Weekdays often mean grabbing a quick bite – a rushed bowl of cereal, a protein bar on the go, or perhaps even skipping breakfast altogether. But weekends? Weekends are for lingering, for savoring, and for indulging in a proper breakfast. And what better way to celebrate a relaxed weekend morning than with a Sausage & Bacon Breakfast Casserole? This isn’t just any breakfast; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures, a harmonious blend of savory sausage, crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and tender bread. This Sausage & Bacon Breakfast Casserole recipe is your gateway to creating a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, enjoying as leftovers, or simply treating yourself to a truly exceptional start to the day.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe
This Sausage & Bacon Breakfast Casserole isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly practical and versatile. One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t have cheddar cheese? Monterey Jack or Colby blend would work beautifully. Prefer ham to bacon? Go for it! This casserole is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
Beyond its flexibility, this casserole is incredibly make-ahead friendly. The beauty of this recipe is that you can assemble it the night before, pop it in the fridge, and bake it fresh in the morning. This is a game-changer for busy mornings or when you’re expecting guests. Just imagine waking up to the aroma of a delicious breakfast baking in the oven – talk about starting the day off right!
Speaking of guests, this Sausage & Bacon Breakfast Casserole is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, a potluck gathering, or simply feeding a hungry family, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s hearty, satisfying, and appeals to a wide range of tastes. Prepare to receive rave reviews!
And let’s not forget the comfort food factor. There’s something inherently comforting about a warm, cheesy breakfast casserole. It’s the kind of dish that evokes feelings of nostalgia and contentment. Each bite is a burst of flavor and texture, a reminder of simpler times and cozy mornings.
Finally, this recipe is surprisingly budget-friendly. You can often use ingredients that you already have in your pantry and refrigerator, making it an economical option for a satisfying and impressive breakfast. So, not only is it delicious, convenient, and crowd-pleasing, but it’s also kind to your wallet!
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing Sausage & Bacon Breakfast Casserole:
For the protein, you’ll want one pound of breakfast sausage, either mild or spicy depending on your preference, and half a pound of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled. For the egg mixture, you’ll need eight large eggs and one and a half cups of milk or cream, depending on how rich you want the casserole. Cheese is key to the flavor, so you will want two cups of shredded cheddar cheese, although you could also use Monterey Jack or a Colby blend.
For the bread component, you can use six cups of cubed French bread or croissants, or alternatively, four cups of cubed potatoes for a different texture. To add to the flavor you’ll want to include half of a diced onion and two cloves of minced garlic. Finally for the spices, you’ll want to have at hand one teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of black pepper, half a teaspoon of mustard powder, and half a teaspoon of paprika.
Consider these ingredient notes: For a spicier casserole, using hot breakfast sausage adds some zip. Day-old bread works best for soaking up the egg mixture, creating a softer texture. If you’re looking to add some extra veggies, consider adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the mix. These will provide some added nutrients and flavor.
Making the Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for creating this delectable Sausage & Bacon Breakfast Casserole. Be sure to follow each step carefully to ensure the best possible results.
First, prepare your sausage and bacon. Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease and crumble the sausage. Then, cook the bacon in a separate skillet until crispy. Remove from the skillet and crumble into small pieces. Alternatively, you can bake the bacon in the oven for easier cleanup.
Next, prepare the bread or potatoes. If using bread, cube it into roughly one-inch pieces. If using potatoes, cube them into similar-sized pieces. If using bread, it is important to use day-old bread. This will help it soak up the egg mixture better without becoming soggy.
Sauté the onion and garlic (optional). In the same skillet that you cooked the sausage and bacon, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant. This will add another layer of flavor to the casserole.
Whisk together the egg mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk/cream, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, mustard powder, and paprika. Make sure all ingredients are well combined.
Assemble the casserole. Grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish. Layer the cubed bread or potatoes on the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the cooked sausage, crumbled bacon, and sautéed onion and garlic (if using) over the bread or potatoes. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top, making sure to saturate all the bread or potatoes.
Refrigerate (optional). For best results, cover the casserole with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread or potatoes to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a more flavorful and cohesive casserole. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and bake the casserole immediately, but the flavor and texture may not be as optimal.
Bake the casserole. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the casserole for 45-55 minutes, or until golden brown and set. The casserole is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Rest before serving. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set up slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. This also prevents the hot egg mixture from running all over the plate.
Variations and Customization Options
This Sausage & Bacon Breakfast Casserole is a fantastic base recipe, but it’s also incredibly adaptable. Feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking. For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the sausage and bacon with vegetarian alternatives like plant-based sausage crumbles or tempeh bacon. These provide a similar savory flavor and texture without the meat.
Experiment with different cheeses! Consider adding pepper jack for a spicy kick, Gruyere for a nutty flavor, or mozzarella for a mild and creamy taste. The possibilities are endless!
Add some extra vegetables! Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, and zucchini are all great additions to this casserole. Simply sauté them along with the onion and garlic before adding them to the casserole.
For a spicier version, you can add red pepper flakes to the egg mixture or use spicy sausage. A dash of hot sauce on top of each serving is also a great way to add some heat.
If you need a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free bread or potatoes. There are many delicious gluten-free bread options available at most grocery stores.
Want a healthier version? Try using turkey sausage and bacon, lower-fat cheese, or adding more vegetables. You can also use egg whites instead of whole eggs to reduce the cholesterol content.
Serving the Perfect Casserole
This Sausage & Bacon Breakfast Casserole is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with complementary side dishes. Consider serving it with a fresh fruit salad, a yogurt parfait, or a side of crispy hash browns. Orange juice, coffee, or tea are perfect beverage pairings.
Toppings can also elevate the flavor and presentation of the casserole. Sour cream, salsa, hot sauce, and chopped chives are all excellent choices. Let your guests customize their own servings!
This casserole is best served warm, but it’s also delicious at room temperature. So, whether you’re serving it fresh out of the oven or enjoying leftovers the next day, you’re in for a treat!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, you can microwave individual servings for a minute or two, or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.
You can also freeze this casserole for longer storage. Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to two months. To thaw, transfer the casserole to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat as directed above.
Common Casserole Questions
Many people ask about bread, so yes, you can use a different type of bread! Challah, brioche, or even cornbread would work well. Also, yes, you can make this the day of! Just skip the overnight refrigeration step and bake as directed. If using frozen potatoes, thaw them before adding them to the casserole to ensure even cooking. To know when it’s done, insert a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready. And, if you want to reduce the fat content, use turkey sausage and bacon, low-fat cheese, and egg whites.
A Weekend Breakfast Treat
This Sausage & Bacon Breakfast Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s a celebration of flavor, a testament to the power of simple ingredients, and a guaranteed way to brighten up any weekend morning. It’s delicious, convenient, and incredibly versatile. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and prepare to indulge in the ultimate breakfast experience! We encourage you to try the Sausage & Bacon Breakfast Casserole recipe. Share your creations and let us know what you think!
