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Cozy Sausage Egg and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

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A savory and comforting breakfast casserole featuring sausage, eggs, cheese, and bread, perfect for busy mornings and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) mild or spicy ground breakfast sausage
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups (480ml) whole milk or half-and-half
  • 6 cups cubed day-old Italian or French bread
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • Butter or cooking spray for greasing the casserole dish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound (450g) breakfast sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula. When it’s about halfway done, add finely chopped 1 small onion and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook until the sausage is browned and onions are translucent, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. While sausage cooks, cube 6 cups of day-old Italian or French bread into roughly 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs and 2 cups (480ml) of whole milk or half-and-half. Add 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and ¼ teaspoon dried thyme. Stir until fully combined.
  5. Spread half the cubed bread evenly in the greased baking dish. Sprinkle half the cooked sausage and onion mixture over the bread. Then add 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat layers with remaining bread cubes, sausage, and cheese.
  6. Slowly pour the egg and milk mixture over the layered casserole. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure the bread absorbs the custard.
  7. Cover the dish with foil and let it sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to allow the bread to soak up the custard fully.
  8. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes before slicing to help it set and make serving easier.

Notes

Letting the bread soak in the custard before baking is key for a custardy texture. Use room temperature eggs to prevent curdling. Tent with foil if edges brown too fast. Can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning with extra baking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, sausage casserole, egg casserole, cheesy breakfast, easy breakfast, brunch recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/cozy-sausage-egg-and-cheese-breakfast-casserole-easy-recipe-for-busy-mornings/