to Kickstart Mornings

  • Assemble this dish with simple steps, requiring only basic cooking skills and minimal kitchen time.
  • Create a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its hearty, comforting layers of sausage, cheese, and eggs.
  • Perfect for lazy weekend mornings, holiday gatherings, or when you want to impress guests with a delicious, hassle-free breakfast option.

What Goes in a Breakfast Sausage Cheese Casserole

Main Protein Components:
  • Breakfast Sausage: Hearty meat providing rich, savory flavor and protein base for the casserole. Opt for fresh, high-quality ground sausage with good fat content.
  • Eggs: Essential binding ingredient that creates creamy texture and provides protein. Fresh, large eggs work best for consistent results.
Dairy Components:
  • Milk, Heavy Cream: Creates rich, smooth custard base for the casserole. Whole milk ensures better texture and flavor depth.
  • Shredded Cheese: Adds melty, tangy flavor and additional protein. Choose sharp cheddar or a cheese blend for maximum taste.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps create golden brown top. Use unsalted butter for better flavor control.
Bread and Seasoning Components:
  • Bread Cubes: Provides structure and absorbs egg mixture. Day-old bread works best to prevent sogginess.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Delivers subtle background flavor and aromatic depth. Use fresh, high-quality spices for best results.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that enhance overall taste profile. Freshly ground black pepper recommended.
  • Parsley: Adds fresh herb note and visual appeal. Fresh parsley provides brighter flavor compared to dried.
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Savory Breakfast Sausage and Cheese Casserole Recipe

Savory Breakfast Sausage and Cheese Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Hearty “savory breakfast sausage and cheese casserole” brings comfort and flavor to morning tables across kitchens. Layers of golden eggs, melted cheese, and seasoned sausage promise a satisfying start that will leave you craving another delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 pound (453 grams) breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken)
  • 6 large eggs

Cheese:

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Other Ingredients:

  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 4 cups cubed bread (French bread, sourdough, or Texas toast)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch dish with cooking spray and heating the oven to 375F (190C).
  2. Transform the sausage into crispy crumbles by sautéing in a skillet over medium heat, ensuring thorough browning and draining any excess fat.
  3. Craft a luxurious egg mixture by whisking together eggs, milk, heavy cream, and a medley of seasonings including salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley until fully incorporated.
  4. Create a foundational layer by distributing bread cubes uniformly across the greased baking dish, followed by an even dispersion of cooked sausage and a generous sprinkle of half the shredded cheese.
  5. Gently cascade the whisked egg blend over the layered ingredients, delicately pressing down to guarantee complete liquid absorption by the bread cubes.
  6. Enhance the casserole’s decadence by crowning it with the remaining cheese and drizzling melted butter across the surface for a golden, rich finish.
  7. Bake the assembled dish uncovered in the preheated oven, allowing it to transform into a bubbling, golden masterpiece with a set center, typically requiring 35-40 minutes of cooking time.
  8. Allow the casserole a brief resting period of 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven, then slice and serve while maintaining its warm, inviting temperature.

Notes

  • Experiment with gluten-free bread or low-carb alternatives like cauliflower or almond flour bread to make this dish diet-friendly.
  • Swap regular pork sausage for turkey or chicken sausage to reduce fat content and create a leaner breakfast option.
  • Prep the casserole the night before and refrigerate overnight for a hassle-free morning meal that allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
  • Consider adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and a vibrant color boost to the classic breakfast casserole.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 685
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 1080 mg
  • Fat: 41 g
  • Saturated Fat: 23 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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