A simple breakfast can be just as satisfying as an elaborate brunch. You might find that the Classic Breakfast Sausage and Egg Casserole strikes the perfect balance between convenience and comfort. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it's an ideal dish for busy mornings or special occasions. But what makes this casserole truly appealing is its versatility, allowing you to tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs. Curious about how to create this delicious centerpiece for your next meal?
Why You'll Love This Recipe
When you gather family and friends for brunch or a holiday celebration, this breakfast sausage and egg casserole is sure to impress.
It's a hearty dish that combines all your breakfast favorites, making it perfect for feeding a crowd. This casserole isn't only easy to prepare, but you can also make it ahead of time, saving you effort on the big day.
You can customize it to fit your guests' preferences, whether they prefer meat or veggies. Plus, the combination of eggs, cheese, and sausage creates a delicious, satisfying meal.
With its versatility and convenience, this recipe is a fantastic option for any gathering, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy and full. Enjoy the smiles!
History
Although breakfast casseroles have become a staple in modern brunch culture, their roots can be traced back to early American cooking traditions.
These hearty dishes often combined leftover ingredients, showcasing a practical approach to cooking. In the 19th century, families would layer bread, eggs, and meats, creating a filling meal that could easily feed a crowd.
As time progressed, breakfast casseroles gained popularity at gatherings and holiday celebrations, evolving into various regional styles. By the mid-20th century, convenience became key, leading to more streamlined recipes using pre-packaged ingredients.
Today, you'll find endless variations, accommodating diverse tastes and dietary needs, but the essence of nourishing a family remains at the heart of these beloved casseroles.
Recipe
Breakfast Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe
Start your day off right with this hearty breakfast sausage and egg casserole, perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prep. This dish brings together savory breakfast sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese, all layered between cubes of bread, creating a satisfying and delicious meal.
Whether you're hosting a brunch or need an easy solution for busy weekdays, this casserole is sure to please. The best part about this breakfast casserole is its versatility. You can customize it to suit dietary preferences, using different types of sausage or vegetables.
It can be prepared ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve it with fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced breakfast that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or plant-based)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 4 cups day-old bread (cubed or toasted)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard (if using) until well combined.
- Layer half of the cubed bread in the greased baking dish, followed by half of the cooked sausage and half of the cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining bread, sausage, and cheese.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish, ensuring all the bread is soaked. Gently press down the bread with a spatula to help it absorb the egg mixture.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown.
- Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
For best results, remember to use day-old bread to prevent the casserole from becoming too soggy. Toasting the bread slightly before adding it to the dish can help, as well.
Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients or spices to tailor the casserole to your taste. If making ahead, assemble it the night before and refrigerate, then simply bake it in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast. Enjoy!
Final Thoughts
As you wrap up your cooking adventure, it's clear that a breakfast sausage and egg casserole isn't just a meal but a delightful experience that brings people together.
This dish is perfect for gatherings, holidays, or busy mornings. You've learned how to prepare it ahead of time, ensuring convenience when serving.
Remember, you can easily customize it to fit different tastes and dietary needs by swapping in veggies or using dairy-free substitutes.
Enjoying this casserole fresh out of the oven is a treat, but leftovers can also be a quick solution for future meals.
FAQ
After enjoying your delicious breakfast sausage and egg casserole, you might've some questions about the recipe or its variations.
One common query is about making it ahead of time. You can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 12 hours.
Another question often asked is about ingredient substitutions. If you're looking for a meat-free option, substitute sausage with sautéed vegetables or plant-based sausage. For dairy-free needs, use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives.
Finally, if you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to four days, or freeze unbaked portions for up to three months. Just remember to adjust baking times if you make changes to the recipe!