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Easy Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole: The Best Make-Ahead Recipe

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This Easy Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a simple, make-ahead dish perfect for busy mornings, holiday brunches, or last-minute potlucks. With savory sausage, melty cheese, and a soft custard, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound breakfast sausage
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 6 cups cubed day-old bread
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spatula, until cooked through and no longer pink (about 6-8 minutes). Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Cube the day-old bread into 1-inch pieces (about 6 cups). If using fresh bread, spread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the preheating oven for 5-7 minutes to dry them out.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until smooth and slightly frothy.
  5. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the bread, then sprinkle both cheeses (reserving about 1/2 cup for the top) evenly over the sausage.
  6. Slowly pour the egg mixture over the entire dish, pressing down gently on the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
  7. Let the casserole rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes (or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours for a make-ahead option).
  8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  9. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For best texture, use day-old bread and let the casserole rest before baking. Shred your own cheese for smoother melting. To make ahead, assemble the night before and refrigerate; add 10-15 minutes to baking time if starting cold.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/easy-cheesy-sausage-breakfast-casserole-the-best-make-ahead-recipe/