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.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 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.
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.
Notes
- 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.