Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish perfect for feeding a crowd. Loaded with savory sausage, eggs, cheese, and bread, this casserole is an ideal make-ahead meal for breakfast, brunch, or holiday mornings. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it the perfect dish for busy mornings or special gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken sausage)
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for creamier texture)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and Monterey Jack)
• 4 cups cubed bread (stale bread works best, any type like white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder (optional for flavor depth)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• ½ cup sautéed mushrooms
• 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for spice

For Serving:

• Hot sauce or salsa
• Fresh fruit or a green salad

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

1. In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Cook for about 6-8 minutes or until fully browned and no longer pink.
2. If using, add the diced onion, bell pepper, or other vegetables to the skillet and sauté until softened. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and dry mustard powder (if using).
2. Stir in the shredded cheese and the cooked sausage mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Place the cubed bread evenly in the greased baking dish.
2. Pour the egg and sausage mixture over the bread, making sure all the bread is evenly soaked and covered with the mixture.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is fully set (the center should no longer jiggle when gently shaken).
3. Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish the casserole with chopped parsley or green onions.
2. Serve warm with a side of hot sauce, salsa, or your favorite breakfast sides like fresh fruit or a green salad.

Cooking Notes

• Bread: Slightly stale bread works best for this casserole as it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming too soggy. You can use white bread, whole wheat, sourdough, or even croissants for added richness.
• Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to use a blend of cheeses like pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or Swiss for extra flavor.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole

Omit the sausage and load the casserole with veggies like mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, and zucchini for a veggie-packed breakfast.

2. Spicy Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Use spicy sausage and add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the casserole for a spicy kick. Top with your favorite hot sauce before serving.

3. Low-Carb Breakfast Casserole

Skip the bread and substitute it with more vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or cauliflower to make a low-carb and keto-friendly version of this casserole.

4. Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Casserole

Instead of using cubed bread, replace it with frozen hashbrowns. Simply spread the hashbrowns in the baking dish and pour the sausage and egg mixture on top for a cheesy, crispy casserole.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Instructions

• Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes of baking time if needed.
• Freezer Instructions: You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. If freezing after baking, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap and freeze. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked sausage for this casserole?
Yes! You can use pre-cooked sausage links or patties. Just chop them up and add them to the casserole without needing to brown them.

Q: Can I substitute milk with a dairy-free alternative?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or any other dairy-free milk for a lighter, lactose-free version.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through.

Q: Can I add potatoes to this recipe?
Yes, you can add cubed cooked potatoes or hashbrowns to the casserole for extra texture and flavor. Just layer them on top of the bread cubes before adding the egg mixture.

Q: What can I serve with this casserole?
Serve this casserole with fresh fruit, avocado slices, hashbrowns, or a light green salad. It also pairs well with biscuits or toast.

This Sausage Breakfast Casserole is an easy and satisfying dish that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. With its savory combination of sausage, eggs, cheese, and bread, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. You can customize it with your favorite add-ins, make it ahead of time, and even freeze it for later, making it a versatile and convenient dish for any occasion!