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A freshly baked make ahead sausage breakfast casserole, golden brown and bubbling.

Classic Make Ahead Sausage Breakfast Casserole

A savory and satisfying make-ahead breakfast casserole featuring sausage, colorful vegetables, eggs, and cheese, perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal-prepping enjoyable mornings.
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Prep Time 50 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings 8 slices
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large bowl
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Plastic wrap or foil

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb bulk breakfast sausage (mild, spicy, or sage variety)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
  • 8 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk (any kind)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
  • bread or hash browns 4-6 slices bread, crusts removed and cubed, OR 2 cups frozen hash brown potatoes/tater tots

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Brown the breakfast sausage in a large skillet, breaking it up as it cooks, then drain any excess grease and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper in olive oil over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
  • Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the bread cubes or hash browns/tater tots evenly over the bottom of the dish.
  • Sprinkle the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and 1.5 cups of shredded cheese evenly over the base layer.
  • Pour the egg mixture evenly over everything, gently pressing down any floating ingredients to ensure submersion. Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of cheese on top.
  • Cover the baking dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
  • When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes while the oven preheats.
  • Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center, golden brown, and bubbly. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow it to set further for cleaner cuts.

Notes

This casserole is perfect for entertaining as it can be assembled the night before. Customize with your favorite vegetables or a different type of cheese for variety.