Description
This Sausage Breakfast Casserole for Brunch is a crowd-pleasing, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish perfect for family mornings or casual gatherings. It combines savory sausage, fluffy eggs, melty cheese, and fresh herbs in a comforting baked casserole that can be prepared ahead of time and customized to suit any taste or dietary preference.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (spicy or mild)
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk or cream
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Base and Cheese
- 5 cups day-old bread cubes (substitute with gluten-free bread cubes or cooked quinoa for gluten-free)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or feta)
Garnishes and Herbs
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped
- Optional: sour cream or salsa for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage and Vegetables: Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and slightly crispy. Drain excess fat, then add diced onions and bell peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Set aside.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, salt, and pepper until well combined and slightly frothy. This custard will soak into the bread and bind the casserole.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a casserole dish thoroughly. Layer the bread cubes evenly at the bottom. Spread the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture over the bread, then sprinkle the shredded cheese generously on top. Pour the egg mixture over all ingredients, pressing down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
- Bake Until Golden and Set: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the eggs are fully set. Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing to serve warm and bubbly.
Notes
- Use day-old bread to absorb the egg mixture perfectly without getting soggy.
- Season each layer, especially the egg mixture, to ensure balanced flavor.
- Combine different cheeses for richer flavor and gooey texture.
- Let the casserole rest after baking for clean slicing.
- Add fresh herbs just before serving to maintain brightness and aroma.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of casserole)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 280mg