Pin A hearty and flavorful breakfast casserole packed with sausage, eggs, and cheese—perfect for busy mornings and guaranteed to please a crowd.
This recipe has become a staple in my household for weekend breakfasts when we want something comforting and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Breakfast sausage: 1 pound (450 g), casings removed
- Diced bell peppers: 1 cup (120 g), any color
- Diced onion: 1/2 cup (60 g)
- Cubed day-old bread: 4 cups (200 g), white or whole wheat
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 1/2 cups (180 g)
- Large eggs: 8
- Milk: 1 1/2 cups (360 ml)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Smoked paprika (optional): 1/4 teaspoon
- Butter: 1 tablespoon, for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat and grease:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter.
- Cook sausage:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add diced bell peppers and onion to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Assemble casserole:
- Spread cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer the cooked sausage and vegetables over the bread. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sausage mixture.
- Mix eggs and milk:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is lightly golden.
- Cool and serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Pin This dish brings my family together on Sunday mornings and always sparks conversations about what variations we can try next time.
Required Tools
Large skillet, mixing bowls, whisk, 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains Eggs, Milk (Dairy), Wheat (Gluten), and possibly Soy (in some sausages and bread). Check sausage and bread labels for additional allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 410 per serving, Total Fat: 26 g, Carbohydrates: 19 g, Protein: 23 g
Pin This sausage casserole is a simple, satisfying start to your day that can easily be customized to your taste.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute turkey sausage for pork sausage?
Yes, turkey sausage works well as a lighter alternative while maintaining the savory flavor.
- → Is it possible to add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely, chopped spinach or mushrooms can be added to boost the vegetable content and flavor complexity.
- → What is the best type of bread to use?
Day-old white or whole wheat bread cubes soak the custard nicely without becoming too soggy, providing ideal texture.
- → How can I ensure the casserole cooks evenly?
Even layering of sausage, vegetables, and bread, plus distributing the egg mixture well, helps achieve uniform cooking and set texture.
- → Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, assembling it the night before and refrigerating allows flavors to meld and saves time on busy mornings.