Years ago, my neighbor knocked on my door at 7 AM with a pan wrapped in foil towels. Inside was her famous Classic Sausage Egg & Cheese Breakfast Casserole, still warm and bubbling. That single bite changed my morning routine forever. This Easy Breakfast Casserole combines the comfort of a hearty breakfast with the convenience of make-ahead preparation, creating a dish that feeds families while requiring minimal morning effort.
The magic lies in its simplicity. Savory ground pork sausage, fluffy scrambled eggs, and melted cheese create layers of flavor that satisfy everyone from picky toddlers to hungry teenagers. Additionally, this Family Breakfast Recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into something special, making weekend mornings feel like celebrations. Furthermore, busy families appreciate how this Quick Breakfast Bake prepares the night before, allowing more time for what matters most.
Ingredients
This Sausage Egg Cheese Bake requires simple, accessible ingredients that pack maximum flavor. Moreover, each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and taste balance.
Protein Base:
- 1 pound ground pork breakfast sausage (substitute with turkey sausage for lighter option)
- 12 large eggs, beaten until smooth
- 1 cup whole milk (use 2% for reduced calories)
Bread Foundation:
- 8 cups day-old bread cubes (French bread works best, but challah adds richness)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Cheese Blend:
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust based on sausage saltiness)
Optional Additions:
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup green onions, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
Timing
This Weekend Breakfast Ideas recipe requires strategic timing for best results. Preparation takes approximately 25 minutes, while baking requires 45-50 minutes. Total time reaches 90 minutes, which is 20% faster than traditional breakfast preparation for large groups.
Breakdown:
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Baking time: 45-50 minutes
- Resting time: 10 minutes
- Total active time: 35 minutes
Consequently, families can prepare this casserole Sunday evening and bake Monday morning for effortless weekday breakfasts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Foundation
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Cut day-old bread into 1-inch cubes, then spread them evenly across the prepared dish. Stale bread absorbs egg mixture better than fresh bread, preventing soggy bottoms.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground pork sausage, breaking it into small, bite-sized pieces using a wooden spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and completely cooked through. Meanwhile, drain excess fat, leaving just enough to keep the sausage moist. Season lightly with black pepper.
Step 3: Create the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried mustard, salt, and pepper. Beat vigorously for 2 minutes until completely smooth and slightly frothy. This Ground Pork Breakfast Recipes technique creates lighter, fluffier results.
Step 4: Layer Your Casserole
Distribute cooked sausage evenly over bread cubes. Then, sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheeses across the sausage layer. Pour egg mixture slowly over everything, allowing it to seep between bread pieces. Finally, top with Parmesan cheese for golden browning.
Step 5: Rest and Bake
Cover tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to reach room temperature. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking 15-20 minutes until center sets and top turns golden brown.
Step 6: Final Touch
Let the Cheesy Sausage Egg Bake rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the structure to set properly, making clean slicing possible.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this Comfort Food Brunch provides substantial nutrition for active families. Based on 12 servings per casserole, nutritional content includes:
| Nutrient | Per Serving | Daily Value % |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 385 | 19% |
| Protein | 22g | 44% |
| Fat | 28g | 36% |
| Carbohydrates | 14g | 5% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Calcium | 320mg | 32% |
| Iron | 2.1mg | 12% |
Additionally, this recipe provides complete proteins from eggs and sausage, supporting muscle development and sustained energy. The cheese contributes significant calcium for bone health, while B vitamins from eggs support brain function.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transform this Easy Breakfast Casserole into a nutritious powerhouse with simple substitutions. Furthermore, these modifications maintain flavor while improving nutritional profiles.
Protein Swaps:
Replace regular sausage with turkey or chicken sausage to reduce saturated fat by 40%. Alternatively, use plant-based sausage for vegetarian versions. Add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to increase fiber content.
Dairy Modifications:
Substitute whole milk with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk for lactose-free options. Use reduced-fat cheeses to lower calorie content while maintaining calcium benefits. Greek yogurt can replace some milk for added protein.
Carbohydrate Updates:
Choose whole grain bread instead of white bread for increased fiber and nutrients. Sweet potato cubes create interesting flavor variations while adding beta-carotene. Cauliflower rice reduces carbohydrates significantly for low-carb dieters.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile Family Breakfast Recipe pairs beautifully with fresh accompaniments. Serve alongside crispy hash browns for traditional comfort food appeal. Fresh fruit salad adds natural sweetness and vitamins that balance the rich, savory flavors.
For elegant brunch presentations, garnish individual portions with fresh chives or parsley. Toasted English muffins provide additional texture contrast. Coffee, orange juice, or mimosas complete the weekend breakfast experience.
Consider portion sizes based on appetites. Active teenagers might need larger servings, while younger children prefer smaller portions with fruit sides. This Quick Breakfast Bake also works well for meal prep, providing protein-rich breakfasts throughout the week.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Success with this Sausage Egg Cheese Bake depends on avoiding several common pitfalls. First, never use fresh bread, as it creates mushy textures. Day-old or slightly stale bread absorbs egg mixture properly without falling apart.
Secondly, avoid overcooking the sausage initially, since it continues cooking during baking. Dry sausage creates less appealing textures and flavors. Additionally, don’t skip the resting period after removing from refrigerator, as cold ingredients bake unevenly.
Furthermore, resist the urge to skip covering during initial baking. Uncovered casseroles develop tough tops before centers cook through. Finally, avoid cutting immediately after baking, as hot casseroles fall apart without proper setting time.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Proper storage extends this Weekend Breakfast Ideas recipe’s lifespan significantly. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to airtight containers for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label clearly with dates and reheating instructions. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to room temperature.
Reheat portions in microwave at 50% power for even warming, or use oven at 300°F until heated through. Add fresh herbs or cheese before serving to refresh flavors. Never leave at room temperature longer than 2 hours for food safety.
Conclusion
This Classic Sausage Egg & Cheese Breakfast Casserole transforms ordinary mornings into special occasions. The combination of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese creates comfort food that brings families together. Moreover, make-ahead convenience means busy schedules don’t prevent delicious, homemade breakfasts.
Whether preparing for weekend brunch guests or weekly meal prep, this Comfort Food Brunch recipe delivers consistent results. The flexibility allows personal touches while maintaining the classic appeal everyone loves.
Ready to transform your breakfast routine? Try this recipe this weekend and share your results in the comments below. Your family will thank you for this delicious upgrade to their morning meals.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, substitute plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Nutritional yeast adds cheesy flavor for vegan versions.
How far ahead can I prepare this recipe?
Assemble completely up to 24 hours before baking. Longer storage may affect bread texture and egg quality.
What’s the best way to reheat individual portions?
Microwave at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, or bake at 300°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Can I freeze the unbaked casserole?
Yes, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in refrigerator before baking, adding 10-15 minutes to cooking time.
Why is my casserole watery?
Excess moisture usually comes from not draining sausage properly or using fresh bread instead of day-old bread.
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