Savory Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole

$- 1 pound fully cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled - 6 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk The heart of this dish lies in its main ingredients. The breakfast sausage adds a savory bite. Eggs bring richness and structure. Whole milk makes the casserole creamy and soft. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Seasonings are crucial for flavor. Garlic and onion powders add depth. Dried oregano gives an earthy taste. Salt and pepper enhance all the other flavors. - 4 cups of cubed baguette or your favorite bread - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup diced bell peppers (use a mix of red, green, and yellow for vibrant colors) - ½ cup chopped green onions (for garnish) Bread acts as a base, soaking up the egg mix. Cheese melts into a gooey top layer. Bell peppers add color and a fresh crunch. Green onions serve as a bright garnish. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the casserole cook evenly. - Grease your 9x13 inch baking dish. Use cooking spray or butter for easy cleanup. - In a large skillet, add crumbled breakfast sausage. - Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Stir often until the sausage is well-browned and hot. - Crack 6 large eggs in a bowl. Pour in 2 cups of milk. - Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. - Whisk the mixture until all ingredients blend well and become slightly frothy. This helps create a fluffy texture. - Spread cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the greased dish. - Layer the cooked sausage over the bread. - Scatter diced bell peppers on top. Use a mix of red, green, and yellow for color. - Pour the egg mixture over the layered bread, sausage, and peppers. - Press down gently to soak the bread. - Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top. This will create a tasty, cheesy crust. - Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. The casserole is done when the egg is set and cheese is golden. - Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes after baking. This makes it easier to cut into squares. - Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh look. - Serve on colorful plates. Add a side of fresh fruit or salad for a balanced meal. To get the best texture, soak the bread. This helps it absorb the egg mixture well. I recommend using cubed baguette or any bread you like. Let the bread soak for about 10 minutes. This makes it soft and fluffy inside. For the egg mixture, whisk the eggs and milk well. You want it to be frothy. This helps the casserole rise nicely when baking. Don't rush this step; it makes a big difference. You can boost the flavor by adding spices. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds warmth. You can also try smoked paprika for a smoky taste. Mix these in with the egg mixture for a tasty kick. Cheese alternatives can change the taste too. Sharp cheddar gives a bold flavor. But you can use mozzarella for a milder taste. Goat cheese adds creaminess and tanginess. Choose what you love most. Want to save time? You can prep this casserole overnight. Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake it straight from the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. When reheating, the oven is best. Bake at 350°F until warm. This keeps the texture nice. If you use a microwave, it may turn soggy. Enjoy your leftovers as a quick meal! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for freshly diced bell peppers and high-quality sausage to elevate the flavor of your casserole. Let it Soak: Allow the casserole to sit for 15-20 minutes before baking to let the bread absorb the egg mixture for a creamier texture. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a unique twist on the classic cheddar. Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just bake it in the morning for a quick breakfast option. {{image_4}} You can make this casserole your own by swapping out the meat. Instead of breakfast sausage, try: - Ground turkey - Chorizo for a spicy kick - Bacon for a smoky flavor If you want a vegetarian option, use these ideas: - Crumbled tofu with spices - Black beans for protein - Sautéed mushrooms for a hearty texture Cheese adds great flavor to your casserole. Here are some fun options: - Mozzarella for a stretchy texture - Pepper jack for a spicy twist - Feta for a tangy kick If you're dairy-free, try these alternatives: - Vegan cheddar cheese - Nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor - Cashew cheese for creaminess You can change your casserole with the seasons. For holidays, think about adding: - Cooked spinach for Easter - Sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving - Cranberries for a festive touch Using seasonal vegetables can also elevate your dish. Try: - Zucchini in summer - Butternut squash in fall - Asparagus in spring These swaps will keep your Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole fresh and fun! Store any leftover cheesy sausage breakfast casserole in the fridge. Use an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To freeze, cut the casserole into portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy it later without losing flavor. You have two main options for reheating: the oven or microwave. The oven is best for texture. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. For the microwave, heat individual portions in 30-second bursts. Check for warmth to avoid overcooking. The casserole lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. If you freeze it, aim to eat it within 2-3 months for the best taste. Look for signs of spoilage like an off smell or mold. If you see any, it's best to throw it away. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Yes, you can prepare this casserole the night before. First, cook the sausage and let it cool. Whisk the eggs and milk with the spices. Then, layer the bread, sausage, and peppers in your dish. Finally, pour the egg mix over everything. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. In the morning, just bake it as usual. This method saves time on busy mornings. You have many great options for bread. Baguette works well because it soaks up the egg mix. Sourdough gives a nice tangy flavor. If you prefer softer bread, use white or whole wheat bread. Each choice offers a different taste and texture. Choose what your family likes best. Absolutely! Adding veggies boosts flavor and nutrition. Some great options are spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also use chopped tomatoes for a fresh taste. Just be sure to chop them finely so they cook well. Mix and match to find your favorite veggie combo. To add some heat, you can use spicy sausage instead of regular. Another option is to add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes. If you like it really spicy, add hot sauce to the egg mix. Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level. This blog shared how to make a delicious breakfast casserole. You learned about key ingredients like sausage, eggs, and milk. We covered seasoning options to enhance flavor and various ingredient swaps for fun variations. Following easy steps, you can prepare and bake this dish perfectly. Remember, you can always customize with different cheeses or veggies. Make this recipe your own and enjoy it at any meal! Your kitchen will smell great, and everyone will love the final dish.$

Savory Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole

A delicious breakfast casserole featuring crumbled sausage, eggs, cheese, and bread, perfect for feeding a crowd.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound fully cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 cups cubed baguette or your favorite bread
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup diced bell peppers (mix of red, green, and yellow)
0.5 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, prepare your 9x13 inch baking dish by greasing it with cooking spray or a touch of butter to ensure easy cleanup later.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the crumbled breakfast sausage. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is well-browned and heated through. Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and set the sausage aside.
In a mixing bowl, crack the 6 large eggs and pour in the 2 cups of milk. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and slightly frothy.
In your greased baking dish, evenly distribute the cubed bread across the bottom, making sure to cover the entirety of the base.
Next, evenly layer the cooked sausage over the bread. Follow this by scattering the diced bell peppers on top, ensuring they are evenly spread for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the prepared layers. Gently press down to help the egg mixture soak into the bread, ensuring the sausage and peppers are covered.
Finally, generously sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the entire dish, allowing it to create a golden, cheesy crust as it bakes.
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The dish is ready when the egg is set and the cheese is golden and bubbly on top.
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to slice and serve.
Just before serving, garnish the casserole with chopped green onions to add a fresh pop of flavor and color.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, cut the casserole into squares and serve on colorful plates. Consider adding a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced breakfast experience.

Keyword breakfast, casserole, cheese, sausage