Egg Breakfast Casserole Recipe
A hearty and flavorful Egg Breakfast Casserole perfect for a satisfying breakfast or brunch. This casserole combines savory breakfast sausage, sharp cheddar cheeses, and a blend of aromatic spices baked together with eggs and half-and-half for a creamy, comforting dish that can serve a crowd.
- Author: Zane
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Meat
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
Egg Mixture
- 8 jumbo eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4–1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried chives or 1 tablespoon fresh sliced chives
- 2 cups half-and-half
Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups yellow shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup extra sharp white cheddar cheese
Bread
- 10 slices butter or sandwich bread, cubed
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small crumbles with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 8 jumbo eggs, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), ground mustard, dried sage, dried or fresh chives, and half-and-half until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Assemble the casserole: In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, evenly spread the cubed bread. Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the bread. Then distribute both shredded cheddar cheeses evenly on top.
- Pour egg mixture: Pour the prepared egg and half-and-half mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese layers, making sure the bread is soaked.
- Rest to soak: Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the egg mixture for a moist and tender texture.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, the eggs are fully set, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, optionally garnished with additional fresh chives.
Notes
- You can substitute the breakfast sausage with cooked bacon or ham for a different flavor.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from cold.
- Feel free to add vegetables like diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach for added nutrition and color.
- For a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper or add red pepper flakes.
- Use gluten-free bread to make the casserole gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th casserole)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 320mg
Keywords: egg casserole, breakfast casserole, sausage casserole, baked eggs, cheddar cheese casserole, brunch recipe