Introduction

Sausage and egg casserole is a timeless breakfast dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any morning meal. This one-dish wonder combines savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and cheese, all baked to golden perfection. Ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying in leisurely breakfast moments, it’s both versatile and delicious.

With minimal prep and a straightforward baking process, even novice cooks can whip up this flavorful casserole with ease. You can personalize the recipe by adding favorite veggies or spices, making it a delightful canvas for your culinary creativity.

In this article, we’ll explore not only the ingredients and steps required to prepare this dish but also tips for enhancing your casserole experience, ensuring every bite is as satisfying as the last.

Ingredients

• 1 pound sausage (breakfast or Italian)
  The sausage is the star of the dish, providing a rich, hearty flavor and substantial protein. It contributes fat that enhances the creaminess of the eggs and helps deliver a satisfying and filling meal.
• 8 large eggs
  Eggs are the base of the casserole, binding all ingredients together while imparting a soft texture. They provide essential nutrients and create a fluffy consistency that complements the other flavors.
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
  Cheese adds creaminess and flavor depth to the casserole. Its melting qualities create a gooey, satisfying layer that beautifully contrasts with the firm egg and sausage.
• 2 cups milk
  Milk enriches the egg mixture, resulting in a custardy texture that enhances the overall mouthfeel. It also helps to balance the flavors from the sausage and cheese.
• 6 slices of bread (cubed)
  Bread acts as a sturdy base, soaking up the egg and milk mixture while adding a delightful chewiness. It helps to stretch the casserole further, making it ideal for feeding groups.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
  Salt enhances all the flavors in the casserole, bringing out the natural tastes of the other ingredients. It’s essential for ensuring your dish isn’t bland.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  Black pepper adds a subtle heat that cuts through the richness of the sausage and cheese, creating a balanced flavor profile. It also provides a hint of earthiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  Garlic powder complements the savory notes from the sausage, layering in aromatic depth without requiring extra prep time. It contributes to the comforting essence of the dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  Onion powder adds sweetness and a more complex flavor, building on the savory notes from the sausage while ensuring a smooth blending of flavors without any crunch.

Directions & Preparation

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Preheating the oven is crucial to ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly. This temperature will allow the cheese to melt gently while giving the eggs enough time to set without becoming rubbery.

Step 2: Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart.

Browning the sausage not only develops a rich, savory flavor through the Maillard reaction but also helps render some of the fat. This fat will enrich the egg mixture, adding moisture and flavor.

Step 3: Drain excess grease, if necessary, and transfer the browned sausage to a large bowl.

Draining excess fat is important to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy. Depending on the sausage you choose, some may produce more fat than others, so adjust accordingly.

Step 4: In the same bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Whisking the eggs and milk thoroughly ensures a consistent texture throughout the casserole. This mixture will evenly coat the bread, sausage, and cheese, resulting in a uniform bake.

Step 5: Add the bread cubes into the egg mixture, mixing gently to combine.

Gently incorporating the bread prevents tearing or excessive breakdown, allowing it to soak up the egg mixture while maintaining its structure. This soaking process is key to achieving a custardy interior.

Step 6: Stir in the shredded cheese and browned sausage, mixing until everything is well combined.

Incorporating cheese and sausage into the bread mixture allows for even distribution of flavors. Each bite will contain a delightful balance of cheesy goodness and savory sausage.

Step 7: Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Spreading the mixture evenly helps ensure that every part of the casserole bakes uniformly. A greased dish prevents sticking, making serving and cleanup easier.

Step 8: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.

Watching for signs of doneness, such as a puffed-up top and a golden crust, is key to achieving that perfect baked texture. Test with a toothpick inserted in the middle; it should come out clean.

Step 9: Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooling slightly makes slicing more manageable and helps the eggs stabilize, creating neater portions. This brief pause also allows the flavors to meld together.

Customize with Veggies for Extra Flavor

Feel free to enhance your sausage and egg casserole with the addition of your favorite vegetables. Ingredients like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms can be sautéed along with the sausage, adding texture and nutritional value. These vegetables not only brighten the dish visually but also add layers of flavor that work harmoniously with the other ingredients.

Expand Your Cheese Choices

While cheddar cheese is a beloved staple, exploring different cheese options can elevate the flavor profile of your casserole. Consider adding a mix of mozzarella for stretchiness, feta for tang, or pepper jack for a spicy kick. The melting characteristics and taste of the cheese can significantly impact the final outcome, so don’t hesitate to experiment.

Perfect for Weekend Gatherings

This casserole is the ideal dish for brunch gatherings, family meals, or holiday breakfast spreads. It can be prepared ahead of time and simply baked when your guests arrive, making it a stress-free option. Its ability to serve many and allow for customization means that you can cater to different tastes while still enjoying quality time with your loved ones.

FAQs

What if my casserole is too dry after baking?

If the casserole comes out dry, it may have baked too long. Next time, reduce the baking time slightly, check for doneness, or consider adding more milk to the egg mixture for moisture.

Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great lean alternative that still packs flavor. Just be mindful of any differences in cooking times, as turkey sausage may require less time.

What should I do if the eggs are overcooked?

Overcooked eggs will result in a rubbery texture. For next time, keep an eye on the baking time and perform a toothpick test to catch them while they’re still perfectly custardy.

Why is my casserole too thick?

If your casserole ends up too thick, this may be due to insufficient liquid in the egg mixture or too much bread. You can always add more milk or egg next time for better consistency.

How can I add a touch of spice to my casserole?

Incorporate diced jalapeños or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the egg mixture to introduce some heat. This elevates the flavors and adds an exciting kick.

What can I substitute if I don’t have bread?

If you’re out of bread, consider using hash browns or even cooked quinoa for a gluten-free alternative. Ensure any substitute contains sufficient moisture to absorb the egg mixture.

Conclusion

In summary, this sausage and egg casserole offers an easy yet satisfying meal that brings comfort and joy to breakfast times. With the flexibility to customize ingredients to suit your palate, it is both delicious and practically effortless for busy mornings or special occasions.

Give yourself the joy of a hearty breakfast that is sure to please family and friends alike. Prepare it once, and you’ll find yourself returning to it as a go-to recipe again and again.

Recipe Card

Notes

Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.

For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.

Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.