Hearty Sausage Egg and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
A savory, protein-packed breakfast casserole with sausage, eggs, and cheddar cheese, baked to golden perfection. Low in carbs, full of flavor, and ideal for meal prep or family breakfasts.
Equipment
- 1 9×13-inch casserole dish
- 1 Nonstick Skillet
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 lb Breakfast sausage
- 1 tbsp Dried minced onion
- 12 Large eggs
- ¾ cup Whole milk
- 1 tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Ground black pepper
- 1 cup Grated sharp cheddar cheese divided
Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage: Start by placing a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of breakfast sausage, breaking it into small crumbles with a spatula. Stir occasionally, allowing the sausage to cook evenly and develop a rich, golden-brown color. Once it begins to brown, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of dried minced onion. Continue to cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion becomes fragrant and soft, enhancing the savory depth of the sausage. Reserve about 1/4 of the cooked sausage to use as a topping later, then transfer the remaining sausage directly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly to form a flavorful base layer.
- Whisk the Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, crack 12 large eggs and gently whisk them using a balloon whisk until the yolks and whites are fully combined. Slowly pour in 3/4 cup of whole milk while continuing to whisk, creating a smooth, uniform mixture. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Whisk vigorously for at least one minute to ensure air is incorporated, which will contribute to a light, fluffy texture in the final casserole.
- Layer the First Cheese Portion: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the grated sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the cooked sausage in the casserole dish. This initial cheese layer will melt into the sausage and egg mixture, adding a rich, creamy flavor that binds the layers together.
- Pour the Egg Mixture: Slowly pour the prepared egg mixture over the sausage and cheese layers, ensuring it spreads evenly throughout the dish. Use a spatula to gently nudge the eggs into corners and edges to create a uniform layer. This careful pouring step helps the casserole cook evenly and prevents pockets of uncooked eggs.
- Initial Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes. During this time, the eggs will begin to set while maintaining a creamy texture, and the flavors of the sausage, onion, and cheese will meld together beautifully. Check the casserole at the 30-minute mark; the edges should be set, but the center may still jiggle slightly.
- Add Topping Layers: Remove the casserole from the oven carefully. Evenly distribute the reserved cooked sausage over the partially baked casserole, followed by the remaining 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese. These topping layers will create a golden, bubbly finish once baked, adding extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Final Baking and Melting: Return the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is fully melted and slightly golden, and the eggs are completely set. The center should no longer be runny, and a toothpick inserted should come out clean.
- Cooling and Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This brief cooling period helps the layers settle and makes it easier to cut into neat squares. Use a sharp knife to slice the casserole into 6–8 portions, depending on desired serving size. Serve warm, either as a hearty breakfast, brunch option, or for meal-prep convenience throughout the week.
Notes
- Use a 9×13-inch casserole dish for even cooking and perfect layering.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- You can substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk for a lighter option.
- For extra flavor, add finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the egg mixture.
- Leftover casserole can be reheated in the oven or microwave for quick breakfasts throughout the week.
- Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby can also be used.
