Hearty Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Hearty Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Introduction

Breakfast casseroles are the ultimate comfort food, combining layers of savory ingredients that come together in a hearty, one-dish meal. Perfect for feeding a crowd, these casseroles can be prepped the night before, making them a go-to dish for busy mornings, brunch gatherings, or holiday meals. This sausage breakfast casserole is rich in protein, full of cheesy goodness, and incredibly easy to prepare.

Ingredients

1 lb breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or plant-based)
8 large eggs
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
1 cup milk (whole or your choice of plant-based milk)
4 cups cubed bread (French or sourdough)
1 medium onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil (for sautéing vegetables)

Instructions

Instructions for Hearty Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until fully browned and crumbled. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, drain excess fat and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt the butter or heat olive oil. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare Bread: Cut your bread into 1-inch cubes and layer them evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Whisk the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, parsley, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Ensure the mixture is well-combined.
Assemble the Casserole: Evenly distribute the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables over the cubed bread in the baking dish. Pour the egg mixture over the top, making sure all the bread is soaked. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously across the top.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden and bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

This simple yet satisfying process results in a warm, comforting casserole that’s perfect for any breakfast or brunch gathering!

Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, melt butter or heat olive oil. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
Prepare the bread: Cut bread into 1-inch cubes and layer them evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Whisk the eggs: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, parsley, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). This egg mixture forms the base of the casserole.
Assemble the casserole: Layer the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables evenly over the cubed bread in the baking dish. Pour the egg mixture over the top, ensuring all the bread is soaked. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the entire dish.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden and bubbly.
Cool and serve: Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Methods for Hearty Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Preparation Method:

Bread Layering: Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best results, as it will absorb the egg mixture better without becoming soggy. Cube the bread into uniform pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the casserole.

Cooking the Sausage:

Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it’s fully cooked and crumbled. Stir frequently to break it into smaller pieces. Drain excess fat to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy. You can use pork, turkey sausage, or a plant-based alternative depending on your preference.

Sautéing the Vegetables:

Sauté the onions, bell peppers, and garlic in butter or olive oil until they become soft and fragrant. This enhances their flavor and texture, ensuring they meld well with the other ingredients. Sautéing also helps release natural sugars in the onions, giving them a slightly sweet taste.

Whisking the Egg Mixture:

For a smooth egg base, whisk the eggs thoroughly with milk, salt, pepper, and seasonings until well-combined. The milk adds creaminess and ensures the casserole has a soft, custard-like consistency once baked.

Layering and Assembly:

Evenly layer the sausage and sautéed vegetables over the cubed bread. This ensures each bite has a mix of flavors. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and toppings, making sure all the bread is coated. Press down gently to allow the liquid to soak into the bread.

Baking:

Bake the casserole uncovered in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know the casserole is done when the eggs are set in the center, and the top is golden and bubbly. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil in the final 10 minutes.

Cooling:

Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the ingredients to set and makes it easier to serve clean portions without falling apart.

These methods ensure your casserole comes out perfectly baked, with a rich, flavorful mix of sausage, eggs, cheese, and vegetables!

Overnight Option: To make mornings easier, you can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. The next morning, just pop it into the oven and bake as directed.
Customizable Variations: Feel free to get creative! Swap the sausage for bacon, ham, or a plant-based alternative. Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to boost nutrition.

History

The Hearty Breakfast Casserole has its roots in traditional American comfort food. Casseroles became a staple in American kitchens during the early 20th century, particularly during the Great Depression and post-World War II eras. With limited resources, families needed to stretch ingredients, and casseroles provided a way to do that by combining simple, affordable components like bread, eggs, and meat.

The popularity of breakfast casseroles grew as families sought easy, one-dish meals that could feed large groups, especially for gatherings, holidays, and church potlucks. These dishes evolved with regional influences, incorporating ingredients like sausage, bacon, or hashbrowns, and adding vegetables or cheese for extra flavor. Over time, breakfast casseroles became synonymous with Sunday brunches, holiday mornings, and special family breakfasts.

Their versatility allowed them to remain popular, with modern twists that cater to various dietary needs, such as vegetarian or gluten-free versions. Today, the breakfast casserole is beloved for its convenience, heartiness, and adaptability.

Breakfast casseroles have a long tradition in American cuisine, particularly in the Midwest and South, where hearty meals are valued. Casseroles became popular in the early 20th century as a way to stretch ingredients and make meals that would feed large families. This dish evolved from those early creations, with modern variations featuring everything from meat to plant-based proteins, vegetables, and an array of cheeses.

Benefits

High in Protein: The eggs and sausage provide a great source of protein, which helps with muscle repair, keeps you full longer, and boosts metabolism.
Easily Customizable: You can swap ingredients to cater to various dietary needs—use lean meats, add more vegetables for fiber, or opt for plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.
Meal Prep Friendly: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for busy mornings or meal planning.
Feeds a Crowd: A large casserole can feed many people, making it ideal for family breakfasts, brunches, or special occasions.
Balanced Meal: With protein, carbs, and healthy fats, this dish offers a well-rounded meal that provides energy for the day ahead.
Supports Brain Health: The eggs are rich in choline, an essential nutrient for brain function and memory support.
Contains Essential Vitamins and Minerals: The dish is a good source of calcium (from cheese) for strong bones, and iron (from sausage and eggs), which helps maintain healthy blood cells.

These benefits make this breakfast casserole a satisfying and nutritious option for all ages!

High in Protein: The combination of eggs and sausage makes this casserole rich in protein, helping to keep you full and energized throughout the day.
Great for Meal Prep: You can make this dish ahead of time, refrigerate, and reheat throughout the week for an easy breakfast option.
Customizable: It’s easily adaptable to dietary preferences or ingredient availability. Swap out ingredients to make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian.

Nutrition (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 350-400 kcal
Protein: 18-22g
Carbohydrates: 20-25g
Fat: 22-28g
Saturated Fat: 10-12g
Cholesterol: 220-250mg
Fiber: 1-2g
Sugars: 2-3g
Sodium: 800-1000mg
Calcium: 15-20% of daily value
Iron: 10-12% of daily value

These numbers will vary depending on the type of sausage, cheese, and bread used. For a lighter version, you can use turkey sausage, lower-fat cheese, and whole grain bread to boost fiber and reduce calories and fat.

Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Calcium: 15% of daily value
Iron: 10% of daily value

The Hearty Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a dish that’s beloved by many for its versatility and rich, comforting flavors. Here’s why it’s adored by different groups of food lovers:

1. Brunch Lovers:

Brunch enthusiasts adore this casserole because it combines classic breakfast ingredients in a single dish, making it perfect for serving a crowd. The sausage, eggs, and cheese offer the hearty satisfaction that brunch is known for, while being easy to prepare in advance.

2. Busy Families:

Families love this casserole because it’s a convenient, make-ahead meal that’s ideal for hectic mornings. Parents can prepare the dish the night before and simply bake it in the morning, ensuring everyone starts their day with a nutritious, filling meal.

3. Comfort Food Fans:

This casserole is a comfort food lover’s dream. The combination of savory sausage, soft bread, melted cheese, and eggs creates a warm, satisfying dish that feels like a hug on a plate. It’s perfect for cold mornings or holiday breakfasts.

4. Potluck Participants:

For those who frequently attend or host potlucks, this casserole is a star dish. It’s easy to transport, can be served warm or at room temperature, and is sure to please a variety of tastes, making it a favorite at gatherings.

5. Meal Prep Enthusiasts:

Meal preppers appreciate this casserole because it can be made ahead of time and divided into individual servings, making it ideal for those looking to prepare breakfast for the week. It reheats beautifully and keeps well in the fridge or freezer.

6. Sausage and Cheese Lovers:

Fans of savory sausage and gooey cheese will be especially drawn to this dish. The breakfast sausage adds robust, seasoned flavor, while the cheese brings a creamy, melted layer on top that ties all the ingredients together.

7. Vegetable Lovers:

Even though this casserole can be made indulgent, vegetable lovers can easily add their favorite greens, like spinach or kale, along with bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes for a more balanced, veggie-packed breakfast option.

8. Holiday Gatherers:

Those who cherish holiday traditions, especially Christmas and Thanksgiving breakfasts, will love this casserole for its ability to feed a crowd while allowing the cook to enjoy time with family instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

This dish is truly a universal favorite, loved by those who appreciate hearty, comforting, and convenient meals that bring people together!

Conclusion for Lovers of Breakfast Casseroles

For those who love the combination of savory sausage, creamy eggs, and melted cheese, this breakfast casserole is a true delight. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s easy to make, nourishing, and perfect for any time you want to feed a crowd or enjoy a satisfying breakfast for the week ahead. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving a hearty breakfast, this sausage casserole is guaranteed to satisfy.