Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Casserole: A Hearty Breakfast to Start Your Day Right

The holiday season is a time for family, celebration, and indulging in delicious meals. When it comes to Christmas morning, there’s no better way to feed a hungry crowd than with a warm, comforting, and hearty breakfast casserole. The Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Casserole is the perfect dish to serve during those busy holiday mornings. It combines classic breakfast ingredients like savory sausage, rich eggs, and gooey cheese, all baked together into a single, flavorful dish. Whether you’re feeding a large group of family members or simply looking to meal prep for the week, this casserole is sure to satisfy everyone’s hunger and bring a festive touch to the table.

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This easy breakfast casserole is versatile, simple to prepare, and can be made in advance, allowing you to enjoy the holiday festivities without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas brunch or just need a filling breakfast for a busy weekday, this dish checks all the boxes. Not only does it taste amazing, but it also smells incredible as it bakes, filling your home with the aromas of browned sausage, melted cheese, and the comfort of homemade eggs. Imagine slicing into this casserole and serving up a hearty portion, the layers of sausage and cheese coming together in perfect harmony. Each bite is a satisfying balance of savory sausage, creamy eggs, and melted cheese that will have everyone coming back for more.

Let’s dive into the recipe and break down exactly how to prepare this incredible Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Casserole.

Ingredients Breakdown

Before we get into the step-by-step instructions, here’s a list of all the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious casserole:

• 1 lb breakfast sausage: Choose your preferred sausage flavor. Jimmy Dean-style sausage works perfectly, but you can opt for hot, sage, maple, or regular sausage depending on your taste preferences.
• 12 large eggs: Fresh, large eggs are key to making the casserole creamy and fluffy. Using eggs at room temperature helps them blend more smoothly.
• ¾ cup whole milk: For richness and creaminess, whole milk is ideal. However, you can substitute with half & half or heavy cream for an even richer casserole.
• 1 teaspoon salt: The salt helps to bring out the flavors of the sausage and eggs.
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder: This subtle seasoning adds depth to the flavor of the eggs without overpowering the other ingredients.
• 1 cup cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for a bold, tangy flavor. Grate the cheese yourself for the best melt and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Breakfast Sausage

Start by heating a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the breakfast sausage. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks, making sure to crumble it into small pieces. Cook the sausage until there are no traces of pink, and the sausage has browned nicely. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat and set the sausage aside to cool slightly. If you like, you can also sauté half a cup of diced yellow or sweet onions with a bit of olive oil before adding the sausage to the pan. This adds another layer of flavor, making the casserole even more aromatic and flavorful.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture

While the sausage is cooling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking. In a large mixing bowl, crack the 12 eggs. Whisk them vigorously until the eggs are light and fluffy. Add the milk, salt, and onion powder to the eggs and whisk again until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The milk makes the eggs creamy, while the salt and onion powder infuse the eggs with just the right amount of seasoning.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Now, it’s time to assemble the casserole. Start by spreading ¾ of the cooked sausage evenly in the bottom of the greased 9×13 baking dish. This creates a savory base layer. Then, sprinkle half of the grated cheddar cheese over the sausage. Next, pour the egg mixture over the sausage and cheese. Be sure to pour it evenly so that all the ingredients are well-coated and the eggs sink down into the layers of sausage and cheese.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the eggs to set and cook through. After 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and top the partially cooked eggs with the remaining cheddar cheese. Then, sprinkle the rest of the cooked sausage over the top. The cheese will melt into the eggs, creating a deliciously gooey and cheesy topping. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the eggs are fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is cooked through and the cheese is melted to perfection, remove it from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it into squares and serving. This dish is best enjoyed while hot and fresh, but it can also be stored in the fridge for a few days or frozen for later use. Serve with a sprinkle of black pepper or your favorite hot sauce for a little extra flavor kick.

Flavor Profile and Texture

The beauty of this casserole lies in the combination of flavors and textures. The breakfast sausage provides a savory, slightly greasy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy eggs. The cheddar cheese melts perfectly into the eggs, creating a gooey, rich topping that elevates the dish. The eggs themselves are light, fluffy, and perfectly seasoned, giving each bite a satisfying balance of flavors. As the casserole bakes, the sausage releases its fat, infusing the egg mixture with its savory goodness, making every bite a delight.

The casserole’s texture is also key to its appeal. The eggs bake up soft and tender, while the sausage adds a slightly crunchy, savory element. The melted cheese on top creates a golden, bubbly crust that makes each serving feel indulgent. The casserole is firm enough to hold its shape when sliced, yet soft enough to melt in your mouth.

Tips for Substitutions and Variations

This casserole is incredibly versatile, allowing you to make adjustments based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:

• Sausage: While breakfast sausage is the classic choice, you can switch it up by using chorizo for a spicier kick or turkey sausage for a leaner alternative. You could even use leftover roast beef or bacon for a different flavor profile.
• Cheese: Cheddar cheese is the go-to, but you can experiment with other cheeses. Try Monterey Jack for a milder flavor, pepper jack for some spice, or a combination of cheeses for added depth.
• Vegetables: Add some vegetables to make the casserole even more nutritious. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or diced tomatoes work well in this dish. Just make sure to cook the veggies first to avoid adding excess moisture to the casserole.
• Milk Substitute: If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the whole milk with skim milk or plant-based milks like almond or oat milk. If you want an ultra-rich casserole, go for heavy cream or half & half.
• Make-Ahead: This casserole is great for meal prepping. You can assemble it the night before, store it in the fridge, and then bake it the next morning. If you want to freeze it, simply assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, bake it straight from the freezer, though you may need to extend the cooking time by 10-15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

This Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Casserole is the perfect main dish for any breakfast or brunch gathering. To round out the meal, pair it with some fresh fruit, like sliced oranges or berries, for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. You can also serve it with crispy bacon, buttered toast, or hash browns for a more filling spread. For a festive touch, add a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting a family breakfast on Christmas morning or just looking for an easy, hearty dish to prepare ahead of time, the Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Casserole is a winning recipe. It’s simple, delicious, and incredibly satisfying. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a dish that will have your family and friends asking for seconds. The layers of savory sausage, creamy eggs, and melted cheese come together in a way that’s sure to please everyone. So, why not make it a part of your holiday traditions or enjoy it any day of the week? This casserole is a true crowd-pleaser that will make any breakfast or brunch special.