Sausage Breakfast Casserole: A Hearty Morning Delight

With a filling and tasty sausage breakfast casserole, start your day off right. This traditional dish is ideal for holiday get-togethers, weekend brunches, or any morning when you want to treat yourself to a full and decadent breakfast. This casserole will surprise your taste buds with its mouthwatering combination of savory sausage, eggs, cheese, and other delicious ingredients.

You will find a delicious recipe, the necessary ingredients, and thorough instructions to make a wonderful sausage breakfast casserole in this post.

Prep time: 15 minutes	Cook time: 45 minutes
Rest time: 10 minutes	Serving: 4

Ingredients:

To prepare a scrumptious Sausage Breakfast Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) breakfast sausage
• 6 slices of bread, preferably day-old or slightly stale
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon dried mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional toppings: sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, or hot sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat, breaking it up into crumbles with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
3. Cut the slices of bread into cubes and spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the bread cubes, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese.
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dried mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Pour the egg mixture over the bread, sausage, and cheese in the baking dish, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
5. Gently press down on the bread cubes to ensure they are soaked in the egg mixture. You can cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight at this stage if you prefer to prepare the casserole ahead of time.
6. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40-45 minutes or until the casserole is set and golden brown on top.
7. Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and make it easier to slice.
8. Sprinkle optional toppings such as sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, or hot sauce on top, if desired, for an extra burst of flavor.
9. Cut the casserole into squares or rectangles and serve it warm. It pairs well with fresh fruit, a side of greens, or a cup of hot coffee.

Do I cover my breakfast casserole when baking?

Yes, covering your breakfast casserole while baking is an option that can help ensure even cooking and prevent the top from becoming too browned or dry. Here are some guidelines for covering or not covering your breakfast casserole:

1. Covered Casserole:
   If you want to retain moisture and achieve a softer texture in your breakfast casserole, you can cover it with foil or a lid during part or all of the baking process. Here’s how:
   a. Prepare and assemble your casserole according to the recipe.
   b. Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven and bake according to the recipe’s instructions.
   c. About halfway through the baking time, you can remove the foil or lid to allow the top to brown and develop a slightly crispy texture.
   d. Towards the end of the baking time, you can cover the casserole again if you feel it has reached the desired level of browning or if you prefer a softer texture on top.
2. Uncovered Casserole:
   If you prefer a golden-brown and slightly crispy top on your breakfast casserole, you can leave it uncovered throughout the entire baking process. This will allow the surface to develop a desirable texture. However, be mindful that this may result in a slightly drier casserole compared to a covered version.

It’s essential to follow the specific recipe instructions regarding covering or uncovering the casserole. Some recipes may call for specific timing and techniques to achieve the desired texture and appearance.

Ultimately, whether to cover your breakfast casserole while baking depends on your personal preference for texture and browning. Both methods can yield delicious results, so choose the option that aligns with your taste preferences.