There's nothing quite like a warm, comforting breakfast casserole to kickstart your day, especially when it's packed with savory sausage and cheesy goodness. This recipe for the Best Breakfast Casserole with Sausage is designed for ease and maximum flavor, making it a perfect choice for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or even a convenient weekly meal prep.
Forget complicated breakfast menus! This hearty casserole brings together fluffy eggs, crispy hash browns, rich breakfast sausage, and a blend of seasonings, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. It's a true crowd-plepleaser that promises satisfaction with every bite.
Why This Sausage Breakfast Casserole Will Become Your Favorite
This isn't just another breakfast dish; it's a game-changer. Here's why you'll fall in love with this recipe:
- Effortless Preparation: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this casserole comes together with minimal fuss.
- Make-Ahead Marvel: Assemble it the night before and simply pop it in the oven in the morning for a stress-free start to your day.
- Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe to your taste by adding different vegetables or cheeses.
- Feeds a Crowd: Generous portions make this ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or feeding hungry guests.
Ready to make your mornings brighter and more delicious? Let's dive into the recipe!
Ingredients You'll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards creating this incredible breakfast experience. Most items are likely already in your pantry or fridge!
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (choose mild or spicy to suit your palate)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a melty blend like Colby Jack)
- 4 cups frozen hash browns (the shredded variety works best, but diced potatoes can also be used)
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color, for a pop of color and freshness)
- 1 cup diced onions (to deepen the savory flavor)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (for garnish, optional but recommended)
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection
Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping breakfast casserole:
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it browns, ensuring it's fully cooked through. Once done, drain any excess grease thoroughly. Draining the fat is an important step in making a great casserole, ensuring it's not overly greasy. Set the cooked sausage aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the large eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until the mixture is completely uniform and slightly frothy.
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
Add the cooked sausage, frozen hash browns, diced bell peppers, diced onions, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the egg mixture. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed and coated in the egg mixture.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes. The casserole is ready when the center is set, the eggs are cooked through, and the top is a beautiful golden brown. To test for doneness, a knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Garnish
Allow the baked casserole to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps it set beautifully. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh finish.
Tips for the Ultimate Breakfast Casserole
- Don't Overmix: While you want ingredients evenly distributed, don't overmix the eggs; this can make them tough.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Taste the sausage before adding salt to the egg mixture, especially if using a pre-seasoned sausage.
- Prevent Soggy Hash Browns: If using fresh potatoes, par-cook them slightly before adding them to ensure they are tender. For frozen, no need to thaw!
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad for a balanced brunch. Looking for more amazing breakfast ideas? You might love our Hearty Sausage, Gravy, and Biscuit Pie or these delightful Easy & Delicious Sausage Breakfast Muffins Recipe.
Conclusion
This Best Breakfast Casserole Recipe with Sausage is a guaranteed hit for any morning meal. Its ease of preparation and comforting flavors make it a staple in our kitchen, and we're sure it will be in yours too. Enjoy creating this delicious dish and sharing it with your loved ones!
FAQs
Can I prepare this breakfast casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time in the morning if baking from cold.
What are some good substitutions for the sausage?
If sausage isn't your preference, you can easily swap it for crumbled bacon, diced ham, or a vegetarian option like sautu00e9ed mushrooms, spinach, or plant-based sausage crumbles.
How long does this breakfast casserole last in the refrigerator?
When stored in an airtight container, leftover breakfast casserole will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this breakfast casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully! Once baked and cooled, slice it into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months and reheated in the microwave or oven.
Best Breakfast Casserole with Sausage
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Diet: High-protein
Description
This hearty breakfast casserole features savory sausage, fluffy eggs, cheese, and hash browns, baked to golden perfection for a satisfying morning meal.
Ingredients
1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
8 large eggs
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 cups frozen hash browns
1 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
1 cup diced onions (optional)
1/2 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease and set aside.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
Step 4: Stir in the cooked sausage, hash browns, diced bell peppers, diced onions, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the egg mixture. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
Step 7: Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
For extra spice, use hot breakfast sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture. You can also add other vegetables like chopped spinach or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 250mg
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