Hearty Breakfast Sausage And Cheese Casserole Recipe

Hearty Savory Breakfast Sausage And Cheese Casserole Recipe

Weekends call for something special, and this mouthwatering breakfast sausage and cheese casserole delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Layers of savory sausage blend perfectly with melted cheese and soft bread cubes.

Each bite promises a hearty morning feast that wakes up sleepy taste buds.

Golden-brown edges and a creamy interior make this dish irresistible for lazy mornings or weekend brunches.

The aroma alone will draw everyone to the kitchen, eager to dig in.

Packed with protein and flavor, this casserole transforms an ordinary morning into a delicious celebration.

Prepare to kick-start your day with a meal that satisfies from the first forkful.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 392 kcal

Servings: 9

What Goes In Savory Breakfast Sausage And Cheese Casserole

For Base Layer:
  • Bread Cubes: Sturdy base that absorbs egg mixture, choose day-old bread for better texture and less moisture.
  • Cooking Spray: Ensures easy release and prevents sticking to baking dish.
For Protein and Savoriness:
  • Breakfast Sausage: Provides rich, meaty flavor and hearty protein, select fresh ground sausage with balanced spice blend.
For Binding and Creaminess:
  • Eggs: Creates structure and rich custard-like consistency, use fresh large eggs at room temperature.
  • Milk: Adds smoothness and helps blend ingredients, whole milk recommended for better richness.
  • Heavy Cream: Enhances luxurious texture and deepens flavor profile, select high-quality cream.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salt: Balances and elevates overall taste, use kosher or sea salt for cleaner flavor.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth, freshly ground preferred.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides aromatic undertone without raw garlic intensity.
  • Onion Powder: Contributes subtle sweetness and complexity.
  • Dried Parsley: Introduces mild herbal freshness.
For Cheese and Finishing:
  • Shredded Cheese: Adds creamy melting quality and tangy notes, choose sharp cheddar or blend of cheeses.
  • Melted Butter: Creates golden crispy top and adds luxurious richness.

Tools To Make Savory Breakfast Sausage And Cheese Casserole

  • Large skillet: Perfect for browning sausage and creating delicious crumbles.
  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for assembling and baking the casserole evenly.
  • Large mixing bowl: Needed for whisking eggs and creating the creamy egg mixture.
  • Whisk: Great for blending eggs, milk, and seasonings smoothly.
  • Cooking spray: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Sharp knife: Useful for cutting bread into cubes.
  • Cheese grater: Helpful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.

Steps To Bake Savory Breakfast Sausage And Cheese Casserole

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F and give your baking dish a quick spray of cooking magic.

  • Sizzle the Sausage

Toss those meat crumbles into a hot skillet, breaking them down until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Ditch any extra grease.

  • Create the Egg Elixir

Grab a big bowl and whisk eggs with creamy milk, rich cream, and a sprinkle of herbs and spices until smooth and dreamy.

  • Build Your Breakfast Base

Spread bread chunks across the baking dish like a cozy blanket. Scatter sausage bits and shower with a layer of melted cheese.

  • Pour the Liquid Gold

Drench the entire dish with your egg mixture, gently pressing down so every bread piece gets a luxurious soak.

  • Crown with Cheese

Rain down the remaining cheese and drizzle melted butter for extra indulgence.

  • Bake to Perfection

Pop into the oven and let it transform for 35-40 minutes until it’s golden and set in the center.

  • Serve and Savor

Allow your masterpiece to rest for a few minutes, then slice and enjoy the warm, comforting goodness.

Flavor Swaps For Savory Breakfast Sausage And Cheese Casserole

  • Breakfast Casserole Mastery: Expert Tips and Twists
  • Bread Choice Magic: Swap white bread for sourdough, whole wheat, or day-old challah to add unique texture and depth of flavor.
  • Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Bake directly from the fridge, adding 10-15 minutes to cooking time for perfect results.
  • Protein Power Switch: Replace pork sausage with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or vegetarian sausage crumbles for lighter or plant-based alternatives.
  • Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick that transforms the classic breakfast casserole.
  • Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute bread cubes with cauliflower rice or zucchini rounds for a keto-friendly version that's equally delicious and satisfying.

Serving Suggestions For Savory Breakfast Sausage And Cheese Casserole

  • Brunch Companion Delight: Pair this hearty casserole with fresh mixed green salad topped with light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
  • Weekend Gathering Centerpiece: Serve alongside mimosas or fresh-squeezed orange juice to create a festive breakfast gathering with friends and family.
  • Garnish and Elevate: Sprinkle chopped fresh chives or green onions on top for an extra burst of color and mild onion flavor that complements the rich casserole.
  • Quick Side Option: Add sliced fresh fruits like strawberries or melon to provide a refreshing contrast to the savory dish's rich and creamy texture.

Meal Prep Tips For Savory Breakfast Sausage And Cheese Casserole

  • Meal Stashing Strategy: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers within two hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual portions or entire casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing up to 2 months for future quick meals.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly, maintaining original texture and flavor.
  • Make-Ahead Brilliance: Assemble casserole night before, cover, and refrigerate. Remove 30 minutes prior to baking, then follow original recipe instructions for a stress-free morning breakfast.
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Hearty Breakfast Sausage And Cheese Casserole Recipe

Hearty Breakfast Sausage And Cheese Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Hearty breakfast sausage and cheese casserole combines classic morning flavors in one comforting dish. Layers of eggs, bread, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal perfect for weekend gatherings when sharing breakfast feels special.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups (226 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (113 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 4 cups (340 g) cubed bread (French bread, sourdough, or Texas toast)
  • 2 tbsps (28 g) butter, melted
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried parsley (optional)
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), setting the stage for a culinary adventure.
  2. Sausage Transformation: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage into crispy crumbles, carefully draining excess fat to concentrate flavor and texture.
  3. Custard Alchemy: Whisk eggs with milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh parsley, creating a silky, aromatic base that will elevate the entire dish.
  4. Layering Foundation: Spread bread cubes across the greased baking dish, forming a rustic canvas that will absorb the forthcoming flavors and create a luscious texture.
  5. Flavor Building: Evenly distribute sausage crumbles over the bread, then blanket with shredded cheese, establishing a robust and savory foundation for the casserole.
  6. Liquid Infusion: Gently pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients, pressing softly to ensure complete bread saturation and flavor integration.
  7. Final Embellishment: Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and drizzle melted butter to create a golden, crisp surface that promises a delectable finish.
  8. Baking Transformation: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, watching for a rich amber color and a completely set center that signals culinary perfection.
  9. Resting and Serving: Allow the casserole to rest 5-10 minutes post-baking, letting flavors meld and settle before presenting this morning masterpiece.

Notes

  • Optimize Sausage Drainage: Thoroughly drain cooked sausage on paper towels to remove excess grease, preventing a soggy or overly fatty casserole texture.
  • Bread Selection Matters: Use day-old or slightly stale bread cubes for better liquid absorption and a more structured, less mushy casserole base.
  • Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or pepper jack to elevate the flavor profile and add personal flair.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole the night before, refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast that saves precious morning preparation time.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 392
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 772 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 19 g
  • Cholesterol: 186 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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