If you have been on the lookout for a hearty, crowd-pleasing breakfast that combines bold flavors with comforting textures, this Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe is exactly what your mornings have been missing. Imagine savory browned sausage mingled with sauteed mushrooms, colorful bell peppers, and a rich custardy blend of eggs, sour cream, and cheese baked to golden perfection. This dish delivers a satisfying balance of protein, veggies, and cheese that warms you up from the inside out, making it an ideal centerpiece for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or any special morning when you want to impress without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll find that the ingredient list for this Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe is refreshingly straightforward yet thoughtfully put together. Each component plays a vital role in creating layers of flavor and texture that make every bite a delight, from the juicy sausage to the creamy custard base and the crunchy bursts from fresh vegetables.
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (casings removed): The savory core of the casserole, bringing rich flavors and a satisfying bite.
- 12 large eggs: The foundation that binds the dish, creating a fluffy, custardy texture.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess to the egg mixture.
- ¼ cup heavy cream (or milk): Lightens the custard while maintaining richness.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a subtle savory depth.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a mild, warming heat.
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms: Adds earthiness and a tender bite.
- ½ cup diced onion: Sweetness and texture contrast.
- ½ cup diced green bell pepper: Fresh crunch and vibrant color.
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper: Adds a touch of sweetness and brightness.
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Melts perfectly to coat everything with gooey, sharp goodness.
- Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish): Fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green.
How to Make Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and carefully spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the casserole slides out easily once baked. Having your tools ready helps the process go smoothly and keeps things neat.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In a medium skillet over medium heat, break up the breakfast sausage and cook until nicely browned and cooked through. This step extracts all those rich, savory flavors that form the backbone of the casserole. Once browned, transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, which will keep the casserole from becoming oily.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms, diced onions, and green and red bell peppers. Sauté them for about 2 to 3 minutes until softened but still vibrant. This quick sauté section adds sweetness and earthiness to the dish, balancing the richness of the sausage and eggs.
Step 4: Mix the Egg Custard Base
In a large bowl, whisk together the 12 eggs, sour cream, heavy cream, kosher salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. This creamy custard mix will envelop the sausage and vegetables, binding everything together into a luscious, tender casserole. Fold in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to infuse the custard with cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Start by layering the browned sausage and sautéed vegetables evenly across the base of your prepared casserole dish. Next, pour the egg and cheese mixture over the top, spreading it evenly. Finish by sprinkling the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the surface to create a deliciously golden, melty topping during baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re aiming for edges that appear set and lightly golden, while the center should still have a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan. This indication means the casserole is perfectly cooked — creamy and tender inside without being rubbery.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with bright sliced green onions for a fresh flavor burst and a lovely visual contrast. This final touch completes the dish aesthetically and flavor-wise.
How to Serve Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sliced green onions as a garnish gives this casserole a delightful bite of freshness and color contrast. You can also sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar or a handful of chopped fresh parsley for an herbaceous note. These little accents elevate the presentation and flavor profile effortlessly.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with lightly toasted crusty bread or buttery croissants to soak up any rich egg and cheese remnants. A crisp fruit salad or fresh orange slices work beautifully alongside to offer a bright, tangy counterpoint that lifts the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun brunch spread, cut the casserole into squares and arrange them on a platter alongside bowls of salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for guests to customize their bites. Alternatively, serve individual portions in mini ramekins or bake in muffin tins for portable, single-serving delights perfect for busy mornings on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully refrigerated for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Keep it chilled and covered to preserve its moisture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance, this casserole freezes well. Cool completely after baking, then wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without significant loss of taste or texture.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed casserole portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or warm gently in a 325°F oven until heated through. This reheating method ensures the custard stays creamy without drying out or overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While breakfast sausage is traditional and flavorful, you can substitute with turkey sausage, chorizo, or even vegetarian sausage to suit dietary preferences or add a different flavor twist.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the sour cream and cheese for dairy-free alternatives and use a non-dairy milk. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will shift slightly, but it will still be delicious and satisfying.
Can I prepare the casserole the night before?
Definitely! You can assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, just pop it in the oven and bake according to instructions, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
What can I do to make this recipe more vegetable-forward?
Feel free to add more veggies such as spinach, zucchini, or tomatoes. Just sauté any additional vegetables before layering, ensuring they’re not too watery to keep the casserole from becoming soggy.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
Look for golden edges and a center that still jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pan. If the whole casserole is firm and dry, it might be overbaked and lose creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe brings together comforting flavors, family-friendly appeal, and ease of preparation in one fantastic dish. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones on a lazy weekend morning or whipping up ahead for a fuss-free celebration brunch. Give it a try — I promise it will become one of your most requested breakfast favorites!
