Breakfast Sausage Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish perfect for holiday mornings or special occasions. With layers of savory sausage, eggs, cheese, and bread, this casserole is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare. It’s the perfect combination of flavors, making it an ideal dish to feed a crowd while saving time in the kitchen. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or a family gathering, this casserole will surely become a new holiday tradition.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 pound breakfast sausage
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 (4-ounce) can green chilies, drained
• 12 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 (16-ounce) loaf of day-old bread, cubed
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Drain excess fat and set aside.
3. Add the chopped onion and green chilies to the skillet with the sausage and cook until the onion becomes tender, about 5 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried mustard, and dried oregano.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
6. Layer the cubed bread evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
7. Spread the sausage mixture over the bread cubes, then pour the egg mixture evenly over the top.
8. Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese over the casserole.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown.
10. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutritional Facts

Calories: 350
Protein: 19g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 4g
Cholesterol: 200mg
Sodium: 700mg

The Tradition of Breakfast Casseroles

Breakfast casseroles have long been a staple in many households, especially for weekend mornings or when hosting a special brunch. The concept of a casserole is simple yet effective: it’s a one-pan meal that combines a variety of ingredients and flavors, baked together to create a hearty dish. This format is perfect for special occasions, as it allows you to prepare a filling meal that can be served to a large group with minimal effort. Breakfast gatherings, in particular, are made easy with a casserole that can feed everyone in one go.

The tradition of breakfast casseroles gained momentum in the mid-20th century, as home cooks sought ways to streamline meal prep for busy mornings. Many early casseroles were built around ingredients that were easily accessible, such as eggs, cheese, sausage, and bread. Over time, families began to add their own personal touches by incorporating different vegetables, seasonings, and meats, making each casserole unique to their tastes and traditions. The Breakfast Sausage Casserole, with its rich and savory flavor, quickly became a favorite for feeding large groups or offering a warm, satisfying meal to start the day.

Why Choose Breakfast Sausage Casserole?

There are many reasons why Breakfast Sausage Casserole is such a beloved dish. Not only does it provide a hearty, satisfying meal, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser that is sure to please a variety of palates. Here are some reasons why this casserole should become a staple in your kitchen.

Ease of Preparation

One of the standout features of Breakfast Sausage Casserole is how easy it is to prepare. With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, this dish doesn’t require a lot of time or cooking experience. The casserole can be assembled the night before, allowing you to simply pop it into the oven in the morning and let it bake while you enjoy your festivities. This makes it perfect for busy mornings when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen but still want to serve something delicious and homemade.

Perfect for Feeding a Crowd

Whether you’re hosting a family breakfast, a brunch, or even a festive gathering, this casserole is a great choice for feeding a crowd. The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled, allowing you to adjust the portion size to suit the number of guests. The casserole is filling and satisfying, so it’s perfect for a group of people who need a hearty meal to start the day. You can serve it alongside other breakfast favorites, such as fresh fruit, muffins, or a pot of coffee, for a well-rounded meal.

Customizable to Your Taste

Another reason Breakfast Sausage Casserole is so popular is because it can be customized to suit your personal preferences. The basic recipe is simple, but you can easily add or swap ingredients to make it your own. If you prefer a spicier sausage, you can choose a hot sausage or add chili flakes to the mixture. For a more festive touch, you can stir in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even bell peppers for added color and flavor. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Swiss, or feta, to add variety to the casserole.

For those with dietary restrictions, this casserole is also adaptable. You can use gluten-free bread if you need a gluten-free option or substitute the sausage with turkey sausage or a vegetarian sausage alternative. The beauty of this casserole lies in its flexibility, allowing you to create a dish that suits both your tastes and dietary needs.

Delicious and Comforting

There’s something about the combination of sausage, eggs, cheese, and bread that makes this casserole so comforting and satisfying. The rich flavors meld together as the casserole bakes, creating a deliciously savory dish that feels like a warm hug. The sausage provides a hearty base with a touch of spice, while the eggs and cheese bring a creamy, comforting texture. The bread soaks up the flavors, making each bite full of flavor and depth. This combination of ingredients makes Breakfast Sausage Casserole a meal that everyone will love.

Health Benefits of Breakfast Sausage Casserole

While Breakfast Sausage Casserole is undeniably a comforting indulgence, it also provides several health benefits, especially when prepared with wholesome ingredients. Here are some of the health benefits you can enjoy by including this casserole in your breakfast spread:

Good Source of Protein

The sausage and eggs in this casserole provide a substantial amount of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, producing enzymes and hormones, and maintaining a healthy immune system. Protein also helps keep you feeling full for longer, which can prevent overeating later in the day. By including protein-rich ingredients like sausage and eggs, Breakfast Sausage Casserole offers a balanced and satisfying meal to start your day.

Packed with Nutrients

In addition to protein, this casserole also offers a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. Eggs, for example, are a good source of vitamins A, D, and B12, which are important for maintaining healthy vision, bone health, and red blood cell production. The cheese provides calcium for strong bones and teeth, while the sausage offers iron, which helps support oxygen transport in the body.

Energy-Boosting Ingredients

The bread in the casserole provides a good source of carbohydrates, which are essential for providing energy throughout the day. While it’s important to balance your intake of carbohydrates, bread can be a great way to give you sustained energy, especially during busy mornings. The combination of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates in this casserole ensures you’ll have the energy you need to tackle your day ahead.

Making the Casserole Ahead of Time

One of the greatest advantages of Breakfast Sausage Casserole is that it can be prepared ahead of time. You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator overnight. This not only saves you time in the morning but also allows the flavors to meld together, making the casserole even more delicious. In the morning, all you need to do is pop the casserole in the oven and bake it to perfection.

Serving Suggestions

Breakfast Sausage Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be paired with a variety of side dishes to create a more elaborate breakfast or brunch spread. Here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside your casserole:

• Fresh fruit, such as berries, oranges, or melons, provides a refreshing and light contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can help balance out the heaviness of the dish and add a fresh element to the meal.
• Muffins or cinnamon rolls can be a sweet addition to your breakfast spread, offering variety and something for those with a sweet tooth.
• A pot of freshly brewed coffee or mimosas can round out the meal, providing a festive touch to your breakfast.

Conclusion

Breakfast Sausage Casserole is the perfect dish to start any special occasion, weekend brunch, or weekday breakfast. It’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to make, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings or family gatherings. With its rich combination of sausage, eggs, cheese, and bread, it’s a dish that will please a crowd and become a go-to recipe.