sausage egg and cheese casserole

Craving a hearty, comforting breakfast that brings everyone to the table? Look no further than the classic Sausage Egg and Cheese Casserole.

This savory dish combines flavorful breakfast sausage, fluffy eggs, and sharp cheddar cheese into a warm, satisfying bake that’s perfect for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or holiday gatherings.

With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients List

Creating a delicious Sausage Egg and Cheese Casserole requires just a handful of staple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this comforting dish to life:

Casserole Ingredients

• 1 lb breakfast sausage
• 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
• 1 dozen eggs
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Required Kitchen Tools

Having the right kitchen tools on hand will make preparing your casserole a breeze. Here are the essentials you’ll need:

1. Large Skillet: For browning the sausage and developing rich flavor.
2. Mixing Bowl: To whisk together the eggs, milk, and seasonings.
3. Whisk: For thoroughly combining the egg mixture.
4. Casserole Dish (9×13-inch recommended): The perfect vessel for baking your casserole evenly.
5. Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
6. Oven Mitts: To safely handle the hot casserole dish.
7. Spatula or Serving Spoon: For serving up generous portions.

With these tools and ingredients ready, you’re set to create a breakfast casserole that’s both easy and irresistible.

Casserole Preparation

Preparing the Sausage Egg and Cheese Casserole is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time.

Cooking the Sausage

Start by browning the breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. As the sausage cooks, use a spatula to break it up into small, bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle in the dried minced onion, allowing it to soften and infuse the sausage with extra flavor. Continue cooking until the sausage is fully browned and no longer pink. Once cooked, drain any excess fat if necessary and set aside.

Mixing the Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, crack in all twelve eggs. Whisk the eggs thoroughly until the yolks and whites are fully combined. Add the whole milk, salt, and ground black pepper to the eggs, and whisk again until the mixture is smooth and uniform. This step ensures your casserole will be light, fluffy, and well-seasoned.

Assembling the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
2. Layer the casserole: Spread about three-quarters of the cooked sausage evenly over the bottom of your casserole dish.
3. Add cheese: Sprinkle half of the grated sharp cheddar cheese over the sausage layer.
4. Pour the egg mixture: Carefully pour the whisked egg mixture over the sausage and cheese, ensuring it covers the entire surface.

By layering the ingredients in this way, you’ll achieve a casserole with balanced flavors and a satisfying texture in every bite.

Baking the Casserole

Baking your casserole to golden, cheesy perfection is the final step before serving. Here’s how to ensure the best results:

Baking Instructions

1. Initial Bake:
   Place the assembled casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. At this stage, the eggs will begin to set and the flavors will meld together.
2. Add Toppings:
   After 30 minutes, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then scatter the reserved cooked sausage for extra flavor and a visually appealing finish.
3. Final Bake:
   Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the center of the casserole is set. You can check doneness by gently shaking the dish—if the center no longer jiggles, it’s ready.
4. Rest and Serve:
   Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes after baking. This helps the casserole firm up, making it easier to cut into neat squares.

Serving Suggestions

Cut the casserole into generous squares and serve warm. This dish pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, a crisp green salad, or toasted bread for a complete breakfast or brunch spread.

Storage Instructions

Enjoying your Sausage Egg and Cheese Casserole fresh from the oven is always a treat, but it also stores beautifully for later meals. Here’s how to keep it tasting its best:

How to Store Leftovers

• Refrigeration:
  Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature. Cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating:
  To reheat, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes.

Freezing the Casserole

• Freezing:
  This casserole freezes well. Once cooled, cut into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thawing and Reheating:
  Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat in the oven or microwave as described above.

Conclusion

Mastering the Sausage Egg and Cheese Casserole means you’ll always have a crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch option at your fingertips.

With its savory sausage, creamy eggs, and gooey cheese, this casserole is both comforting and versatile.

Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite cheeses or add-ins like bell peppers or spinach for your own signature twist. Enjoy every bite!