This Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole is perfect for busy mornings! With tasty sausage, fluffy eggs, and plenty of gooey cheese, it’s a morning treat that everyone will love.
Making it is a breeze—just mix everything together and let the oven do the magic! I love serving it with a side of fresh fruit for a sweet touch. Can’t resist that cheesy goodness! 🧀😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: I love using pork sausage for its rich flavor. However, if you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausage works just as well. Vegetarian options like soy or plant-based sausage are great too!
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese gives this casserole its classic taste. If you want to mix it up, feel free to use Monterey Jack or a combination of both. For a sharper flavor, choose aged cheddar.
Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess, but feel free to substitute with 2% or even almond milk if you need a dairy-free option. Just check if your substitution froths well if you want a fluffier texture.
Vegetables: The red bell pepper and onion are tasty, but you can easily swap them for other veggies like spinach or mushrooms. This is a great way to use up leftover veggies in your fridge!
Spices: The garlic powder and smoked paprika add depth. If you don’t have these on hand, a dash of Italian seasoning or a pinch of cayenne can provide a nice kick!
How Do I Ensure My Casserole is Set and Not Gooey?
The key to a perfect casserole is baking it long enough. Here are tips to get that ideal texture:
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes. The casserole should be firm in the middle and golden at the top.
- Let it sit for a few minutes after baking. This helps the casserole firm up and makes cutting easier.
- Use fresh eggs—they bind the ingredients and contribute to fluffiness!
- If you like extra fluffiness, consider whisking the eggs a bit longer to incorporate more air.
With these techniques, you’ll have a delicious, fluffy casserole that will impress your family and friends! Enjoy your cooking! 🌟
Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb (450g) breakfast sausage, casings removed
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole takes about 15-20 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes to bake. So, you’re looking at around 55-60 minutes total from start to finish. Perfect for a hearty breakfast that’s ready for the whole family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter so everything will slide out smoothly later.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the breakfast sausage. Cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart into small pieces with a spatula as it cooks. If there’s any excess grease, drain it out so your casserole isn’t too greasy!
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
Next, throw in the diced onion and red bell pepper into the skillet with the sausage. Cook these together for about 3-4 minutes, just until they’re softened. Then, remove the skillet from the heat.
4. Whisk the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until well combined. This is where the magic starts to happen!
5. Combine Everything:
Now, stir in the cooked sausage, the sautéed veggies, 1 ½ cups of the cheddar cheese, and the chopped green onions into the egg mixture. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake it uncovered for 35-40 minutes. It’s ready when the middle is set and the top is deliciously golden brown.
7. Cool and Garnish:
After baking, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps it set up a bit more. Before serving, garnish with additional chopped green onions and fresh parsley for a splash of color!
8. Serve:
Cut the casserole into squares and serve warm. Enjoy this hearty, cheesy delight for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want a comfort meal!
Bon Appétit! 🥳
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out breakfast sausage for turkey, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based sausage. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the casserole during preparation!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, just pop it in the oven directly from the fridge (you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time).
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to incorporate any vegetables you like or have on hand, such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just make sure to sauté them first to ensure they’re tender before adding them to the casserole.