Description
This Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole is a hearty and delicious breakfast dish perfect for family mornings or meal prep. Featuring savory browned chicken sausage, fluffy eggs, melty cheddar cheese, and optional veggies and bread cubes for added texture, this casserole bakes to a golden brown perfection. Ready in under an hour, it’s a versatile and satisfying way to start your day.
Ingredients
Protein and Dairy
- 1 pound chicken sausage
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or preferred cheese blend)
Vegetables (Optional)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach
- 1/4 cup diced onions
Bread and Seasonings
- 2 cups bread cubes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 7×11-inch (or 8×11-inch) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the chicken sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Once fully cooked and browned, drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.
- Mix the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the six large eggs, one cup of milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This seasoning blend gives the casserole a balanced savory flavor.
- Assemble the Casserole: In the greased baking dish, create an even layer by first spreading the browned sausage. Add the diced bell peppers, chopped spinach, and diced onions if using. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. If using, add the bread cubes as the final layer. Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over all the ingredients, making sure to cover everything thoroughly.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. The casserole is done when the center is fully set (no longer jiggly) and the top is golden brown, indicating the eggs are cooked through and the cheese has melted nicely.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps the casserole set further and makes slicing easier. Serve warm and enjoy a filling, savory breakfast!
Notes
- You can substitute pork or turkey sausage for chicken sausage as preferred.
- Feel free to mix up different cheese blends such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss for varied flavors.
- Vegetables are optional but add color, nutrition, and flavor—try mushrooms, tomatoes, or zucchini if desired.
- The bread cubes add a nice texture contrast but you can omit them to keep it gluten free or lower carb.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the microwave or oven.
- Use a nonstick spray or butter generously in the baking dish to prevent sticking.
