This Country Breakfast Casserole is a hearty dish that brings together eggs, sausage, potatoes, and cheese for a cozy morning meal. It’s super filling and oh-so-good!
Making this casserole is easy peasy! Just mix everything together in a dish and bake until golden. Perfect for brunch or when you’re just extra hungry—trust me, you’ll love it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: You can use pork sausage for tradition or try turkey sausage for a lighter option. Vegetarian? Replace it with a meat-free sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a nice texture and flavor.
Cubed Bread: Crusty bread like French or sourdough gives great texture. If you have stale bread, that works perfect! For gluten-free needs, you can use gluten-free bread instead.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice flavor kick. If you’re not a fan, try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for something spicier. Mixing in different cheeses can also be fun!
Milk and Cream: Whole milk and heavy cream add richness. You can substitute milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version, but this might slightly change the texture.
How Do I Safely Cook the Sausage and Vegetables?
Cooking the sausage and veggies properly is key for flavor and safety! Follow these steps:
- Get your skillet hot over medium heat before adding sausage. This helps it brown nicely.
- Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Cook until the sausage is fully browned and no longer pink inside. This takes about 6-8 minutes.
- After removing the sausage, cook onions and garlic in the same pan. This picks up extra flavor from the sausage left behind!
- Sauté until onions are soft and translucent, usually 3-4 minutes, but don’t let them brown too much.
Following these steps ensures you have perfectly cooked ingredients that boost the overall deliciousness of your casserole!
Country Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or your choice)
- 6 cups cubed crusty bread (like French bread or sourdough), about 1/2 inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage or poultry seasoning (optional)
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- Butter or cooking spray for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Country Breakfast Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 45-55 minutes to bake. You’ll need an additional 5-10 minutes for resting before serving. Overall, it’s a quick and easy process for a delicious breakfast feast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab a 9″x13″ baking dish and grease it well with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Use a spatula to break it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Once done, carefully remove the sausages with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a paper towel to remove excess fat. Set aside for later.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they’re soft and fragrant. Once cooked, take them off the heat and set aside.
4. Mix the Egg Base:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and optional dried sage or seasoning until combined and smooth.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Add the cubed bread, cooked sausage, sautéed onion and garlic, and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to the egg mixture. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until all pieces are well coated.
6. Pour into the Baking Dish:
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, ensuring it spreads out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top for a cheesy crust!
7. Bake the Casserole:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is firm in the center and the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on it towards the end to ensure it doesn’t burn.
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This helps it set up a bit more. If you like, garnish it with chopped green onions for a fresh touch.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Cut into squares and serve warm. This casserole pairs well with fresh fruit or crispy bacon for an extra hearty breakfast. Enjoy your delicious creation!
This dish also stores well, making it a great option for leftovers!
Can I Use a Different Type of Bread for This Casserole?
Absolutely! While crusty bread like French or sourdough is recommended for the best texture, you can use any bread you have on hand. Whole wheat bread, challah, or even leftover bagels can work beautifully in this recipe.
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply replace the breakfast sausage with a meat-free sausage alternative or sautéed mushrooms. You can also add more veggies, like spinach or bell peppers, to increase the flavor and nutrition!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it in an oven until heated through. Adding a splash of milk before reheating can help keep it moist!
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Yes, you can prepare it the night before! Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to let it come to room temperature, then bake as directed.
