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Easy Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole – Best Make-Ahead Recipe

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This easy cheesy sausage breakfast casserole is a simple, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for holiday brunches, potlucks, or lazy Sunday mornings. Made with breakfast sausage, cubed bread, and a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella, it delivers a creamy, custard-like texture with a golden, bubbly top.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound breakfast sausage
  • 8 cups cubed bread (about half a loaf of French bread or sourdough, day-old preferred)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
  • 1/2 cup diced onion (optional)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until nicely browned (about 6-8 minutes). If using onions and peppers, add them halfway through. Transfer the sausage to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
  3. Cube the bread into 1-inch pieces and spread them evenly in the greased baking dish.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until yolks and whites are combined. Add milk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Whisk until smooth.
  5. Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the bread cubes. Add any optional vegetables (spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms) on top. Sprinkle both cheeses over everything, reserving about 1/2 cup of cheddar for the top if desired. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the dish. Gently press down on the bread cubes with a fork or spatula to ensure they are all soaked.
  6. Let the assembled casserole sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking. (For make-ahead, cover with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.)
  7. Bake for 35-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting.

Notes

For best texture, use day-old sturdy bread like French or sourdough. Grate your own cheese for smoother melting. Let the casserole rest after baking for clean slices. Make-ahead: assemble the night before and refrigerate; add 10 minutes to baking time. Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, sausage casserole, easy breakfast, make-ahead breakfast, cheesy casserole, holiday brunch, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/easy-cheesy-sausage-breakfast-casserole-best-make-ahead-recipe/