Sausage and Egg Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Breakfast Recipe

Are you searching for the perfect breakfast or brunch dish that’s both comforting and convenient? Look no further than the classic sausage and egg casserole! This recipe is incredibly versatile, making it ideal for feeding a crowd, preparing ahead of time, or enjoying a leisurely weekend breakfast. It combines savory sausage, fluffy eggs, cheese, and often bread, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone.

This article provides a detailed guide to making a fantastic sausage and egg casserole, along with tips, variations, and answers to frequently asked questions. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Sausage and Egg Casserole

* **Easy to Make:** The recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced cooking skills.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
* **Versatile:** Customize the ingredients to your liking, adding your favorite cheeses, vegetables, and spices.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Perfect for brunch gatherings, holidays, or potlucks.
* **Delicious:** The combination of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese is simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients required for a classic sausage and egg casserole:

* **Sausage:** 1 pound of breakfast sausage (bulk or removed from casings). You can use regular, mild, spicy, or even turkey sausage.
* **Eggs:** 8-12 large eggs, depending on the size of your baking dish and desired egginess. Start with 8 and add more if needed.
* **Bread:** 6-8 slices of bread, cubed or torn into bite-sized pieces. Use your favorite type of bread, such as white, wheat, sourdough, or croissants.
* **Cheese:** 1-2 cups of shredded cheese. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses work well.
* **Milk:** 1-2 cups of milk. Whole milk, 2% milk, or even almond milk can be used.
* **Onion:** 1/2 cup of diced onion (optional, but adds flavor).
* **Bell pepper:** 1/2 cup of diced bell pepper (optional, adds flavor and color).
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons of melted butter (for greasing the baking dish and optionally for sautéing the sausage).
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, green onions, hot sauce, dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or sage).

Equipment You’ll Need

* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large skillet
* Large mixing bowl
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board and knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious sausage and egg casserole:

**Step 1: Prepare the Sausage**

1. Remove the sausage from its casings if using links. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully cooked and browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. *Optional:* If you’re adding onions and bell peppers, sauté them in the same skillet with a little butter or olive oil until they’re softened. Add them to the cooked sausage.

**Step 2: Prepare the Bread**

1. Cube or tear the bread into bite-sized pieces. You can use fresh bread or slightly stale bread. If using fresh bread, you can toast it lightly in the oven or toaster to help it dry out a bit.

**Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture**

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Add any optional seasonings, such as dried herbs or hot sauce.

**Step 4: Assemble the Casserole**

1. Grease the baking dish with melted butter or cooking spray.
2. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
3. Sprinkle the cooked sausage (and sautéed vegetables, if using) over the bread.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the sausage.
5. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese. Make sure all the bread is soaked in the egg mixture.
6. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it’s submerged in the egg mixture.

**Step 5: Bake the Casserole**

1. *If baking immediately:* Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.

**Step 6: Let it Rest**

1. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set further and makes it easier to slice.

Make-Ahead Instructions

One of the best things about sausage and egg casserole is that it can be made ahead of time.

1. Follow steps 1-4 to assemble the casserole.
2. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or for up to 24 hours).
3. When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature slightly.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake as directed in Step 5. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since the casserole will be cold.

Tips for the Best Sausage and Egg Casserole

* **Use good quality sausage:** The flavor of the sausage will significantly impact the overall taste of the casserole. Choose a sausage that you enjoy.
* **Don’t overcook the sausage:** Cook the sausage until it’s browned but not dry. Overcooked sausage can be tough.
* **Toast the bread (optional):** Toasting the bread lightly will prevent it from becoming too soggy in the casserole.
* **Soak the bread thoroughly:** Make sure the bread is fully soaked in the egg mixture. This will ensure that the casserole is moist and evenly cooked.
* **Don’t overbake:** Overbaking can result in a dry casserole. Bake until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
* **Let it rest:** Allowing the casserole to rest before serving helps it set and makes it easier to slice.

Variations and Add-ins

Get creative and customize your sausage and egg casserole with these variations and add-ins:

* **Vegetarian:** Omit the sausage and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or tomatoes.
* **Spicy:** Use spicy sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture.
* **Cheesy:** Use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Gruyere.
* **Bread:** Use different types of bread, such as croissants, challah, or brioche.
* **Meat:** Add other meats, such as ham, bacon, or chorizo.
* **Vegetables:** Add a variety of vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes.
* **Herbs:** Add fresh or dried herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, sage, or parsley.
* **Spices:** Add spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or chili powder.
* **Different Milks:** Experiment with using half-and-half or heavy cream for an even richer casserole

Serving Suggestions

Sausage and egg casserole is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to complete your meal:

* **Fresh Fruit:** Serve with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries, melon, or bananas.
* **Yogurt:** Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or plain yogurt.
* **Salsa:** Top with salsa for a flavorful kick.
* **Avocado:** Add sliced avocado for a creamy texture.
* **Hot Sauce:** Drizzle with hot sauce for extra spice.
* **Toast or Biscuits:** Serve with extra toast or biscuits on the side
* **Coffee or Juice:** A classic breakfast beverage pairing.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Leftover sausage and egg casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
* **Freeze:** You can also freeze the casserole for longer storage. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use frozen sausage?**

A: Yes, you can use frozen sausage. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

**Q: Can I use day-old bread?**

A: Yes, day-old bread is actually ideal for this recipe because it will absorb the egg mixture better.

**Q: Can I make this casserole without bread?**

A: Yes, you can make it without bread. Just increase the amount of sausage and eggs slightly to compensate.

**Q: Can I add vegetables?**

A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to customize your casserole. Some good options include onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes.

**Q: My casserole is too dry. What did I do wrong?**

A: You may have overbaked the casserole. Make sure to bake it until the eggs are set but not dry. You can also add a little more milk to the egg mixture.

**Q: My casserole is too soggy. What did I do wrong?**

A: You may have used too much milk or not toasted the bread. Make sure to use the correct amount of milk and toast the bread lightly before adding it to the casserole.

**Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?**

A: Yes, you can make it in a slow cooker. Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

**Q: What cheese is best for sausage and egg casserole?**

A: Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can use any cheese you like, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, mozzarella, or Gruyere. A blend of cheeses is also a great option.

Conclusion

Sausage and egg casserole is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. It’s easy to make, customizable, and can be made ahead of time. With this guide, you’ll be able to create a perfect sausage and egg casserole that everyone will love. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal! Happy cooking!