Sausage, Potato, and Egg Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Looking for a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner? Look no further than this incredible Sausage, Potato, and Egg Casserole! This recipe combines the savory goodness of sausage, the comforting starchiness of potatoes, and the protein-packed goodness of eggs, all baked together into a golden-brown masterpiece. It’s incredibly versatile, easily customizable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a brunch, or simply craving a delicious and easy-to-make meal, this casserole is the answer.
This casserole is not just delicious; it’s also remarkably easy to prepare. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can have this dish ready to bake in no time. The beauty of a casserole is that you can prep it ahead of time, making it ideal for busy mornings or when you’re expecting guests. Just assemble the ingredients, refrigerate, and bake when you’re ready. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is simply irresistible!
## Why You’ll Love This Sausage, Potato, and Egg Casserole
* **Flavorful and Satisfying:** The combination of sausage, potatoes, eggs, cheese, and optional vegetables creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling completely satisfied.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal cooking skills and uses readily available ingredients.
* **Versatile:** Customize it with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, and seasonings to create your own unique version.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning for a stress-free breakfast or brunch.
* **Perfect for a Crowd:** This casserole is ideal for feeding a large group, making it perfect for holidays, potlucks, or family gatherings.
* **Comfort Food at Its Best:** This dish is the epitome of comfort food – warm, hearty, and incredibly delicious.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **Sausage:** 1 pound, Italian sausage (sweet or hot), breakfast sausage, or any sausage you prefer. Remove the sausage from casings if necessary.
* **Potatoes:** 2 pounds, Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes.
* **Eggs:** 12 large eggs.
* **Milk:** 1 cup, whole milk or half-and-half. This adds richness and creaminess to the egg mixture.
* **Cheese:** 2 cups, shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or a blend of your favorites. Cheese is crucial for flavor and adds that delicious, melty topping.
* **Onion:** 1 medium onion, chopped. Provides a savory base flavor.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced. Enhances the overall savory profile.
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons, unsalted. Used for sautéing the onion and garlic, and to grease the baking dish.
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon, or to taste. Balances the flavors and enhances the taste of the other ingredients.
* **Black Pepper:** ½ teaspoon, or to taste. Adds a touch of spice.
* **Optional Vegetables:** 1 cup, chopped bell peppers (any color), mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli. These add nutrients and flavor to the casserole.
* **Optional Seasonings:** Red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat), dried herbs like oregano or thyme, or a dash of hot sauce.
* **Fresh Herbs (for garnish):** Chopped parsley or chives (optional).
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large skillet
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large bowl
* Whisk
* Cutting board
* Knife
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Sausage, Potato, and Egg Casserole:
**1. Prepare the Potatoes:**
* Peel the potatoes and dice them into ½-inch cubes. The size is important for even cooking.
* Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
* Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are slightly tender but not completely cooked through. This par-boiling step ensures that the potatoes will be perfectly cooked in the casserole.
* Drain the potatoes well and set them aside.
**2. Cook the Sausage and Vegetables:**
* In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* Add the sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
* If using optional vegetables (bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli), add them to the skillet after the sausage is cooked and sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
**3. Prepare the Egg Mixture:**
* In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
* Add half of the shredded cheese (1 cup) to the egg mixture and stir to combine. This incorporates the cheese throughout the casserole.
**4. Assemble the Casserole:**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.
* Spread the cooked potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
* Top the potatoes with the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture, spreading it evenly over the potatoes.
* Pour the egg mixture over the sausage and potatoes, making sure it covers all the ingredients.
* Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese (1 cup) evenly over the top of the casserole.
**5. Bake the Casserole:**
* Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown and bubbly. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
**6. Let it Rest and Serve:**
* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
* Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives, if desired.
## Tips and Variations
* **Type of Sausage:** Feel free to use any type of sausage you prefer. Italian sausage (sweet or hot) adds a robust flavor, while breakfast sausage provides a classic breakfast taste. Chorizo would add a spicy kick!
* **Potatoes:** Yukon Gold potatoes have a naturally buttery flavor and hold their shape well during cooking. Russet potatoes are also a great option, but they may become slightly softer.
* **Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, Colby jack, or a blend of your favorites would all work well. For a sharper flavor, try using sharp cheddar cheese.
* **Vegetables:** Get creative with the vegetables! Onions and garlic are essential for flavor, but you can add any other vegetables you like. Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, zucchini, and even roasted sweet potatoes would all be delicious additions.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage while cooking for a touch of heat. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.
* **Herbs and Seasonings:** Dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary can add a wonderful aroma and flavor to the casserole. Consider adding a teaspoon of your favorite herb to the egg mixture.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the sausage and add more vegetables to make this casserole vegetarian. Consider adding crumbled vegetarian sausage or tofu for added protein.
* **Gluten-Free:** This casserole is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the ingredients of your sausage to ensure that it is also gluten-free.
* **Dairy-Free:** Substitute the milk with a dairy-free alternative like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. You can also use dairy-free cheese. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
* **Add Bread:** For a heartier casserole, consider adding a layer of cubed bread or croissants to the bottom of the baking dish before adding the potatoes. This will soak up the egg mixture and create a delicious bread pudding-like texture.
* **Storage:** Store leftover Sausage, Potato, and Egg Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. Here’s how:
1. Prepare the casserole according to the instructions, but do not bake it.
2. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
3. When you’re ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 40-50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown and bubbly. You may need to add an extra 10 minutes of baking time if the casserole is very cold.
## Serving Suggestions
This Sausage, Potato, and Egg Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with:
* Fresh fruit salad
* Toast or English muffins
* Yogurt and granola
* A side of bacon or ham
* A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
* Salsa or hot sauce
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 450-550 per serving (depending on ingredients)
* Protein: 30-40 grams per serving
* Fat: 25-35 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams per serving
*Please note that these are estimates and may vary based on the specific ingredients you use.*
## Conclusion
This Sausage, Potato, and Egg Casserole is a versatile, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a satisfying brunch, or a comforting dinner, this recipe is sure to please. With its customizable ingredients and make-ahead convenience, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience!
Enjoy!