Delicious Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Welcome to your new favorite breakfast! This Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate easy-to-make dish, perfect for busy mornings or a relaxed weekend brunch. It combines savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and rich cheese into one incredibly satisfying meal. Simple to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s a family-friendly favorite that suits any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole

• Effortless Prep: Assemble this hearty casserole with minimal fuss, making your mornings smoother.
• Perfect for Any Gathering: Whether you host a brunch or need a potluck dish, this recipe feeds a crowd easily.
• Irresistibly Delicious: Enjoy a satisfying blend of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese in every bite.
• Customizable Goodness: Adjust ingredients to fit your taste, adding your favorite vegetables or different cheeses.
• Complete Meal Solution: This Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole offers protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates all in one dish.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for your delicious Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole:

• 1 lb. Breakfast Sausage: Choose your preferred type.
• 1/2 of a 28 oz. bag Frozen Potatoes O’Brien: With peppers and onions for extra flavor.
• 2 cups Shredded Cheese, divided: Mexican blend with cheddar, Monterey Jack, and asadero works wonderfully.
• 10 Large Eggs: The base for your fluffy casserole.
• 1 1/2 cups Whole Milk: Adds richness and creaminess.
• 1 tsp Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder: A touch of aromatic depth.
• Dash or two of White Pepper: Subtle warmth.
• Several Grinds of Black Pepper: For a classic peppery kick.
• 1/2 tbsp Chopped Chives: Fresh oniony brightness.
• Hot Sauce (optional): For a little heat.
• Handful of Spinach Leaves: Torn into small pieces.

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this casserole to your preferences. For sausage, try ground pork, turkey, or even a plant-based alternative. Potatoes O’Brien add great flavor with peppers and onions; if you don’t have them, use regular diced hash browns and add your own chopped bell peppers and onions. Any shredded cheese blend works well, from sharp cheddar to mozzarella or a spicy pepper jack. Feel free to use oat milk, almond milk, or skim milk instead of whole milk, though whole milk provides the richest texture. For the spinach, fresh works best, but thawed and thoroughly squeezed frozen spinach is also an option. Amp up the flavor with a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Equipment

You need only a few basic kitchen tools for this recipe. A large non-stick skillet helps cook the sausage efficiently. A big mixing bowl simplifies combining the egg mixture. Finally, a 9×13-inch baking dish is essential for assembling and baking your perfect breakfast casserole.

Instructions

Creating this Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect result:

Step 1: Prep Sausage

Cook and crumble the breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure it’s fully browned. Drain off any excess grease thoroughly, then set the cooked sausage aside.

The USDA provides comprehensive information on sausage cooking and food safety guidelines to ensure your breakfast meats are prepared correctly.

Step 2: Whisk Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 10 eggs, 1 1/2 cups whole milk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, a dash or two of white pepper, and several grinds of black pepper. Add the 1/2 tablespoon of chopped chives and optional hot sauce. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and frothy. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Layer Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread half of the 28-ounce bag of frozen potatoes O’Brien evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. Next, distribute the cooked and drained sausage over the potatoes. Follow with 1 cup of the shredded cheese, scattering it over the sausage layer. Finally, add the handful of torn spinach leaves over the cheese.

Step 4: Pour & Top

Carefully pour the whisked egg mixture evenly over all the layers in the baking dish. Gently tap the dish a few times on the counter to help the egg mixture settle. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.

Step 5: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for 40 minutes.

Step 6: Check Doneness

After 40 minutes, check the casserole for doneness. Insert a knife or a wooden skewer into the center of the casserole. If it comes out clean, the eggs are fully cooked. If not, return the casserole to the oven and continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes, checking every few minutes, until it is cooked through. The top should be lightly golden brown, and the center firm.

Step 7: Rest & Serve

Once fully cooked, remove the Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole from the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the casserole to set properly, making it easier to cut. Enjoy!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Prevent a Watery Casserole: Ensure all your vegetables, especially the spinach, are thoroughly dry if using fresh, or squeezed well if using thawed frozen. Excess moisture can make the casserole watery.
• Doneness Test: The knife test is key. Insert a small, sharp knife into the center; if it comes out clean and the eggs are set, your casserole is ready.
• Golden Brown Top: For an extra golden-brown crust, you can briefly broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the very end of baking. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
• Adjusting Spice: If you enjoy more heat, increase the amount of hot sauce in the egg mixture or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For less spice, omit the hot sauce entirely.
• Prepping Ahead: Assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply pop it into the oven. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

Serving Suggestions

This hearty breakfast casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad for a balanced meal. A side of crispy toast or warm biscuits also complements its savory flavors. Don’t forget an extra drizzle of hot sauce for those who like a kick! Enjoy it for a special weekend breakfast, a festive holiday brunch, or even for “brinner” (breakfast for dinner).

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices or the entire casserole. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, or place in freezer-safe bags for up to 2-3 months. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm larger portions in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.

Variations

Get creative with your casserole! Swap out the breakfast sausage for cooked ham, crispy bacon, ground beef, or shredded chicken. Boost the veggie content with sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, caramelized onions, or cherry tomatoes. Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss, provolone, or Monterey Jack. For a breadier casserole, layer stale bread cubes or torn biscuits at the bottom before adding other ingredients.

Nutrition Information

This Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole offers a good source of protein and essential nutrients. While specific values vary based on ingredients and portion sizes, it provides a satisfying start to your day. For precise nutritional data tailored to your specific choices, consider using an online nutrition calculator.

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Delicious Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole

This delicious cheesy sausage breakfast casserole combines savory breakfast sausage, frozen potatoes, a generous amount of cheese, and an eggy custard, creating a perfect, comforting dish for any morning.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 people

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb. breakfast sausage
• 14 oz frozen potatoes o’brien
• 2 cups shredded cheese Mexican blend, divided
• 10 eggs
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• 1-2 dashes white pepper
• black pepper several grinds
• ½ tbsp chopped chives
• hot sauce optional
• 1 handful spinach leaves torn into pieces

Equipment

• mixing bowl
• 9×13 baking dish
• oven

Method

 

Preparation

1. Cook and crumble the breakfast sausage, then set it aside. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, garlic powder, white pepper, black pepper, chives, and optional hot sauce. Set this mixture aside.
3. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. Layer half of the frozen potatoes, cooked sausage, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and spinach in the dish. Pour the egg mixture over these layers and top with the remaining cup of shredded cheese.

Baking

1. Bake the casserole in the preheated 350°F oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the eggs are fully cooked through.

Notes

For an extra kick, add more hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture. You can also experiment with different cheese blends based on your preference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

This Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole truly simplifies breakfast, bringing hearty flavors to your table with minimal effort. It’s a fantastic, versatile dish that guarantees a satisfying start to any day, whether for a busy weekday morning or a festive brunch. Give this delightful recipe a try and enjoy the ease and deliciousness it offers your family!