This Breakfast Sausage Casserole is a tasty mix of sausage, eggs, and cheese all baked together. It’s like a warm hug in a dish, perfect for starting your day right!
What’s great is how easy it is to make. Just layer everything in a dish, let it bake, and you’re ready to enjoy a hearty breakfast. Trust me, leftovers are rare! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: You can use either mild or spicy sausage depending on your taste. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey or chicken sausage works great too. I often mix it up with sausage links, just cut them into pieces!
Eggs: Fresh eggs are best for this dish, but if you’re short on supply, egg substitutes or egg whites can also work well. Use about 1/4 cup of egg substitute per egg.
Cheese: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a bit of heat. I like adding a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess!
Hash Browns: Frozen hash browns keep it simple, but you can also use freshly grated potatoes. Just be sure to remove excess moisture. Some folks like to add sweet potatoes for a twist!
Green Bell Peppers: These are optional, but they add a nice flavor and color. Substitutes could be diced onions or even spinach. I sometimes toss in mushrooms for extra earthiness!
How Do You Achieve Fluffy Eggs in the Casserole?
Getting those eggs fluffy and perfectly set is crucial for a great breakfast casserole. Here’s how to ensure they turn out great:
- Whisk the eggs vigorously with the milk until everything is well combined. This incorporates air, which leads to fluffiness.
- Let the mixture sit for a few minutes before pouring it over the other ingredients. This helps with even cooking.
- Bake at the right temperature! 350°F is key, as it allows the eggs to cook through without toughening up.
- Keep an eye on cooking time. Ovens vary, so start checking for doneness around 30 minutes.
With these tips and substitutions, you can make this breakfast sausage casserole fit your tastes and dietary needs! Enjoy!
Delicious Breakfast Sausage Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy depending on preference)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 4 cups frozen hash brown potatoes (thawed)
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the baking dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This breakfast sausage casserole takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake in the oven. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour to have a delicious, hearty breakfast ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch casserole dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Use a spatula to crumble it as it cooks. After it’s done, drain any excess grease and set it aside.
3. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well blended; this is what will make your casserole fluffy and delicious!
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the thawed hash brown potatoes evenly in the bottom of your greased casserole dish. Then, sprinkle the cooked sausage over the top of the hash browns. If you’re using green bell peppers, add those next—just sprinkle them evenly across the casserole.
5. Add the Egg Mixture and Cheese:
Pour the egg mixture over the entire casserole, ensuring it covers everything well. Finally, spread the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top to create a delicious, cheesy crust.
6. Bake and Serve:
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a fresh finish. Enjoy your warm, cheesy breakfast sausage casserole with family and friends!
This casserole is not only filling but can also be made ahead of time for a quick breakfast option throughout the week! Enjoy every bite! 🍽️
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it covered in the fridge. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you start with it cold from the fridge.
What If I Don’t Have Hash Browns?
No problem! You can substitute hash browns with freshly grated potatoes, but make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible before layering. Alternatively, use diced bread for a different texture!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. You might want to add a splash of milk to keep it moist during reheating!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if you’re adding more ingredients to ensure everything is cooked through.