You know those mornings? The ones where the doorbell rings WAY earlier than expected, or when you’ve got a whole crew coming over for brunch and your brain immediately goes into “what do I even make?!” panic mode? Yeah, I’ve been there more times than I can count! That’s why I practically guard this Sausage Breakfast Casserole (For A Crowd) recipe with my life. It’s my absolute go-to for birthdays, holidays, or just about any time I need to feed a hungry mob without losing my mind. Seriously, this thing disappears lightning fast, smells incredible while it’s baking, and uses stuff I usually have kicking around the kitchen. It’s a total lifesaver and always a huge hit!
Why This Sausage Breakfast Casserole (For A Crowd) is a Must-Have
Honestly, when you’re faced with feeding more than a couple of people, you need a breakfast hero. And that’s exactly what this Sausage Breakfast Casserole (For A Crowd) is! It’s not just any old casserole, it’s like a warm hug in a dish. Here’s why it’s become my secret weapon for big mornings:
- Super Easy to Make Ahead: Life gets crazy, right? You can totally assemble this whole thing the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning. Talk about a stress-saver!
- Feeds a Whole Crew: That 9×13 inch dish and all those eggs? Yep, it’s designed to satisfy a crowd, so nobody’s left with an empty plate.
- Hearty and Satisfying: With the sausage, all that yummy bread, and melty cheese, this casserole is seriously filling. It’s the kind of breakfast that sticks with you all day.
- Totally Customizable: Don’t like onions? Add mushrooms! Want it spicier? Use hot sausage! You can really tweak it to make it exactly how your people like it – that’s the beauty of it.
- Perfect for Any Brunch or Breakfast Event: Whether it’s a holiday, a weekend brunch, or even for school lunch prep, this dish fits right in and makes everyone happy.
Gather Your Ingredients for the Ultimate Sausage Breakfast Casserole (For A Crowd)
Alright, let’s get down to business! To make this amazing Sausage Breakfast Casserole (For A Crowd) into a reality, you’ll need to round up a few things. Trust me, the quality of what you grab really does make a difference here, so try to get the good stuff!
For the Casserole Itself:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage: I like to crumble mine up and cook it first. Makes it easier to spread out and gets rid of some of that extra grease.
- 1 loaf stale bread, cubed: Now, don’t freak out about the “stale” part. Day-old bread is actually perfect here – it soaks up all that eggy goodness without getting mushy. Cube it up into bite-sized pieces!
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Grab your favorite sharp cheddar for that classic taste.
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded: This adds a lovely creamy meltiness. You can totally mix up the cheeses, though!
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Just a regular yellow or white onion works great.
- 1 medium bell pepper, chopped: I usually go for green, but red or yellow are fantastic too if you have them!
For the Egg Mixture (This is what holds it all together!):
- 12 eggs: Yep, twelve! That’s what makes it so hearty and perfect for a crowd.
- 2 cups milk: Whole milk gives the richest flavor, but 2% works too.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Don’t skimp on this, it really brings out all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best if you have it!
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Just a little hint of garlic adds a nice touch without being overpowering.
See? Nothing too crazy, right? Just good, honest ingredients that come together to make something truly spectacular.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Sausage Breakfast Casserole (For A Crowd)
Alright, let’s get this deliciousness into the oven! Making this Sausage Breakfast Casserole (For A Crowd) is actually pretty straightforward. It’s all about getting those layers just right so every bite is perfect. Don’t worry, I’ve made it a million times, so I can walk you through it. It’s not complicated at all, and watching it transform in the oven is half the fun! It’s even easier to prep ahead, kind of like these meal prep breakfast burritos.
Prepping Your Baking Dish and Oven
First things first, get that oven of yours preheating to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and hot when the casserole is ready to go in. While that’s heating up, give your 9×13 inch baking dish a good grease. A quick spray of cooking oil or a rub with butter works wonders to keep everything from sticking.
Cooking the Sausage and Preparing the Bread
Now, grab that cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage. If you haven’t already, toss it into a large skillet to brown it up. This gets rid of any excess grease, which is key for a good casserole texture. If your bread isn’t quite stale, you can give it a little toast in a single layer on a baking sheet for a few minutes to help it firm up. Nobody likes a soggy bottom!
Assembling the Casserole Base
Okay, now for the fun part – layering! In your greased baking dish, scatter the cooked sausage, followed by your cubed bread. Then, sprinkle in both the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Don’t forget to add your chopped onion and bell pepper evenly throughout. Try to spread everything out so you get all those yummy bits in every slice.
Creating the Perfect Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, it’s time to whip up the magic binder! Whisk together your 12 eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until it’s all nicely combined and looks like a smooth, pale yellow liquid. Make sure there are no streaks of egg white left hiding in there!
Pouring and Pressing the Custard
Now, carefully pour that glorious egg mixture all over everything in the baking dish. It might look like a lot, but trust me, the bread will soak it all up. You can gently press down on the bread cubes with the back of a spoon or your hand to make sure they’re getting nice and saturated. This step is super important for getting that custardy texture.
Baking Your Sausage Breakfast Casserole (For A Crowd)
Slide that beautifully assembled dish into your preheated oven. Bake it for about 45 to 55 minutes. You’re looking for it to be puffed up, golden brown on top, and completely set. You can test it by sticking a knife right into the center – if it comes out clean, it’s done! This Sausage Breakfast Casserole (For A Crowd) is worth the wait!
The Importance of Resting
Just like with any good bake, letting this casserole rest for about 5 to 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven is a must. It helps everything settle and firm up, making it so much easier to slice and serve without it falling apart.
Tips for the Best Sausage Breakfast Casserole (For A Crowd)
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, you’ve got the ingredients – now let’s talk about how to make sure this Sausage Breakfast Casserole (For A Crowd) is just legendary. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really elevate it and avoid those little breakfast blunders. You know, like making sure it’s perfectly cooked and not soggy! It’s all about those little details that make a big difference, just like with any quick breakfast idea I share.
- Stale Bread is Your Friend: Seriously, don’t skip this. Fresh bread dissolves into mush. If your bread is fresh, just cube it and let it sit out on the counter for a few hours, or give it a quick toast in the oven. It makes all the difference!
- Don’t Rush the Sausage: Brown that sausage properly! Getting rid of the excess grease before it goes into the casserole prevents it from becoming oily. Plus, it adds a nice depth of flavor.
- Spice it Up (or Down!): Feel like a little kick? Use hot breakfast sausage or toss in some red pepper flakes into the egg mixture. Kids loving it? Stick with mild! You can also add things like chopped jalapeños for a little extra zing.
- Cheese Choices Matter: While cheddar and Monterey Jack are my go-to, don’t be afraid to experiment. Pepper Jack adds a nice warmth, or a little bit of Gruyere can give it a fancy twist. Just make sure you’re shredding your own cheese – the pre-shredded stuff has anti-caking agents that can make your casserole a little less gooey.
- Veggies, Veggies, Veggies!: Want to sneak in some more goodness? Sautéed mushrooms, finely chopped spinach (squeeze out the water!), or even some diced zucchini work beautifully in this. Just cook them down a bit first so they don’t add too much moisture. It’s great for making it a more complete meal, kind of like these egg muffins for meal prep.
Following these little tips will make sure your Sausage Breakfast Casserole (For A Crowd) is always a winner. It’s all about simple steps that lead to big flavor!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Okay, let’s chat about the goodies that go into this Sausage Breakfast Casserole (For A Crowd) because a few choices can make a big impact! When it comes to the bread, I really do mean it when I say stale is best. Day-old French bread, sourdough, or even a hearty white bread works like a charm. You want it to soak up all that eggy goodness without turning to mush. If you only have fresh bread, just cube it and let it sit out on the counter for a few hours, or give it a quick toast in the oven before you start assembling.
For the sausage, feel free to grab mild, pork, turkey, or even hot breakfast sausage if you like a little fire! And the cheese? While I adore the combo of sharp cheddar and creamy Monterey Jack, don’t be afraid to mix it up. A little pepper Jack for spice or even some crumbled feta could be interesting! As for the milk, whole milk really gives it the richest flavor, but 2% is totally fine if that’s what you have on hand. It all comes together beautifully no matter what!
Serving Suggestions for Your Sausage Breakfast Casserole (For A Crowd)
This hearty Sausage Breakfast Casserole (For A Crowd) is a meal in itself, but it’s even better with a few tasty sides! For a nice contrast, I love serving it with a big bowl of fresh fruit salad – the sweetness is just perfect. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also cuts through the richness beautifully. If you’re feeling extra, maybe some crispy bacon or a platter of sliced tomatoes would be a great addition too. This salad category has some easy ideas that pair perfectly!
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
One of the best things about this Sausage Breakfast Casserole (For A Crowd) is how easy it is to prep ahead! Seriously, you can assemble the whole thing – bread, sausage, cheese, veggies, everything – the night before. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. In the morning, take off the plastic wrap, and bake it as usual (it might need a few extra minutes since it’s starting from cold). This is a lifesaver, just like these meal prep ideas!
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. To reheat, just pop a slice in the microwave for a minute or two, or warm it up in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. It’s fantastic, even the next day. Some people even freeze individual portions, which reminds me of how great breakfast burritos are for freezing!
Frequently Asked Questions about Sausage Breakfast Casserole (For A Crowd)
Got questions about whipping up this crowd-pleasing casserole? I get it! It’s always good to double-check, especially when you’re making something for a bunch of people. Here are a few things folks often ask me:
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! If you want to skip the sausage, you can definitely replace it with extra veggies like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even some plant-based sausage crumbles. Just make sure you’ve got other savory flavors in there to keep it interesting!
What kind of bread works best?
My favorite is day-old sturdy bread like French bread, ciabatta, or even a good sourdough. The key is that it’s a bit stale so it soaks up the egg mixture without getting totally mushy. If your bread is fresh, just cube it and let it sit out for a few hours or give it a light toast in the oven.
How do I prevent it from being soggy?
The biggest culprits for a soggy casserole are using fresh bread and not draining the sausage grease well. Make sure your bread is a little stale, and really drain off any excess fat from the cooked sausage before adding it to the dish. It also helps a *ton* to let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes after baking.
Can I freeze this casserole?
You bet! You can freeze the whole assembled casserole *before* baking (cover it well!) or freeze individual portions after it’s baked and cooled. If freezing before baking, you’ll likely need to add extra baking time. If reheating portions, just pop them in the microwave or a warm oven until heated through.
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Just a heads-up, the nutrition facts for this amazing Sausage Breakfast Casserole (For A Crowd) can really vary depending on the brands you use and exactly what you put in it. But, as a general idea, one serving of this hearty casserole is typically around 450-550 calories, with about 20-25g of protein and 30-35g of fat. Keep in mind, these are just estimates to give you a ballpark figure!
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