Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole: 6-Ingredient Breakfast Bliss
Making breakfast can be a fun way to start the day, especially when you have a dish as simple and satisfying as Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole. This fun and flavorful recipe is perfect for busy mornings, family gatherings, or when you want to enjoy a hearty brunch without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why Make This Recipe
Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole is a fantastic choice for several reasons. First, it’s quick to prepare and uses only six main ingredients. This makes it an excellent option for anyone who wants to whip up something delicious without a lot of fuss. The blend of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheese creates a dish that is both filling and flavorful.
Second, this casserole is versatile. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients or what you have on hand. Adding bell peppers, onions, or even different types of cheese can change the flavors and keep things interesting. This means you can make it multiple times and enjoy a slightly different dish each time!
Another reason to love this easy casserole is that it can serve a crowd. Whether you have guests over or a large family to feed, this recipe can easily be scaled up or down. Plus, it holds well, so leftovers can be enjoyed for breakfast or lunch the next day.
Lastly, the preparation and cooking time is reasonable. In just over 30 minutes, you can have a hot, delicious breakfast ready to go. This ease makes it perfect for any day of the week, whether it’s a holiday or just another busy Monday morning.
How to Make Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole
Making Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole is straightforward. The steps are simple, and even those new to cooking can follow along easily. Let’s break down the process into clear steps.
Ingredients
To make this delicious casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Start by warming up your oven. Preheating is important as it ensures that your casserole cooks evenly.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Use cooking spray or a little butter to coat the bottom and sides of the baking dish. This step makes cleanup easier and helps prevent sticking.
Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper. Use a whisk or a fork to mix until everything is combined and slightly frothy. This step is important for getting a fluffy texture in your casserole.
Stir in cooked sausage, cheese, bell peppers, and onions. After your egg mixture is ready, gently fold in the cooked sausage, shredded cheese, and any optional ingredients like bell peppers or onions. Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Pour mixture into the baking dish. Carefully pour the egg and sausage mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly so that the eggs cook uniformly.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until eggs are set. Place the dish in the oven and let it bake. Check for doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your casserole is ready.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. This helps the casserole set up a bit more and makes it easier to cut into squares.
How to Serve Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole
This casserole can be served in many ways. You can cut it into squares and serve it hot straight from the baking dish. Pair it with fresh fruit, a side of toast, or some crispy hash browns for a complete breakfast experience.
Drizzle some salsa or hot sauce on top to add a little kick. You can also serve it garnished with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for some extra color and flavor.
If you are serving guests, it looks lovely presented on a large platter with some side dishes. This will create a visually appealing breakfast spread.
How to Store Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole
You might have leftovers after making this casserole, or you may want to prepare it ahead of time. Here’s how to store it:
Refrigerate: Allow your casserole to cool completely before covering it. Store it in an airtight container or cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept in the fridge for up to three days.
Freeze: If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Cut the casserole into squares and wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
To reheat, you can use the microwave or the oven. Just make sure to heat it until it’s hot all the way through.
Tips to Make Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole
Choose Quality Sausage: Use good quality breakfast sausage for the best flavor. You can choose between pork, turkey, or chicken sausage, depending on your preference.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. This will add nutrients and make it even healthier!
Try Different Cheeses: While cheddar is classic, experimenting with other types of cheese like pepper jack, feta, or mozzarella can give a new twist to the dish.
Make It Ahead: You can prepare the casserole mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just pour it into the baking dish and bake.
Variation
If you want to change up the flavors, here are a few variations you can try:
Southwestern Style: Add some diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and use pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
Italian Flavor: Incorporate chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. You can also add Italian seasonings for a Mediterranean flair.
Quiche Style: Add a crust to make it similar to a quiche. Store-bought pie crust can be pressed into the bottom of the baking dish before pouring in the egg mixture.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this casserole by omitting the sausage. Add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or even black beans for added protein.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the eggs are set and no longer jiggly in the middle. You can test it by inserting a knife in the center; if it comes out clean, your casserole is ready.
Can I use egg substitutes instead of eggs?
Yes, for those who cannot eat eggs, you can use egg substitutes or silken tofu blended until smooth. Keep in mind that this may alter the flavor and texture slightly.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely! This casserole is great for meal prep. You can make a large batch, divide it into servings, and freeze them for quick breakfasts throughout the week.
Can I add different kinds of meat?
Yes! Feel free to mix in other meats such as ham, bacon, or even cooked chicken. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the mixture.
Now that you know how to make Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy this delicious breakfast dish that is sure to impress! Whether it’s for a family breakfast, a brunch with friends, or just a cozy meal at home, this casserole will become a favorite in no time.
Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until combined and slightly frothy.
- Gently fold in the cooked sausage, shredded cheese, diced bell peppers, and onions.
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the eggs are set.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.