Breakfast Casserole Sausage Cheddar

This breakfast casserole is my answer to lazy Sunday mornings or whenever I want to feed a houseful of guests with something hearty and delicious It brings together savory sausage custardy eggs bubbling cheddar and chunks of bread for a make ahead meal that never lets me down

I first baked this on a snowy December morning when family poured in for breakfast and it disappeared before coffee was finished Now it is my go to make ahead brunch for busy holidays and weekend gatherings

Ingredients

• Breakfast sausage: I love either pork or turkey sausage for heartiness and flavor Look for your favorite uncooked variety and check for minimal additives
• Onion: Brings a sweet base to the casserole I go for a medium yellow onion chopped small for best browning
• Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and mild sweetness Choose a firm pepper with glossy skin
• Day old bread: White whole wheat or sourdough are all fair game Stale bread is crucial as it soaks up the egg custard without getting mushy
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Melty and flavorful I prefer buying a block and shredding it fresh for taste
• Whole milk: Delivers rich custard in the casserole Homogenized whole milk gives the best set though you can use two percent in a pinch
• Large eggs: The beating heart of your casserole Choose the freshest eggs you can find
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Bring all the flavors forward I never skip the black pepper
• Garlic powder and dried thyme: A little garlic powder for warmth and optional thyme for herbal notes Both elevate the egg mixture and round out flavor
• Butter or nonstick spray: For greasing the pan I always use unsalted butter for richness

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare the Dish:

Coat a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with unsalted butter or nonstick spray Make sure the bottom and sides are well covered to prevent sticking

Brown the Sausage:

Cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat Use a spoon to break up any large clumps Continue for about seven minutes until it is evenly browned Transfer the sausage to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat

Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same skillet add chopped onion and diced red bell pepper Let them cook for about five minutes stirring occasionally until they soften and begin to caramelize This step builds a sweet savory base

Mix the Custard:

In a large mixing bowl combine the eggs and whole milk Whisk in salt freshly ground black pepper garlic powder and dried thyme Whisk thoroughly until everything is completely blended for the creamiest texture

Assemble the Casserole:

Evenly scatter bread cubes into the greased baking dish Top with cooked sausage followed by your sautéed vegetables Distribute one and a half cups of cheddar cheese over everything

Add the Egg Mixture:

Slowly pour the egg mixture over the bread and sausage in the baking dish Make sure all the bread cubes are moistened I gently press down with a spatula to help the bread soak up the egg mixture Finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese across the top

Chill for Maximum Flavor Optional:

If you have time cover the whole dish and refrigerate it overnight This allows the flavors to meld and the custard to fully absorb

Bake to Perfection:

Bake the casserole uncovered at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for forty to forty five minutes The casserole should be puffed golden and set in the center Let it cool for ten minutes before slicing so everything firms up beautifully

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My favorite part is the crusty cheese topping where the bread caramelizes It reminds me of Christmas morning when my siblings would race for the golden corners and my mom would always sneak an extra helping while plates were still warm

Storage Tips

Let the casserole cool completely before storing Slice into portions and place in airtight containers Refrigerate for up to four days For longer storage wrap portions well and freeze up to two months I defrost overnight in the fridge then reheat at three hundred fifty degrees until warmed through

Ingredient Substitutions

Try turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter twist or use vegetarian sausage for a meat free version Any sturdy bread works though sourdough is especially tasty You can swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or even a pepper cheese for a gentle kick For those avoiding dairy substitute plant based cheese shreds and almond or oat milk

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole alone or plate it with sliced fruit honeyed yogurt or even a crisp green salad For a festive brunch I love a platter of roasted breakfast potatoes and a bright citrus salad on the side Add hot sauce or salsa for a little zing

Cultural and Historical Context

Breakfast casseroles like this one are rooted in American kitchens where home cooks found clever ways to use day old bread left from bakery runs Over decades they became staples for holidays potlucks and big family reunions Every region puts its own spin on the mix ins from spicy chorizo and jalapeño to classic country ham

Seasonal Adaptations

Add chopped asparagus and leeks in spring for a fresh twist Use sweet corn and green chile in summer months Fold in sautéed mushrooms or kale when fall comes around

Success Stories

Many friends have shared that their families now request this casserole for every holiday morning One busy mom told me she preps it in muffin tins for grab and go breakfasts and her picky toddler loves it warmed up after school It is a true crowd pleaser

Freezer Meal Conversion

After baking allow the casserole to cool then cut into squares and freeze on a sheet pan Once firm transfer to containers or freezer bags Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until bubbly It makes a fantastic grab and heat breakfast for busy weekdays

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This casserole is a delicious and convenient option for busy mornings and entertaining guests It is customizable and can be enjoyed in various ways making it a versatile addition to any meal plan

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I prepare the casserole the night before?

Yes, assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake the next morning as directed for best texture and flavor.

→ How do I make this gluten-free?

Substitute your favorite gluten-free bread for standard bread. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

→ Can turkey sausage be used instead of pork?

Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage work well for a lighter option and still deliver great taste.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Spinach, mushrooms, or swapping bell peppers adds variety. Sauté any extra vegetables before assembling.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.