Sausage Breakfast Casserole

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Golden, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, this Sausage Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate morning comfort food. With hearty sausage, fluffy eggs, crispy hash browns, and gooey melted cheddar all baked into one dish, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for lazy weekends or hosting brunch. Each bite is a rich, savory blend of textures and tastes that warms you up from the inside out.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping ahead for a busy week, or entertaining guests, this casserole delivers big on ease and satisfaction. It’s a one-dish wonder that requires minimal prep and bakes up beautifully every time. You can also customize it to fit your cravings—add veggies, swap out meats, or make it spicy. However you make it, this breakfast casserole is destined to become a go-to favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Sausage Breakfast Casserole

• It’s a make-ahead dream—assemble the night before and bake in the morning.
• Packed with protein from sausage and eggs, keeping you full longer.
• Incredibly versatile and customizable for different diets or preferences.
• Great for meal prep, brunches, holidays, or potlucks.
• Comfort food at its best, with crispy edges and creamy centers.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment)

To make this Sausage Breakfast Casserole perfectly, having the right tools will streamline the process:

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Essential for even baking and enough space to layer all the ingredients.
• Mixing Bowls: Needed to whisk eggs and combine other components.
• Skillet: For browning the sausage and sautéing any vegetables you might include.
• Whisk: Helps get the eggs fluffy and well-blended.
• Spatula or Spoon: For mixing and layering ingredients evenly.
• Grater (if shredding cheese): Freshly shredded cheese melts better and adds flavor depth.

Each tool plays a crucial role in prep, layering, and ensuring even cooking, so don’t skip any if you want a seamless cooking experience.

Preparation Tips

Start by browning your sausage thoroughly to get that deep, savory flavor, and drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily. If you’re adding vegetables like bell peppers or onions, sauté them until soft to release their sweetness and avoid extra moisture. When whisking your eggs, add a splash of milk or cream to keep them tender. Layering is key: start with hash browns, then sausage, veggies, cheese, and finally the egg mixture to ensure everything binds well. Let the assembled casserole sit for a few minutes before baking if not refrigerating overnight—this helps flavors meld beautifully.

Ingredients for this Sausage Breakfast Casserole

• 1 pound ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
• 3 cups frozen hash browns (thawed)
• 1/2 cup chopped onions (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the baking dish)

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Step 1: Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked. Break it into small crumbles as it cooks. Once done, drain the excess fat and set the sausage aside.

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Step 2: Sauté Vegetables (Optional)

If using onions and bell peppers, add them to the same skillet with a small amount of oil or leftover sausage fat. Cook for 3–4 minutes until they soften and begin to caramelize. Remove from heat and set aside.

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Step 3: Whisk the Eggs

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or heavy cream), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and slightly frothy.

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Step 4: Layer the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Spread the thawed hash browns evenly across the bottom. Then layer on the cooked sausage, followed by the sautéed veggies if using, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.

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Step 5: Pour Egg Mixture

Slowly pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish, ensuring even distribution. Use a spatula to gently press everything down so the egg mixture soaks through.

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Step 6: Add Remaining Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

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Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve neat portions. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and enjoy!

Notes

This Sausage Breakfast Casserole is very forgiving and flexible. You can easily swap the meat with bacon, turkey sausage, or a vegetarian alternative. Want more veggies? Try adding mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes. Using pre-shredded cheese saves time, but freshly shredded cheddar offers better melt and flavor. For an extra fluffy texture, let the eggs sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before mixing. If preparing the night before, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight—just give it a few extra minutes in the oven if baking straight from the fridge.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the grease drain: Not draining sausage grease can make the casserole greasy and heavy.
• Using frozen hash browns directly: Always thaw and pat them dry; excess moisture can lead to a soggy texture.
• Overbaking: This can cause the eggs to become rubbery—check doneness around the 40-minute mark.
• Under-seasoning: Eggs and potatoes need a good amount of seasoning to avoid blandness.
• Uneven layering: Make sure ingredients are distributed evenly so every bite has a bit of everything.

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Storage Instructions

Once fully cooled, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave refrigerated portions for 1–2 minutes or bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes. Frozen portions should be thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: ~380
• Protein: 21g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Cholesterol: 225mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can fully assemble it the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it in the morning.

Can I freeze the casserole before baking?

It’s best frozen after baking for optimal texture, but you can freeze it before if tightly wrapped. Thaw in the fridge before baking.

What other cheeses can I use?

Try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, mozzarella, or a cheddar blend for a different flavor.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The center should be set, not jiggly, and a toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the sausage or use a plant-based alternative and add more vegetables.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the sausage and hash browns are certified gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use two 9×13-inch dishes or a larger pan. Adjust baking time as needed.

What should I serve with this casserole?

Fresh fruit, toast, or a green salad all make excellent accompaniments.

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Conclusion

Sausage Breakfast Casserole is the perfect answer to busy mornings, holiday brunches, and comforting weekend meals. With simple ingredients, rich flavor, and customizable options, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again. Prep it the night before or bake it fresh—it’s guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table.

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