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Sausage Breakfast Casserole recipe

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 9 x 13-inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Cheese grater
  • Cooking spray or butter for greasing the dish

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole

  • 1 pound breakfast sausage
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 6 cups of day-old bread cut into cubes
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 1 small bell pepper finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon butter or cooking spray for the baking dish

Optional Add-Ins

  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • ½ cup diced tomatoes
  • Chopped green onions for garnish
  • For the bread slightly stale bread works especially well because it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming overly mushy. French bread, sourdough, sandwich bread, or brioche can all be used.

Instructions
 

Prepare the Baking Dish

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  • Set the dish aside while you prepare the filling.

Cook the Sausage

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the breakfast sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon or spatula.
  • Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked.
  • If there is a large amount of grease in the skillet, carefully drain most of it away.
  • I like leaving just a tiny amount behind because it adds flavor to the onions and peppers.

Cook the Vegetables

  • Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked sausage.
  • Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, until the vegetables soften.
  • The onion should become slightly sweet and fragrant, while the bell pepper adds a mild freshness and a little color.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the sausage mixture to cool slightly.

Prepare the Egg Mixture

  • In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs.
  • Add the milk, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and Italian seasoning.
  • Whisk until everything is well combined.
  • You want the yolks and whites fully blended with the milk so the casserole bakes evenly.

Assemble the Casserole

  • Place the bread cubes evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  • Sprinkle the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture over the bread.
  • Add about 1½ cups of the cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese.
  • Pour the egg mixture slowly over everything.
  • Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to gently press the bread into the egg mixture.
  • This helps the bread absorb the liquid and creates a tender, flavorful casserole.
  • Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
  • Bake Until Golden and Set
  • Place the casserole in the preheated oven.
  • Bake for about 40 to 50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden.
  • The exact baking time can vary depending on your oven and the depth of your baking dish.
  • To check for doneness, gently shake the dish. The center should not look liquid or overly jiggly.
  • You can also insert a knife into the center. It should come out mostly clean.
  • Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
  • This short resting time helps the eggs finish setting and makes serving much easier.
Keyword Sausage Breakfast Casserole recipe