Sausage Breakfast Casserole with Steak and Shrimp for a Hearty Morning Meal

Why You’ll Love This sausage breakfast casserole

• Ease of preparation: This sausage breakfast casserole is incredibly simple to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and straightforward steps. With a quick cooking time of about 50 to 55 minutes and the option to assemble it the night before, it perfectly fits busy morning routines, allowing you to enjoy a hearty breakfast without extensive prep work.
• Health benefits: Packed with protein-rich sausage and eggs, this sausage breakfast casserole provides sustained energy for your day. It can be customized by incorporating nutrient-dense vegetables such as bell peppers or green onions, and using wholesome dairy options like half-and-half or sour cream for richness without excess additives. For more insight, check out the health benefits of eggs.
• Versatility: Adaptability is a key feature of this sausage breakfast casserole. It can be modified to accommodate gluten-free diets by using specialty bread, or adjusted for vegan lifestyles by swapping in plant-based sausage and dairy alternatives. Additionally, it’s simple to lighten up by choosing lower-fat cheese and substituting turkey sausage or reducing the amount of cheese used.
• Distinctive flavor: The blend of savory breakfast sausage with sharp cheddar cheese and optional sautéed vegetables creates a rich, comforting flavor that stands out among traditional casserole recipes. Adding dry mustard and freshly ground pepper highlights the sausage’s spices, offering a warm, satisfying taste that wakes up your palate in the morning.

Essential Ingredients for sausage breakfast casserole

Below is a detailed list of all ingredients you’ll need for this sausage breakfast casserole, including their purposes to help you understand why each is important:

• 14 to 16 ounces uncooked pork breakfast sausage (preferably without casings) – The primary savory protein base providing rich flavor and heartiness.
• 12 large eggs – Acts as the custard binder, giving structure and adding protein.
• 2 cups half-and-half (or alternatively 1 cup sour cream plus 1/4 cup milk) – Adds creaminess and moisture to the casserole for a tender texture.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Used for cooking the sausage and preventing sticking.
• Cooking spray or olive oil – For greasing the baking dish to ensure easy release.
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard (optional) – Enhances the depth of flavor with a subtle tang.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Balances and boosts overall flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Adds warming spice notes.
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (white or yellow) – Provides creamy, sharp richness; can substitute with pepper jack or Swiss for variation.
• 6 slices hearty white sandwich bread, cut or torn into 1-inch pieces – Adds texture and absorbs the egg custard perfectly, forming the casserole’s base.
• Optional vegetables: 4 chopped green onions, 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper, and 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper – Adds color, nutrition, and a mild sweetness when sautéed before mixing.

Special Dietary Options

• Vegan: Use plant-based sausage alternatives, substitute eggs with commercial egg replacers or flax eggs, and replace dairy with almond or soy-based milk and vegan cheese.
• Gluten-free: Swap the bread for gluten-free sandwich bread to maintain texture and cohesion without gluten exposure.
• Low-calorie: Choose turkey sausage or leaner sausages, reduce cheese amounts or use reduced-fat options, and select whole grain or lower-calorie bread varieties for a lighter dish.

How to Prepare the Perfect sausage breakfast casserole: Step-by-Step Guide

First Step: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish well with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent the casserole from sticking during baking.

Second Step: Cook the Sausage

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. If your breakfast sausage has casings, remove them. Add the sausage to the pan and cook, breaking it into small pieces, for about 4 to 7 minutes until fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.

Tip: For dietary variations, substitute with turkey sausage or plant-based sausage alternatives, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

Third Step: Sauté Optional Vegetables

If you decide to include vegetables, such as diced green and red bell peppers and chopped green onions, add them to the skillet next. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until tender and aromatic. Then, remove from heat and set aside.

Fourth Step: Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, vigorously whisk together 12 large eggs, 2 cups half-and-half (or the sour cream and milk alternative), 2 teaspoons dry mustard (if using), 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until thoroughly combined and slightly frothy to help create a fluffy custard.

Fifth Step: Combine Bread, Cheese, and Eggs

Add half (about 4 ounces) of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and the 6 cups of bread pieces into the egg mixture. Gently fold the ingredients until the bread is coated and beginning to absorb the custard.

Sixth Step: Add Sausage and Vegetables

Using a slotted spoon, fold the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables (if used) into the egg-bread-cheese mixture. Mix gently but evenly to distribute all ingredients.

Seventh Step: Assemble and Refrigerate

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly for consistent cooking. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

For best texture and flavor, cover and refrigerate the casserole for at least 8 hours or overnight. This soaking period allows the bread to absorb the custard fully, and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Note: You can bake immediately if short on time, but refrigeration improves the final result.

Final Step: Bake and Serve

Before baking, let the refrigerated casserole come to room temperature while the oven preheats.

Bake uncovered on the middle rack at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 55 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Expect the edges to be set firmly; the center might still jiggle slightly but will firm up as it cools.

Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes to set before slicing and serving. Garnish with extra chopped green onions or herbs if desired.

“This hearty sausage breakfast casserole is perfect alongside a fresh fruit salad or crispy breakfast potatoes for a balanced morning meal.”

Try pairing your dish with a light fruit option or explore additional breakfast ideas like egg and avocado salad for a wholesome start.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your sausage breakfast casserole

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

For those seeking alternative proteins or dietary modifications, there are plenty of options. Swap out traditional pork breakfast sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner choice. Vegetarian and vegan cooks can opt for plant-based sausage substitutes that mimic the spice and texture of pork sausage. Consider using cooked diced steak or shrimp as a variation for a surf-and-turf-inspired breakfast casserole. Remember to adjust cooking times slightly to accommodate different proteins’ cooking needs without overcooking eggs.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Add seasonal vegetables such as sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce or omit spicy seasonings, or alternatively add smoked paprika or rosemary to bring depth. For gluten-sensitive diets, replace conventional bread with gluten-free bread to maintain the casserole’s structure. Dairy alternatives like vegan cheese and non-dairy milk work well for lactose intolerance or vegan preferences. Adjust seasoning levels to maintain flavor balance when using alternative ingredients.

Mastering sausage breakfast casserole: Advanced Tips and Variations

How to Store sausage breakfast casserole: Best Practices

Refrigeration: Store your sausage breakfast casserole leftovers in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Consume within 3 to 4 days to enjoy optimum flavor and texture.

Freezing: To keep it longer, freeze fully cooked casserole portions in foil-wrapped or freezer-safe containers. This keeps well for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Gently reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until warmed through. Cover with foil to preserve moisture and prevent drying out while reheating.

Meal Prep Considerations: Prepare and bake the casserole in batches, then portion and store. This method makes breakfast prep across the week easier and ensures you always have a comforting, homecooked meal ready. For more breakfast inspiration and baking tips, visit our rolled buttermilk biscuits recipe.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About sausage breakfast casserole

sausage breakfast casserole

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🥚 Enjoy a hearty and delicious start to your day with this Sausage Breakfast Casserole, perfect for brunch with family or friends!
🍽️ Filled with the goodness of sausage, eggs, cheese, and optional vegetables, this casserole is an all-in-one meal that satisfies cravings for both savory and creamy textures.

• Total Time: 9 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

14 to 16 ounces uncooked pork breakfast sausage

12 large eggs

2 cups half-and-half

1 tablespoon olive oil

cooking spray

2 teaspoons dry mustard

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

6 slices hearty white sandwich bread

4 chopped green onions

1/2 cup diced green bell pepper

1/2 cup diced red bell pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1-First Step: Prep Your Oven and Baking DishPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish well with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent the casserole from sticking during baking.

2-Second Step: Cook the SausageHeat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. If your breakfast sausage has casings, remove them. Add the sausage to the pan and cook, breaking it into small pieces, for about 4 to 7 minutes until fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.

3-Third Step: Sauté Optional VegetablesIf you decide to include vegetables, such as diced green and red bell peppers and chopped green onions, add them to the skillet next. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until tender and aromatic. Then, remove from heat and set aside.

4-Fourth Step: Prepare the Egg MixtureIn a large bowl, vigorously whisk together 12 large eggs, 2 cups half-and-half (or the sour cream and milk alternative), 2 teaspoons dry mustard (if using), 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until thoroughly combined and slightly frothy to help create a fluffy custard.

5-Fifth Step: Combine Bread, Cheese, and EggsAdd half (about 4 ounces) of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and the 6 cups of bread pieces into the egg mixture. Gently fold the ingredients until the bread is coated and beginning to absorb the custard.

6-Sixth Step: Add Sausage and VegetablesUsing a slotted spoon, fold the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables (if used) into the egg-bread-cheese mixture. Mix gently but evenly to distribute all ingredients.

7-Seventh Step: Assemble and RefrigerateTransfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly for consistent cooking. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. For best texture and flavor, cover and refrigerate the casserole for at least 8 hours or overnight. This soaking period allows the bread to absorb the custard fully, and the flavors to meld beautifully.

8-Final Step: Bake and ServeBefore baking, let the refrigerated casserole come to room temperature while the oven preheats. Bake uncovered on the middle rack at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 55 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Expect the edges to be set firmly; the center might still jiggle slightly but will firm up as it cools. Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes to set before slicing and serving. Garnish with extra chopped green onions or herbs if desired.

Last Step:

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Notes

🌿 Use sturdy white sandwich bread to prevent sogginess from the custard mixture.
🌶️ Add variety and nutrition by incorporating vegetables like bell peppers and onions.
🧀 Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or Swiss for new flavors.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Refrigeration Time: 8 hours
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: No specific diet

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 485
• Sugar: 3 grams
• Sodium: 767 mg
• Fat: 37 grams
• Saturated Fat: 13 grams
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 grams
• Trans Fat: 1 gram
• Carbohydrates: 11 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Protein: 25 grams
• Cholesterol: 320 mg