Breakfast Casserole with Sausage: The Ultimate Easy Recipe

Breakfast Casserole with Sausage: the ultimate morning comfort food! Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese, all baked to golden perfection. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s an experience, a warm hug on a plate that sets the stage for a fantastic day.

Casseroles, in general, have a long and storied history, evolving from humble peasant dishes designed to stretch ingredients into satisfying meals. The beauty of a Breakfast Casserole with Sausage lies in its versatility and convenience. It’s a dish that can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekend brunches.

But why is this particular casserole so beloved? It’s the symphony of flavors and textures, of course! The salty, savory sausage perfectly complements the creamy eggs and the sharp, tangy cheese. The bread or potatoes add a delightful heartiness, making it a complete and satisfying meal. People adore it because it’s easy to customize, endlessly adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs, and, most importantly, utterly delicious. So, let’s dive in and create a breakfast masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage, removed from casings
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 6 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 cups cubed bread (stale bread works best!)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparing the Sausage and Vegetables:

1. First, we need to brown the sausage. In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the breakfast sausage and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
2. Once the sausage is cooked, drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy casserole! I usually tilt the skillet and use a spoon to scoop out the grease.
3. Now, add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent them from burning. You want them to be tender-crisp, not mushy.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside. We’ll be using this mixture later.

Making the Cream Cheese Mixture:

1. In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup and the softened cream cheese. It’s important that the cream cheese is softened, otherwise it will be difficult to mix smoothly. You can leave it out at room temperature for about an hour, or microwave it for 15-20 seconds.
2. Use an electric mixer (or a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease!) to beat the cream cheese and soup together until smooth and creamy. There should be no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until everything is well combined and the mixture is slightly frothy.
4. Pour the egg mixture into the cream cheese mixture and stir until everything is thoroughly combined. This will be the base of our casserole.

Assembling the Casserole:

1. Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture to the cream cheese and egg mixture. Stir gently to combine. Make sure the sausage and vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
2. Add the cubed bread to the mixture. Gently fold the bread into the mixture until it’s evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as you don’t want the bread to become mushy. You want the bread to soak up the liquid, but still retain some texture.
3. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. You can use cooking spray or butter to grease the dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the bottom.
4. Pour the casserole mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a delicious, cheesy crust.
6. If you’re using parsley, sprinkle it over the cheese for a pop of color and freshness.

Baking the Casserole:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you put the casserole in.
2. Bake the casserole for 45-55 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and bubbly. The center should be set and no longer jiggly. You can test the doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
3. If the top of the casserole starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking. This will prevent it from burning.
4. Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to set up a bit and make it easier to slice.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few tips and variations to make this breakfast casserole your own:

• Use different types of sausage: Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage, such as Italian sausage, chorizo, or even turkey sausage. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Add different vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the casserole, such as mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes. Just make sure to cook them before adding them to the mixture.
• Use different types of cheese: You can use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
• Make it vegetarian: To make this casserole vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and add more vegetables. You can also add vegetarian sausage crumbles.
• Make it gluten-free: To make this casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free bread.
• Prepare it ahead of time: You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
• Add a spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicy kick.
• Use croissants instead of bread: For a richer, flakier casserole, use cubed croissants instead of bread.
• Add a layer of hash browns: For a heartier casserole, add a layer of cooked hash browns to the bottom of the baking dish before adding the casserole mixture.
• Top with sour cream or salsa: Serve the casserole with a dollop of sour cream or salsa for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

This breakfast casserole is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even better:

• Serve it with a side of fresh fruit.
• Serve it with a side of bacon or sausage.
• Serve it with a side of toast or muffins.
• Serve it with a dollop of sour cream or salsa.
• Serve it with a side of orange juice or coffee.

Storage Instructions:

Leftover breakfast casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave it for a few minutes or bake it in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until heated through.

You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat as directed above.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this delicious and easy breakfast casserole! It’s perfect for a weekend brunch, a holiday gathering, or any time you want a hearty and satisfying breakfast.

Conclusion:

This Breakfast Casserole with Sausage isn’t just another recipe; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will transform your weekend mornings and impress even the pickiest eaters. From the savory sausage and perfectly cooked eggs to the cheesy goodness that binds it all together, every bite is an explosion of flavor and texture. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone looking for a simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious breakfast option.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative and adapt it to your own tastes and dietary needs. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and add in extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. If you’re looking for a spicier kick, try using chorizo instead of regular sausage, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture. And for those with gluten sensitivities, you can easily substitute the bread with gluten-free bread or even leave it out altogether for a lighter, eggier casserole.

Serving Suggestions:

This Breakfast Casserole with Sausage is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with a few simple accompaniments. I love serving it with a side of fresh fruit, like berries or melon, to balance out the richness of the casserole. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a cool and tangy contrast, while a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like chives or parsley, brightens up the flavors. For a truly decadent experience, try drizzling a little hot sauce or salsa over the top.

Variations to Explore:

* Mexican Fiesta Casserole: Use chorizo, add black beans, corn, and salsa to the egg mixture, and top with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
* Mediterranean Delight: Add sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, spinach, and Kalamata olives to the egg mixture.
* Ham and Cheese Classic: Substitute the sausage with diced ham and use Gruyere or Swiss cheese for a sophisticated twist.
* Veggie Lovers’ Dream: Load up on your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and zucchini.

Why You Need This Recipe in Your Life:

Seriously, this Breakfast Casserole with Sausage is a game-changer. It’s perfect for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or even a quick and easy weeknight dinner. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead option, which means you can prepare it the night before and simply pop it in the oven in the morning. This makes it ideal for busy families or anyone who wants to enjoy a delicious and satisfying breakfast without spending hours in the kitchen.

I’m confident that this recipe will become a staple in your household. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, it’s incredibly versatile, and it’s just plain delicious. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the ultimate breakfast casserole.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried, what your family thought, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. I can’t wait to hear all about your Breakfast Casserole with Sausage adventures! Happy cooking!