If you’re anything like me, mornings can be a whirlwind, and having a hearty, comforting breakfast ready to go is a game changer. That’s exactly why I want to share this Cheddar Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe with you—it’s my go-to for feeding a crowd or just treating myself to something delicious without a ton of fuss. Packed with savory sausage, melty cheddar, and fluffy eggs, it’s a comforting hug on a plate that you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big Crowd Pleaser: It’s easy to make in a large pan and feeds a bunch of hungry mouths without breaking a sweat.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it the night before and pop it in the oven right when you wake up.
- Loaded with Flavor: The combo of sausage, cheddar, and fresh veggies gives it a hearty, satisfying taste each bite.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of what you need in your kitchen already, saving trips to the store.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheddar Sausage Breakfast Casserole recipe calls for simple, familiar ingredients that come together beautifully. When I shop for this, I like picking fresh bell peppers and green onions to brighten up the dish with a bit of crunch and color.
- Pork sausage: Use a good-quality sausage for rich flavor; I often go with a mild or sweet sausage, but spicy varieties work too if you want a little kick.
- Eggs: The star of the dish, make sure they’re fresh for the best texture.
- Sour cream: Adds creaminess—light or regular both work fine depending on your preference.
- Milk: Just a splash to make the egg mixture tender and fluffy.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Ground black pepper: Provides a gentle heat and balances the richness.
- Green onions: These freshen up the casserole with their mild onion flavor.
- Green bell pepper: Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch; dice it small for even cooking.
- Red bell pepper: I love the color contrast it gives, plus a slightly sweeter note than the green.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild cheddar is up to you, but cheddar’s meltability and tang make this casserole super comforting.
Variations
I like to keep my Cheddar Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe pretty classic, but over time I’ve played around with some tasty twists. Feel free to customize it to your taste or dietary needs—you’ll find that this recipe is super flexible!
- Vegetarian version: Swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative—I’ve had friends rave at brunch when I do this.
- Spicy twist: Add a diced jalapeño or some hot sauce to the egg mixture if you like a little heat in your morning meal.
- Cheese swap: Try pepper jack, mozzarella, or even a bit of feta for a different flavor vibe.
- Make it gluten-free: It’s naturally gluten-free, just be sure your sausage has no fillers or seasoning with gluten.
How to Make Cheddar Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Then grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a good spray with cooking oil. I like to use a generous coat here so nothing sticks and the casserole slides out easily after baking—a simple step that makes a big difference.
Step 2: Mix the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your eggs, sour cream, and milk until it’s just combined. Then add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. I use my electric mixer on low speed here just to blend everything without overbeating, which helps keep the texture tender and not rubbery.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your pork sausage. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, and keep stirring until it’s browned all the way through. Once it’s cooked, drain most of the grease—too much oil can make the casserole soggy—and dump the sausage straight into the egg mixture bowl. The sausage carries that great flavor into every bite.
Step 4: Sauté the Veggies
Using the same skillet you cooked the sausage in (because why dirty another dish?), toss in your diced green and red bell peppers along with the chopped green onions. Sauté them for about 2 to 3 minutes until they soften a bit but still have some crunch—this adds a lovely texture contrast. Then add them to your egg and sausage mixture and stir everything together gently.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the whole mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for 35 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set and the center still jiggles just a little—this means it will firm up perfectly as it cools. Don’t rush this step because patience really pays off with a creamy, custardy texture.
Pro Tips for Making Cheddar Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Don’t Overbeat the Eggs: I learned that mixing eggs too much can make the texture rubbery—just blend until combined for the best tenderness.
- Drain Excess Grease: Removing extra sausage fat keeps the casserole from getting greasy and heavy.
- Use the Same Pan for Veggies: Cooking peppers and onions in the sausage pan adds extra flavor from the browned bits.
- Check at 35 Minutes: Start checking your casserole at 35 minutes to avoid overbaking—it should still be a bit jiggly in the center.
How to Serve Cheddar Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my casserole with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar for eye appeal. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream or a few slices of ripe avocado to bring a creamy freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole is pretty hearty on its own, but I like pairing it with a simple green salad or some fresh fruit on the side to lighten things up. For weekends or special brunches, crispy hash browns or toasted sourdough rounds work perfectly too.
Creative Ways to Present
On holidays, I sometimes bake this casserole in individual ramekins to serve personalized portions—they look so cute and save everyone from the “who gets the last piece” debate! Another fun idea is layering it with sliced tomatoes on top before baking for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover breakfast casserole? Score! I usually cover mine tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge, where it keeps beautifully for 3 to 4 days. I’ve found the flavors actually deepen after a day or two, which is a happy surprise.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this casserole a couple of times by tightly wrapping portions in foil and tucking them into freezer bags. It thaws well overnight in the fridge and reheats like a dream, making it a perfect option for busy mornings.
Reheating
When I reheat leftovers, I pop a slice into the microwave for about 90 seconds, covering it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Alternatively, 10 minutes in a 350°F oven works nicely if you have more time and want crispy edges again.
FAQs
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Can I make this Cheddar Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can swap out the pork sausage for plant-based sausage or use sautéed mushrooms and extra veggies instead. Just make sure to season well to keep the savory flavor profile.
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How far ahead can I prepare this casserole?
You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. The next morning, pop it straight into the oven—it’s a big time-saver for busy mornings or special occasions.
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Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar?
Yes! Cheddar is my favorite for its sharpness and meltability, but feel free to experiment with pepper jack, mozzarella, or even gouda for new flavors. Just keep an eye on melting characteristics.
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Is this casserole gluten-free?
It naturally is, but double-check your sausage ingredients to make sure they don’t contain any gluten fillers or seasonings if you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivity.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Cheddar Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s saved me on rushed mornings and made family breakfasts feel like little celebrations. I hope you love how easy and delicious it is, and that it becomes one of your favorite go-to breakfast dishes. Grab your skillet and mixing bowl, and make this soon—you’ll thank me later!
Print
Cheddar Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Breakfast Casserole combines savory pork sausage, fluffy eggs, sautéed bell peppers, green onions, and melted cheddar cheese baked into a comforting dish. Perfect for a family breakfast or brunch, it’s easy to prepare ahead and enjoy warm leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients
Sausage
- 2 pounds pork sausage
Egg Mixture
- 12 eggs
- 1 cup sour cream (light or regular) (240 g)
- 1/4 cup milk (60 ml)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Vegetables
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (200 g)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Egg Base: In a large bowl, combine eggs, sour cream, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix on low speed using an electric mixer just until the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Cook Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pork sausage and cook until it is browned, breaking it apart into small pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain most of the grease and transfer the cooked sausage to the bowl with the egg mixture.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet used for the sausage, add the diced green and red bell peppers along with chopped green onions. Sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes until they are slightly softened, then add these vegetables to the egg and sausage bowl. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Bake Casserole: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just barely jiggly, ensuring the casserole is cooked through but still moist inside.
- Serve and Store: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick and convenient breakfast.
Notes
- This Breakfast Casserole is quick to assemble and perfect for making ahead, making it an ideal choice for holiday mornings like Christmas or busy weekday breakfasts.
- You can customize by adding different veggies or swapping out cheese types based on your preference.
- For a lower fat version, use lean sausage and light sour cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 669 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 239 mg