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Cozy Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole

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This cozy cheesy sausage breakfast casserole is the kind of dish that feels like a warm blanket on a cold morning. It’s rich, hearty, and made with simple ingredients like eggs, cheese, bread, and sausage, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying on a lazy Sunday.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) breakfast sausage
  • 8 cups (about 200g) cubed day-old bread (French bread or sourdough)
  • 2 cups (240g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (120g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ¼ cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Toast the bread cubes: Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until lightly golden and dry to the touch. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Cook the sausage: While the bread is toasting, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through—about 6-8 minutes. Drain off excess fat, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor. Let the sausage cool slightly.
  4. Grease the baking dish: Use butter or non-stick spray to coat the inside of a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
  5. Layer the bread and sausage: Spread the toasted bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish. Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the top, distributing it evenly.
  6. Add the cheese: Sprinkle both the sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the bread and sausage mixture. Reserve about ½ cup of the cheddar for the top later.
  7. Make the egg mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika if using. Whisk until smooth and slightly frothy—about 30 seconds.
  8. Pour and press: Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole. Use a spatula or your hands to gently press down on the bread cubes so they absorb the liquid.
  9. Top with remaining cheese: Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of cheddar and the Parmesan cheese over the top.
  10. Let it rest: Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking to allow the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture.
  11. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean, or the casserole should jiggle only slightly when shaken. If the top is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10-15 minutes.
  12. Rest before serving: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after coming out of the oven before cutting into squares.

Notes

Day-old bread is ideal for this recipe as it absorbs the egg mixture without falling apart. Toasting the bread cubes is crucial for texture. Let the assembled casserole rest for 15-20 minutes before baking to ensure a perfect custard texture. For make-ahead, assemble the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/cozy-cheesy-sausage-breakfast-casserole-easy-recipe/