Introduction
There's nothing quite like the comfort of a warm casserole on a busy morning. The Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole combines hearty ingredients in a simple dish that's perfect for brunch or a busy weekday breakfast. You can prepare it quickly, bake it, and enjoy a delightful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
This dish is not only straightforward, but it's also flexible—add your favorite vegetables or swap out the sausage for an alternative protein. It's a fantastic way to use up leftovers or to cater to a crowd, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy. Plus, the aroma wafting from the oven will surely entice even the sleepiest family members to the kitchen!
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
Eggs are the star of the casserole, providing structure and richness. Their natural bindings create a fluffy texture, ensuring that the casserole holds together beautifully. - 1 lb breakfast sausage, removed from casing
Breakfast sausage adds savory flavors and a satisfying protein source. The spices in the sausage enhance the overall taste of the dish, allowing for a hearty and fulfilling meal. - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy texture within the casserole. It also adds a rich flavor that complements the sausage and eggs. - 2 cups whole milk
Whole milk enriches the casserole, contributing to a custard-like consistency. It adds moisture without overwhelming the dish and allows for a more tender texture. - 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
Bell peppers introduce a subtle sweetness and color to the casserole. They also add vitamins and a slight crunch, balancing the richness of the sausage and cheese. - 1 cup diced onions
Onions provide a savory base flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile. As they cook, they caramelize slightly, adding depth to the dish. - 6 slices of bread, cubed
Bread serves as the base for the casserole, absorbing flavors and moisture from the eggs and milk. It adds texture and heartiness, making the dish more filling. - 1 teaspoon salt
Salt enhances all the flavors in your casserole. It's essential for seasoning the eggs and balances the richness of the cheese and sausage. - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Black pepper adds a subtle kick to the dish, providing contrast to the creamy texture of the casserole. It rounds out the flavors and perk up the palate. - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Garlic powder infuses a savory note without the need for fresh garlic. It deepens the flavor profile of the sausage and complements the other ingredients.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating the oven is crucial for even baking. This ensures that the casserole will cook uniformly and come out with that perfect golden crust that everyone enjoys.
Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage until fully cooked.
Browning the sausage adds depth of flavor through caramelization. It’s important to break the meat apart as it cooks to ensure even browning and that it mixes well with the other ingredients.
Step 3: Add diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet, cooking until softened.
Sautéing the vegetables enhances their natural sweetness and helps develop layer upon layer of flavor. This step also releases moisture, preventing the casserole from becoming too dry.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Whisking the egg mixture until well combined ensures that the eggs will cook smoothly and evenly throughout the casserole. The milk will add creaminess, and seasoning at this stage infuses flavor into every bite.
Step 5: In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer the cubed bread, followed by the sausage and vegetable mixture.
Layering the ingredients allows each component to interact and absorb flavors. The bread at the bottom will soak up the egg mixture, resulting in a delightful combination of textures.
Step 6: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients and sprinkle with cheese.
Pouring the egg mixture over the layered ingredients ensures even distribution. The cheese on top will melt and form a bubbly golden crust, giving the casserole an appealing appearance.
Step 7: Allow the casserole to sit for 10-15 minutes before baking.
Letting the casserole rest allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture effectively, resulting in a more cohesive dish. This step is vital for the texture and prevents the casserole from being too eggy.
Step 8: Bake in the oven for 40-50 minutes or until set and golden on top.
Baking time is essential to achieving the perfect consistency; undercooked casserole can be soggy, while overcooked can become dry. The top should be golden and firm to the touch when done.
Step 9: Let cool for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Cooling slightly allows the casserole to firm up, making it easier to cut into portions. It also lets the flavors settle, giving you the best taste experience when served.
Elevate with Extra Ingredients
Feel free to get creative with this casserole by adding additional ingredients such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. Each can introduce new layers of texture and flavor, making the dish not only heartier but also more nutritious. Just be mindful that excess moisture from added vegetables may require slight adjustments to cooking times.
Serving Inspirations
This casserole stands beautifully on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with fresh fruits or a side of avocado. Consider serving it alongside a light salad or crispy hash browns for a more substantial brunch spread. A drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of salsa can also add an exciting twist, enhancing the flavor profile further.
Leftover Magic
Leftover casserole can be a fantastic weekday breakfast solution. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven. For a twist, try wrapping leftover servings in a tortilla for a tasty breakfast burrito that’s delicious on the go. The flavors may even deepen and improve after a night in the fridge!
FAQs
What if my casserole turns out too dry?
If your casserole is too dry, ensure you're using enough eggs and milk to create a custard-like texture. Adding more vegetables or cheese can also help retain moisture.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the sausage with vegetarian sausage or beans, and add extra vegetables for flavor. Adjust cooking times as needed based on your substitutes.
Can I make this with egg whites instead of whole eggs?
You can use egg whites, but the casserole may lack richness and flavor. Consider adding extra cheese or a splash of cream to compensate for the loss of fat.
How do I prevent my cheese from becoming rubbery?
To avoid rubbery cheese, use freshly grated cheese and avoid overbaking the casserole. Removing it from the oven when the center is just set will keep the cheese creamy.
Can I spice this up with additional seasonings?
Absolutely! Feel free to add spices like cayenne pepper, paprika, or Italian herbs to your egg mixture or sautéed vegetables to enhance the flavor based on your personal preferences.
What’s the best way to scale this recipe for a larger crowd?
To scale the recipe, simply increase each ingredient proportionally. Prepare multiple baking dishes if necessary to maintain even cooking, ensuring an enjoyable dish for everyone.
Conclusion
An Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole is the epitome of a comforting, hearty breakfast that unites flavors and ingredients effortlessly. Whether it's a weekend brunch or a simple weekday meal, this dish provides a wonderful blend of tastes that please the palate.
With its adaptability and ease of preparation, it caters to varied dietary preferences and can serve a crowd or a small family just as well. The next time you're seeking a warm, satisfying dish, this casserole is a delightful option that is sure to impress.
Recipe Card
Savor the Day with Tasty Ground Beef Dishes
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef.
- Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin.
- Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
