Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, crowd-pleasing breakfast to kickstart any morning, you’ve just struck gold with this Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those comfort dishes that sticks with you—rich, cheesy, and loaded with savory sausage and bacon bits, all tied together by fluffy eggs. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation, whether for slow weekend mornings or a special brunch with friends.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: This recipe uses everyday staples that come together to create a rich, layered flavor you’ll crave repeatedly.
- Easy to Customize: Whether you want to add veggies or extra spice, it’s a flexible base that adapts to your preferences.
- Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals: Prep it the night before, toss it in the oven in the morning, and enjoy a stress-free breakfast or brunch.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Cheesy, meaty, and cozy—this casserole hits all the right notes for a satisfying start to the day.
Ingredients & Why They Work
When it comes to this Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe, each ingredient plays a starring role without stealing too much attention. They balance richness, texture, and flavor perfectly. Shopping tip? Look for fresh, high-quality sausage and sharp cheddar to really elevate the dish.
- Ground sausage: I like using breakfast sausage for its seasoning, but ground beef works, too; just drain well to avoid greasiness.
- Eggs: They’re the binding agent here, making the casserole fluffy and filling.
- Sour cream or cream cheese: These add creaminess and help the eggs stay moist and tender after baking.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: For that irresistible melty, sharp bite that pairs beautifully with sausage.
- Crispy bacon bits: Sprinkled on top for a salty crunch that’s pure magic.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together.
- Optional onions or green chiles: Adds a subtle kick and extra depth if you’re feeling fancy.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the best things about this Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe is how you can make it your own. I usually toss in green chiles for some heat, but I’ve also swapped in spinach or bell peppers when I want to sneak in some greens without the kids noticing. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
- Vegetable boost: I once added sautéed mushrooms and onions and it turned out beautifully savory—perfect for veggie lovers.
- Dairy swap: For a tangier twist, try cream cheese instead of sour cream; it’s a nice change in texture and flavor.
- Meat variations: If you’re not a fan of sausage, ground turkey or even chopped ham work well.
- Spice it up: A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne adds warmth without overpowering the dish.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Getting that sausage perfectly browned
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add your ground sausage (or beef) and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until nicely browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Once browned, drain the excess fat well—you don’t want a greasy casserole! I’ve found that draining is key for keeping the texture just right.
Step 2: Whisking the egg mixture
While your sausage cools slightly, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the eggs, sour cream (or cream cheese if you prefer), salt, and pepper. Whisk it just enough to combine everything—don’t overbeat or the casserole could get rubbery. Adding sour cream is my secret for extra creaminess and softness in the final bake.
Step 3: Layering it all in the casserole dish
Grease your baking dish well—this prevents sticking and helps clean-up immensely. Spread the cooked sausage evenly on the bottom, then gently pour the egg mixture over it. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously on top, then finish with crispy bacon bits. This layering ensures every bite is full of flavor and texture.
Step 4: Baking to golden perfection
Pop your dish into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden and bubbly. To check doneness, gently shake the dish—the center should be firm with no liquid wobble. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing; this helps everything settle.
Pro Tips for Making Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Use Fresh Sausage: Freshly ground sausage has a better flavor and texture than pre-cooked or frozen; it browns more evenly.
- Don’t Skip the Drain: Always drain the sausage fat well to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to cool before cutting helps retain juicy and tender slices.
- Watch Your Oven Time: Overbaking dries it out; check doneness early the first time you try this to get your perfect timing down.
How to Serve Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my slices with a sprinkle of fresh chives or a dollop of sour cream for a cool, fresh contrast to the warm, rich casserole. Sliced avocado or a handful of fresh herbs like parsley also lift the dish with a burst of color and flavor.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple side of fresh fruit—berries or citrus slices brighten the plate. For something heartier, roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad work wonders and make a complete breakfast or brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I sometimes bake this casserole in individual ramekins or muffin tins for perfectly portioned servings. They’re fun as grab-and-go bites for brunch or holiday mornings, and everyone loves the cute presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator, usually within an airtight container. The casserole keeps well for up to four days and reheats nicely without losing much moisture.
Freezing
Freezing works great if you want to prep in advance—just wrap the cooled casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. I thaw mine overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the oven for best texture retention.
Reheating
To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. This keeps it moist and prevents the edges from drying out like a microwave might.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of meat in this Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While breakfast sausage is traditional and flavorful, you can swap in ground beef, turkey, or even diced ham based on your preferences or dietary needs. Just make sure to brown the meat and drain excess fat before assembling the casserole.
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Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! You can leave out the sausage and bacon and ramp up veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. For added protein, consider adding cooked lentils or a plant-based sausage alternative. The eggs and cheese keep it hearty and satisfying.
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Can I prepare the casserole the night before?
Definitely. You can assemble everything in the baking dish and keep it covered in the fridge overnight. Just pop it in the oven the next morning, and you may need to add a few extra minutes to baking time since it’ll be cold going in.
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How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The best way is to check that the eggs are no longer jiggly in the center by gently shaking the dish. The top should be golden and bubbly as well. Using a knife or toothpick to test doneness should come out clean.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen for bringing everyone together with minimal fuss and maximum comfort. It’s a flexible, forgiving recipe that you can tailor however you like, which makes it my go-to for family breakfasts or when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll be glad you did, and so will whoever’s lucky enough to share the table with you!
Print
Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crack Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and comforting morning dish featuring savory ground sausage or beef, eggs, creamy dairy, crisp bacon, and melted cheddar cheese baked to perfection. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy mornings, meal prep, or brunch gatherings, delivering a delicious and satisfying start to your day.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb ground sausage or ground beef
- 1/2 cup crispy bacon bits
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream or cream cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Add-ins
- 1/4 cup chopped onions or green chiles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole evenly.
- Cook Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage or ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet for a less greasy casserole.
- Mix Eggs and Dairy: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream or cream cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a casserole dish lightly to prevent sticking. Layer the cooked meat evenly at the bottom, pour the egg mixture over the meat, and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top evenly.
- Add Bacon Topping: Top the assembled casserole with crispy bacon bits for an added crunchy and savory texture.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated; reheat portions as needed for quick breakfasts.
- Vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or green chiles can be added for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for safe consumption.
- Use cream cheese in place of sour cream for a slightly tangier and richer texture.
- Ensure to drain excess fat from the cooked meat to avoid a greasy final dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 300 mg
