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Easy sausage and egg casserole is that reliable go-to when you want a breakfast everyone actually wants to eat but do not want to be tied to the stove. It is cozy and rich without fuss and you can prep the whole thing ahead for mornings when you are extra busy. Whether you use spicy or mild sausage or sneak in extra veggies it is going to disappear fast trust me.
Ingredients
- Sausage: choose breakfast Italian or spicy sausage for rich savor and crumble well use a good quality sausage with balanced seasoning
- Large eggs: the backbone which holds the casserole together fresh eggs give better lift
- Milk: helps keep everything tender and moist use whole milk if possible
- Shredded cheddar cheese: or your favorite cheese blend for melty creamy pockets sharp cheddar gives bold flavor while Monterey Jack melts super smoothly
- Bread cubes: optional but they soak up the eggs and make the base custardy use stale bread for best texture
- Salt: seasons the eggs and ties flavors together opt for sea salt if available
- Black pepper: freshly cracked adds bite and depth
- Garlic powder: for a gentle hint of warmth and savor
- Smoked paprika: brings subtle smokiness and color choose high-quality paprika for more complexity
- Diced bell peppers: optional add brighter color and veggie sweetness use firm peppers with glossy skin
- Chopped spinach: optional for nutrition and color baby spinach is tender and easy to work with
- Diced onions: optional for sweet savor and extra aroma yellow onions have the nicest sweetness when baked
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage:
- Brown your sausage in a skillet over medium heat breaking it into crumbles so every bite has flavor let it cook until there is no visible pink and the edges start to crisp drain off any grease and set aside you want sausage that is flavorful but not greasy
- Mix the Egg Mixture:
- Crack your eggs into a large bowl add milk salt pepper garlic powder and smoked paprika whisk thoroughly until fully combined and smooth to make sure every bite has even flavor
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Lightly grease a baking dish arrange the cooked sausage evenly scatter optional bread cubes and sprinkle your shredded cheese add any optional vegetables you are using spread them evenly for the best bite pour the egg mixture over the whole dish making sure it soaks in and covers everything it is okay if it looks a little messy at first
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit place the dish in the center rack bake for thirty to forty minutes check by gently jiggling the pan the center should be just set and the top golden brown if the top browns too fast loosely cover with foil
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove from the oven set the dish on a wire rack and let cool for five minutes this helps it slice cleanly and flavors meld together serve warm and enjoy how the flavors come together
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Cheese has always been my favorite part of this casserole I love using a sharp cheddar or even tossing in a handful of pepper jack for a kick. Every year my daughter puts her own twist with colorful bell peppers and we laugh about who melts the cheese the best that year. Nothing beats seeing everyone reach for a second slice.
Storage Tips
Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to four days sliced or whole this casserole reheats well simply microwave individual pieces or warm in a low oven with a splash of milk to revive moisture. For freezing wrap slices tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag up to two months thaw overnight before reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
No sausage on hand try cooked crumbled bacon or even ground turkey for a lighter twist. If bread is not your thing skip it for a crustless version or use hash browns for an extra comfort factor. Dairy-free milk and cheese swaps also work here just aim for unsweetened options for best taste.
Serving Suggestions
Pair a warm slice with a simple fruit salad or roasted potatoes for a more filling brunch. Add hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream to jazz up each plate. For dinner nights I love to serve it alongside a crisp green salad and maybe some biscuits on the side for that homemade touch.
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Cultural Historical Context
Egg casseroles like this one trace back generations as a practical make ahead breakfast usually made from leftover bread and whatever meats or vegetables were on hand. It has become a repeat-request dish in many homes because it turns humble ingredients into something special and filling quickly.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare the dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake the next day as directed.
- → What other cheeses can I use?
Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Swiss, or your favorite cheese blend for different flavors and textures.
- → Is bread necessary in this casserole?
No, the bread is optional. You can leave it out for a gluten-free version or a denser texture.
- → How can I add more vegetables?
Mix in or top with spinach, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or any vegetables you enjoy before baking.
- → Can leftovers be reheated?
Yes, reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until hot.