Imagine a breakfast so delicious, it'll have everyone jumping out of bed with excitement! This Cheesy Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole is not just a meal, it's a morning revolution that combines crispy sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese in one mouthwatering dish. Perfect for busy families, weekend brunches, or when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort, this casserole is about to become your new breakfast superhero.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices of bread, cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook until the sausage is completely browned and no pink remains, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- While the sausage is cooking, cube the bread slices into roughly 1-inch pieces. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Drain any excess grease from the cooked sausage and let it cool slightly for 2-3 minutes.
- Layer the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the bread cubes.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture slowly and evenly over the bread and sausage, ensuring all pieces are moistened.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, covering the surface evenly.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set and no longer jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to slice.
- Cut into squares and serve hot. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for added color and flavor.
Tips
- Bread Selection Matters: Use day-old bread or slightly stale bread for better absorption of the egg mixture. Brioche or challah can add extra richness.
- Sausage Secrets: For maximum flavor, choose a high-quality breakfast sausage and drain excess grease thoroughly to prevent a soggy casserole.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends like mixing cheddar with monterey jack or adding some parmesan for extra depth.
- Even Distribution is Key: When pouring the egg mixture, do it slowly and evenly to ensure every bite is perfectly moistened.
- Resting Time Matters: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes cutting and serving much easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 307kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 19g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 271mg
