Description
This Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole is a hearty breakfast dish combining savory browned sausage, fluffy eggs, melty cheddar cheese, and optional vegetables like bell peppers and spinach. Perfect for a weekend brunch or make-ahead weekday meal, it’s baked until golden and set for a comforting start to your day.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (Italian or spicy)
Egg Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or preferred cheese blend
Vegetables (Optional)
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- ½ cup chopped spinach
- ¼ cup diced onions
Bread (Optional)
- 2 cups bread cubes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 7×11-inch or 8×11-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Brown the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the breakfast sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
- Mix Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble Casserole: Layer the browned sausage, optional diced vegetables (bell peppers, spinach, onions), and shredded cheese evenly in the prepared baking dish. If using, sprinkle the bread cubes evenly over the top. Pour the egg mixture evenly over all the ingredients in the dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown and slightly puffed.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for a delicious breakfast or brunch option.
Notes
- You can substitute the breakfast sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Using day-old bread cubes helps absorb the egg mixture better and adds texture.
- Add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to customize the casserole to your taste.
- For a dairy-free version, use non-dairy milk and cheese alternatives.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning for convenience.
