Sausage and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole Recipe

This Sausage and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate morning game-changer for busy households. With layers of bread, savory seasoned meat, melty cheese, and a perfectly spiced egg mixture, this hearty dish delivers restaurant-quality breakfast flavors with minimal effort. Prepare it the night before for an effortless morning meal that will satisfy the whole family and might just become your new weekend tradition!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Ground Meat

• Ground meat: Choose lean ground beef, turkey, pork, or chicken as your protein base – each brings its own unique flavor profile.
• Dried rosemary: Adds a wonderful aromatic element that elevates the meat mixture.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in the dish.
• Chili powder: Provides a subtle warmth without making the dish spicy.

For the Egg Mixture

• Eggs: The star ingredient that creates that fluffy, custardy texture we love in breakfast casseroles.
• Milk: Creates richness and helps achieve that perfect consistency.
• Dried herbs (oregano and parsley): Infuse the egg mixture with savory notes.
• Ground mustard: A secret ingredient that adds depth without tasting mustardy.
• Salt, pepper, and chili powder: Creates a perfectly seasoned base that complements the meat.

To Finish

• Sandwich bread: White bread works best as it has a neutral flavor that lets the other ingredients shine.
• Cheddar cheese: The melty, sharp flavor brings everything together. I recommend freshly shredded for best melting.

Variations

This casserole is incredibly versatile! Here are some delicious ways to make it your own:

• Southwest Style: Add a can of drained green chiles, swap the cheddar for pepper jack, and include some diced bell peppers in the meat mixture.
• Italian Twist: Use Italian sausage, replace the herbs with Italian seasoning, and substitute mozzarella for the cheddar.
• Veggie Loaded: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers to the meat layer for extra nutrition.
• Tex-Mex Morning: Use chorizo as your meat, add some diced jalapeños, and top with a dollop of sour cream and salsa after baking.

How to Make Sausage and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Brown your chosen ground meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spatula until no pink remains. Stir in the rosemary, salt, pepper, and chili powder until well incorporated. The seasonings will bloom in the warm meat, creating amazing flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Egg Base

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. Add the oregano, parsley, ground mustard, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Whisk vigorously to ensure everything is evenly distributed – this creates the perfect custard-like base for your casserole.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Remove the crusts from your sandwich bread and arrange the slices in a single layer at the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. This creates a substantial base that soaks up all the wonderful flavors. Spread your seasoned meat evenly over the bread layer, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Finally, pour the egg mixture over everything, making sure all the bread is saturated.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 1 hour until the center is set and the top is golden brown. The casserole will puff up beautifully while baking. After removing from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing – this makes serving much easier and allows the flavors to settle.

How to Serve

This versatile breakfast casserole shines as the centerpiece of any morning meal. Here are my favorite serving suggestions:

Perfect Pairings:

• Serve with a side of fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast to the savory casserole.
• Add a light green salad dressed with vinaigrette for brunch gatherings.
• Include a basket of muffins or biscuits for a complete breakfast spread.

Topping Ideas:

• Dollop with sour cream and sprinkle with chopped chives or green onions.
• Drizzle with hot sauce or salsa for those who enjoy some heat.
• Add sliced avocado for a creamy, nutritious complement.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

This casserole is perfect for preparing in advance! Assemble everything up to 24 hours before baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply remove from the refrigerator while your oven preheats, then bake as directed (you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time).

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making this casserole perfect for meal prep.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully both before and after baking:

• Before baking: Assemble, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• After baking: Cool completely, cut into portions, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. For a crisper top, reheat covered with foil in a 325°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, then uncover for the last 5 minutes.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sausage and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole has been my trusted companion for countless family gatherings and lazy weekend mornings. There’s something magical about pulling a golden, bubbling casserole from the oven that transforms an ordinary morning into something special. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or simply want to treat your family to a hearty breakfast without the fuss, this casserole delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Give it a try this weekend – your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!

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