The Ultimate Easy Weekend Morning: Hearty Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Casserole!

 

 Weekends are for slowing down, savoring moments, and enjoying delicious food without the morning rush. And what better way to kick off a relaxed morning than with a Hearty Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Casserole? This dish is a true game-changer for brunch, holiday mornings, or whenever you want a satisfying, crowd-pleasing breakfast that comes together with minimal fuss.

Imagine waking up to the aroma of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, gooey melted cheese, and tender bread, all baked into one glorious dish. The best part? You can assemble almost everything the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and emerge a breakfast hero with very little effort! It's rich, flavorful, and incredibly versatile, making it a perfect centerpiece for any breakfast spread.

Whether you're feeding a family, hosting guests, or simply prepping for an easy few days of breakfast, this casserole is your secret weapon. Get ready to enjoy a stress-free and utterly delicious start to your day!

Here's how to create your own amazing Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Casserole:

Yields: 8-10 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Chill time: 30 minutes (or overnight) Bake time: 45-55 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb breakfast sausage (bulk sausage, hot or mild, crumbled)
• 6-8 slices bread (stale bread, white, wheat, or sourdough work well), cubed into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar-jack blend), divided
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk (any kind)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional garnishes: chopped fresh chives, salsa, hot sauce

Equipment:

• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Large skillet

Instructions:

1.    Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Cook until no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease and set the cooked sausage aside.

2.   Assemble the Base: Lightly grease your 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the dish.

3.   Layer the Cheese & Sausage: Sprinkle about 1.5 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese over the bread cubes. Then, evenly distribute the cooked sausage over the cheese layer.

4.   Whisk the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

5.   Pour Over Layers: Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, cheese, and sausage in the baking dish. Make sure all the bread cubes are saturated.

6.   Chill (Crucial Step!): Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a more uniform and delicious casserole.

7.   Bake: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and uncover it.

8.   Add Final Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

9.   Bake until Golden: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, golden brown on top, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

10.                   Rest & Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh chives, a dollop of salsa, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce if desired.

Why This Casserole is a Weekend Must-Have:

• Make-Ahead Magic: The ability to assemble the night before is a game-changer for leisurely mornings.
• Crowd-Pleaser: It feeds a hungry crowd and is always a hit at potlucks and brunches.
• Customizable: Feel free to add cooked veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Swap out the sausage for bacon or ham.
• Comfort Food at its Best: Warm, savory, and satisfying – it's the perfect way to start a relaxing day.

So, ditch the individual egg-flipping and usher in the ease and deliciousness of this Hearty Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Casserole. It’s truly the best way to make your weekend mornings effortlessly delightful!

Enjoy your delicious and stress-free breakfast!