This Cheesy Sausage Egg Breakfast Bake is the perfect way to start your day or feed a crowd! This recipe features a savory sausage and egg base, elevated with a delicious layer of caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms for a depth of flavor you won’t find anywhere else. Get ready for a breakfast casserole that’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to make! I find this cheesy sausage egg breakfast bake recipe is my go-to for holiday mornings. If you need a dish for a party, consider this easy crockpot buffalo chicken dip!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* Umami Boost: The caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms create an intensely savory, umami-rich base that takes this breakfast bake to the next level. The Maillard reaction creates complex flavors that complement the sausage and cheese perfectly. You can read more about the Maillard reaction and its effects on food on the USDA website.
* Textural Contrast: The soft, fluffy eggs and cheesy topping are balanced by the slightly chewy texture of the caramelized onions and mushrooms, offering a delightful sensory experience.
* Family-Friendly & Make-Ahead: This casserole is a crowd-pleaser and can be prepped the night before, making it ideal for busy mornings or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients Needed
* 1 lb Breakfast Sausage
* 1 tbs Dried Minced Onion
* 1 Dozen Eggs
* 3/4 c Whole Milk
* 1 tsp Salt
* 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
* 1 c Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese (divided)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
* Breakfast Sausage: The recipe calls for breakfast sausage, but you can experiment with different varieties like Italian sausage (mild or hot) or even chorizo for a spicier kick. Consider the flavor profile of each sausage type. For leaner option, use turkey sausage. Use a pasture raised sausage or Jimmy Dean, Neese’s and Swaggerty sausage.
* Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides a robust flavor, but you can substitute with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a blend of cheeses. For a dairy-free option, use your favorite dairy-free cheddar alternative.
* Milk: Whole milk adds richness, but you can use lower-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk or oat milk. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different with lower-fat options.
* Dried Minced Onion: If you only have fresh onion, sautee 1/2 cup chopped onion with the sausage.
How to Make Cheesy Sausage Egg Breakfast Bake
I’m so excited to share my method for this savory breakfast bake. Here’s how to make it perfectly every time.
Brown the Sausage
In a skillet, brown the breakfast sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add the dried minced onion to the sausage during the last few minutes of cooking. The aroma should be savory and inviting. Make sure to drain off any excess grease.
Whisk the Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dozen eggs until light and frothy. Add the whole milk, salt, and ground black pepper, and whisk again until everything is well combined. This creates a smooth and creamy base for the casserole.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking.
Assemble the Casserole (Part 1)
Add ¾ of the cooked sausage to the bottom of a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly. I recommend a 9×13 inch casserole dish. This creates a delicious meaty base.
Add Cheese Layer
Sprinkle half of the grated sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the sausage layer. The cheese melts into the sausage and eggs for a gooey, flavorful bite.
Pour the Egg Mixture
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and cheese in the casserole dish. Make sure all the sausage and cheese are submerged.
Bake (Initial Bake)
Place the casserole dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the eggs are nearly set. “Nearly set” means the edges are firm, but the center still has a slight jiggle.
Add Remaining Toppings
After 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and top with the remaining cheese and the reserved cooked sausage. This creates a delicious cheesy crust.
Bake (Final Bake)
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is fully set. Check for doneness by gently shaking the dish – the center should no longer jiggle.
Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it into squares and serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to cut.
Level Up: Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Layer
Want to take this cheesy sausage egg breakfast bake to the next level? Try adding a layer of caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms!
* Caramelizing the Onions: Thinly slice 2 large onions. In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes, or until they are golden brown and caramelized. This step takes time, but it’s worth it! The sweetness of the caramelized onions perfectly complements the savory sausage and cheese.
* Sautéing the Mushrooms: While the onions are caramelizing, slice 8 ounces of mushrooms. In a separate skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened and browned.
* Assembling the Casserole with the Twist: After caramelizing the onions and sautéing the mushrooms, spread them evenly over the bottom of the casserole dish before adding the sausage and cheese. This adds depth of flavor, umami and a pleasant textural contrast.
Preventing a Watery Casserole
Nobody likes a watery casserole. Here’s how to avoid it:
* Don’t overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning, resulting in excess moisture.
* Cook sausage thoroughly: Ensure all excess fat is drained from the sausage after cooking.
* Avoid high-moisture veggies: If adding vegetables like spinach or tomatoes, squeeze out any excess moisture before adding them to the casserole.
* Use the correct casserole dish size: A dish that’s too small can cause overcrowding, while one that’s too large can result in a thinner casserole that’s more prone to being watery. A 9×13 inch dish is ideal.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Here are some of my favorite tips to make sure your cheesy sausage egg breakfast bake turns out perfectly every time.
Pro Tips
* Use high-quality sausage: The flavor of the sausage is crucial to the overall taste of the casserole. Choose a sausage you enjoy and that complements the other ingredients.
* Don’t overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry, rubbery casserole. Bake until the eggs are just set.
* Let it rest: Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking helps it to set up and makes it easier to cut.
* Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives over the finished casserole for a pop of color and flavor.
* Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for a subtle kick.
* Ensure Even Cooking: Rotate the casserole dish halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
* Using cold ingredients: Cold ingredients can increase baking time and lead to uneven cooking. Use room-temperature eggs and milk for best results.
* Skipping the resting period: Cutting into the casserole immediately after baking can cause it to fall apart. Let it rest for a few minutes to allow it to set.
* Adding too many vegetables: Adding too many vegetables can make the casserole watery. Use a moderate amount of vegetables and ensure they are properly cooked.
* Overmixing the egg mixture: Overmixing can result in a tough casserole. Mix the eggs gently until just combined.
Serving & Storage
Here are some suggestions for serving and storing your cheesy sausage egg breakfast bake.
Serving Ideas
* Serve with homemade biscuits and hot coffee!
* Top with your favorite hot sauce or salsa for added flavor.
* Pair with fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
* Serve alongside a potato dish for a heartier breakfast. For another potato dish, consider these crispy tacos de papa!
Here is a resource that contains make-ahead breakfast casserole recipes for inspiration.
Storage and Make-Ahead
* Make-Ahead: The casserole can be assembled the night before and stored in the refrigerator. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave until heated through.
* Freezing: Let the casserole cool completely. Cut into squares, wrap individually, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as above.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Sausage Egg Breakfast Bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, elevated by the umami-rich layer of caramelized onions and mushrooms. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday brunch or a simple family breakfast, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses, sausages, and vegetables to create your own unique version. Happy baking!
FAQ
* Can this cheesy sausage egg breakfast bake be made ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. This is a great time-saver for busy mornings. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
* What’s the best way to store leftovers and how long will they last? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
* What are some good sausage options and how do they impact the flavor? Breakfast sausage is the classic choice, but you can also use Italian sausage, chorizo, or turkey sausage. Each type will impart a different flavor profile to the casserole.
* How can I prevent the breakfast bake from becoming watery? Avoid overcrowding the pan, cook the sausage thoroughly, drain excess fat, and use the correct casserole dish size.
* What size casserole dish is recommended for this recipe? A 9×13 inch casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
* How do I know when the breakfast bake is fully cooked? The casserole is fully cooked when the eggs are set and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The center should no longer jiggle when the dish is gently shaken.
* Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, let the casserole cool completely, cut into squares, wrap individually, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat. If you want a sweet treat, check out these easter oreo truffles!
Cheesy Sausage Egg Breakfast Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a skillet, brown the breakfast sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the dried minced onion to the sausage during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Make sure to drain off any excess grease.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dozen eggs until light and frothy.
- Add the whole milk, salt, and ground black pepper, and whisk again until everything is well combined.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Add ¾ of the cooked sausage to the bottom of a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly. I recommend a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
- Sprinkle half of the grated sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the sausage layer.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and cheese in the casserole dish.
- Make sure all the sausage and cheese are submerged.
- Place the casserole dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the eggs are nearly set.
- After 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and top with the remaining cheese and the reserved cooked sausage.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is fully set.
- Check for doneness by gently shaking the dish - the center should no longer jiggle.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it into squares and serving.
- This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to cut.
- Thinly slice 2 large onions.
- In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat.
- Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes, or until they are golden brown and caramelized.
- While the onions are caramelizing, slice 8 ounces of mushrooms.
- In a separate skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened and browned.
- After caramelizing the onions and sautéing the mushrooms, spread them evenly over the bottom of the casserole dish before adding the sausage and cheese.
Notes
Lia Monet is a food blogger, recipe developer, and the founder of EasyAsMeals, a food blog focused on easy recipes, quick dinners, and everyday home cooking. She creates tested, family-friendly recipes using simple ingredients to help busy families cook affordable and delicious meals at home.
