Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole is the ultimate breakfast comfort food. Think lazy weekend mornings, family gatherings, and that warm, satisfying feeling after a delicious bite. This Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole recipe is a total game changer! It’s the perfect way to feed a crowd, and it’s so easy even the kids can help make it. My family and I have been making this casserole for years, and it’s always a hit.
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My earliest memories of this dish involves my Aunt Betty’s old, worn casserole dish and the smell of breakfast wafting through her entire house on Christmas morning. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a memory, a tradition, and a big old hug served on a plate. Let’s get cooking!
Why You Will Love This Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a warm slice of Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole on a chilly morning. It’s comforting, filling, and incredibly flavorful. Plus, it’s a breeze to whip up. Seriously, this recipe is all about ease.
This is my go to breakfast casserole because it’s incredibly quick to assemble. We are talking like, 15 minutes, quick. The other thing I love is that it can be made ahead of time. I prepare it the night before for Christmas or Thanksgiving. It’s a huge time saver, especially for mornings when you’ve got a million other things going on. It’s total morning bliss.
This recipe is special because it’s completely customizable. You get creative really. Don’t have sausage? Use bacon, ham, or even veggies! Want to add some extra flavor? Throw in some cheese, herbs, or spices. The possibilities are endless. It’s also incredibly forgiving so if you mess up somewhere, it’s going to be alright!
Ingredients Needed for This Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to create your own Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole masterpiece.
- Sausage: 1 pound, cooked and crumbled (I usually use breakfast sausage)
- Eggs: 6 large
- Milk: 1 1/2 cups (whole milk is best for richness, but you can use whatever you have)
- Bread: 6 slices, cubed (day old works best)
- Cheese: 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite)
- Onion: 1/2 cup, chopped
- Green Pepper: 1/2 cup, chopped (optional)
- Dry Mustard: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted (for greasing the pan)
How to Make This Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe
Let’s dive into how to bring this breakfast dream to life, I have a few tricks up my sleeve that will help you make your the best Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole ever.
- 1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter.
- 2. Brown the Sausage: In a skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
- 3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and pepper.
- 4. Assemble the Casserole: Place the cubed bread in the buttered baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked sausage, chopped onion, and green pepper (if using) evenly over the bread.
- 5. Pour the Egg Mixture: Pour the egg mixture over the sausage and bread. Gently press down to ensure all the bread is soaked. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. At this step, feel free to add red pepper flakes onto the top to spice it up!
- 6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set. The secret is to let rest for 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven.
- 7. Let cool before serving.
How to Serve This Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe
Serving this Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole is a breeze. Cut it into squares and serve warm straight from the baking dish.
Serve with a side of fresh fruit, like berries or melon, for a complete breakfast spread. This will help to cleanse the palette and ease the heaviness in your stomach. Add a dollop of sour cream or salsa for extra flavor.
For a brunch gathering, consider setting up a toppings bar with extra cheese, hot sauce, chopped tomatoes, and fresh herbs for guests to customize their slices. I would put out a bowl of sliced jalapenos for those who REALLY like things to be spicy.
How to Store This Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe
Got leftovers? No problem! This casserole stores beautifully.
To refrigerate, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Cut it into individual portions, wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until warm.
Tips to Make This Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe
Want to take your casserole game to the next level? Here are some tips and tricks.
- Don’t have bread, but want to use up some rolls? Easy Cheesy Vegan Garlic Bread is a hit, and can be repurposed for this breakfast.
- For a richer flavor, use equal parts half-and-half and milk.
- To prevent the bread from getting too soggy, use slightly stale bread.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture.
- If you’re short on time, you can assemble the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning.
Helpful Notes for This Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe
A few extra notes to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time.
- I usually use Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage but feel free to substitute with your favorite brand or type of sausage. You can even use Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- For the cheese, cheddar is a classic choice, but you can use any cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack.
- Feel free to add extra veggies, such as mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers, to the casserole.
- If you like a sweeter casserole, you can add a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey to the egg mixture.
Variation of This Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe
Ready to get creative? This casserole is incredibly versatile.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with cooked mushrooms, spinach, or other veggies. Consider adding some tofu scramble for an extra boost of protein.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread. You can also use a store-bought gluten-free bread mix.
For a Mexican inspired variation, add diced tomatoes, green chilies, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning to the egg mixture. Top with salsa and sour cream. You can substitute the cheddar cheese for some fiesta cheese! Try it with your families favorite spicy toppings.
The hearty texture of this Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole will go great alongside this Vegan Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese Recipe.
How long does Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole last in the fridge?
Leftover Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it’s properly cooled and stored in an airtight container to maintain its quality and freshness.
Can I make Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole a day or two in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. This is a great time-saver for busy mornings. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when baking from cold.
What kind of sausage is best for Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole?
Breakfast sausage, either mild or spicy, works well in Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole. You can also use Italian sausage or even a plant-based sausage alternative to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
Can I add vegetables to Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can enhance the nutritional value and flavor of your Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the casserole.
Conclusion
So there you have it folks. Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole, a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. Not only that, but you can put in what ever ingredients you would like to really make it your own kind of meal. Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and prepare to create a breakfast masterpiece. Don’t forget to share your creations and ask any questions below. Happy cooking!
