Description
This Delicious Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings. Featuring savory browned sausage, fluffy eggs, creamy milk, and melted cheddar cheese layered over cubed white bread, this casserole is prepared ahead and baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy make-ahead recipe ideal for feeding a crowd with minimal morning effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Bread
- 6 slices white sandwich bread, cubed
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it is browned and crumbled into small pieces. Drain off any excess grease and set the cooked sausage aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the bread layer: Cut the white sandwich bread into cubes and evenly layer them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, creating the base of the casserole.
- Add sausage and cheese: Spread the cooked sausage evenly over the cubed bread in the baking dish, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese uniformly on top of the sausage layer.
- Mix the egg custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 8 eggs, 2 cups of whole milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and soak: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole layers. Gently press down on the bread cubes so they absorb the liquid custard mixture thoroughly.
- Refrigerate overnight: Cover the baking dish with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the bread to soak up the egg mixture fully.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover and bake the casserole uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set in the middle.
- Cool and garnish: Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared the night before to save time in the morning.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute turkey sausage and reduced-fat cheese.
- Use whole wheat or multigrain bread to add fiber and a nuttier flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the egg mixture.
- Ensure the casserole is fully cooled before covering if making a day ahead to prevent sogginess.
