Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole with Everyday Heat

square of breakfast casserole with fruit and potatoes

This hearty breakfast bake combines savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese for the ultimate crowd-pleasing morning meal. It is a classic American-style brunch staple that provides a comforting and filling start to any day.

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 45 minutes

Total time: 1 hour Servings: 8

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground pork sausage

  • 6 large eggs

  • 2 cups (475 ml) whole milk

  • 1 tsp (5 g) salt

  • 1/2 tsp (1 g) black pepper

  • 1/2 tsp (1 g) garlic powder

  • 6 cups (300 g) cubed day-old bread

  • 2 cups (225 g) shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh coriander (cilantro) or parsley for garnish


Heat It Up with Eleven Eleven Sauce For those who enjoy a balanced kick, mix a few dashes of Blazing Citrus Medium into the egg mixture before baking. This handcrafted small batch hot sauce adds a subtle tang and everyday heat that perfectly cuts through the richness of the cheese and sausage, making it a flavorful hot sauce for weeknight meals or weekend brunches.


Blazing Citrus "Medium"
$11.11

Heat Level: 5.5 out of 10 🔥

Blazing Citrus “Medium” Hot Sauce brings bright sweet heat to any dish. Made with grapefruit juice instead of vinegar, it delivers a clean citrus finish with a smooth serrano kick at a comfortable medium heat. Spoon it over tacos, grilled chicken, shrimp, crispy potatoes, eggs, or grain bowls, or whisk it into mayo or yogurt for an instant dip or dressing. Crowd friendly and full of flavor, it lifts rich foods and makes everyday meals pop.

sausage growing in black skillet

1. Grease a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish and set aside.

2. In a large black cast iron skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat.

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.

4.Place the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish and top with the cooked sausage and shredded cheese.

5. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.

6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

a bite taken out of the breakfast casserole

7. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.

8. Let stand for 5 minutes before slicing and garnishing with fresh coriander (cilantro).


Tips & Variations:

Make it Veggie: Replace the pork sausage with a mix of sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for a lighter vegetarian version that still packs plenty of texture and flavor.

Regional Swap (Mexican-style): Use chorizo instead of breakfast sausage and swap the cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Top with sliced avocado and a drizzle of WesMarMi Verde for a zesty, bright finish.

Tacos and Bowls: Leftover casserole can be crumbled and tucked into warm flour tortillas or served over a bed of quinoa for a quick, protein-packed breakfast bowl the next day.

Other Users Suggest:

Replacing: Ground pork sausage. New Measurement: 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey or plant-based crumbles. Why: Reduces the overall fat content while maintaining the savory profile of the dish.

Replacing: Cheddar cheese. New Measurement: 2 cups (225 g) shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese. Why: Provides a more sophisticated, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the egg custard.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. Freeze: Wrap baked and cooled slices tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 410 Protein: 22g Carbs: 18g Fat: 28g


 
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