Sausage Bacon Breakfast Casserole: The Ultimate Morning Recipe

Sausage bacon breakfast casserole: the ultimate crowd-pleasing morning meal that will have everyone begging for seconds! Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of savory sausage, crispy bacon, and fluffy eggs baked to golden perfection. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s an experience.

While the exact origins of breakfast casseroles are debated, their popularity surged in the mid-20th century as families sought convenient and satisfying ways to feed a crowd. They quickly became a staple at holiday brunches, potlucks, and family gatherings. The beauty of a sausage bacon breakfast casserole lies in its versatility and make-ahead convenience. You can assemble it the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and enjoy a stress-free start to your day.

But what truly makes this dish a winner? It’s the symphony of flavors and textures! The salty, smoky bacon perfectly complements the savory sausage, while the eggs provide a creamy, comforting base. The addition of cheese (and who doesn’t love cheese?) elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply looking for a hearty and satisfying breakfast, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. Get ready to experience breakfast bliss!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage, crumbled
• 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 loaf (1 pound) French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 12 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives, for garnish (optional)
• Cooking spray

Preparing the Sausage and Bacon:

Okay, let’s get started! The first thing we need to do is cook our sausage and bacon. This is a breakfast casserole, after all, and those are the stars of the show!

1. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the breakfast sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is fully cooked and no longer pink. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Make sure to break up any large clumps of sausage as it cooks. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy casserole! Set the cooked sausage aside.
2. Cook the Bacon: Now for the bacon! You can cook the bacon in the same skillet you used for the sausage, or you can bake it in the oven. I personally prefer baking bacon because it’s less messy and cooks more evenly. To bake bacon, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the bacon strips on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, crumble the bacon into small pieces. Set the crumbled bacon aside. If you prefer to cook the bacon in the skillet, cook over medium heat until crispy, then drain on paper towels and crumble.

Preparing the Bread and Cheese:

With the sausage and bacon ready, let’s move on to the bread and cheese. These are essential for texture and flavor!

1. Prepare the Bread: Cut the French bread into 1-inch cubes. You want them to be roughly the same size so they bake evenly. You can use a serrated bread knife for this. If the bread is a little stale, that’s actually perfect! Stale bread soaks up the egg mixture better.
2. Shred the Cheese: If you bought pre-shredded cheese, you can skip this step. But if you bought blocks of cheese, now’s the time to shred them. I like to use a box grater for this. Make sure you have 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. You can also use other cheeses if you prefer, like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Colby jack.

Making the Egg Mixture:

The egg mixture is what holds everything together and gives the casserole its creamy texture. Let’s get it just right!

1. Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, crack the 12 large eggs. Whisk them together until they are light and frothy. This will help incorporate air into the mixture and make the casserole lighter.
2. Add the Milk and Cream: Pour in the 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream. Whisk to combine. The heavy cream adds richness and helps prevent the casserole from drying out.
3. Add the Seasonings: Now for the flavor! Add the 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder. Whisk everything together until the seasonings are evenly distributed. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick!

Assembling the Casserole:

Now comes the fun part – putting everything together! This is where all your hard work pays off.

1. Grease the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish. You can also use butter to grease the dish if you prefer.
2. Layer the Ingredients: Arrange half of the bread cubes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage and half of the crumbled bacon over the bread cubes. Then, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the sausage and bacon.
3. Repeat the Layers: Repeat the layers with the remaining bread cubes, sausage, bacon, cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese.
4. Pour the Egg Mixture: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers of bread, sausage, bacon, and cheese. Make sure the egg mixture soaks into all the bread cubes. You can gently press down on the bread cubes with a spoon to help them absorb the mixture.
5. Cover and Refrigerate (Optional): At this point, you can cover the casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture even more, resulting in a richer and more flavorful casserole. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and bake the casserole immediately.

Baking the Casserole:

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake the casserole until it’s golden brown and bubbly.

1. Bake the Casserole: If you refrigerated the casserole overnight, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking. This will help it bake more evenly. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until it is golden brown and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top of the casserole starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
2. Let it Rest: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set up a bit and makes it easier to slice.

Serving the Casserole:

Finally, it’s time to enjoy your delicious sausage bacon breakfast casserole!

1. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle the chopped fresh chives over the top of the casserole for garnish. This adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor.
2. Serve: Cut the casserole into squares and serve warm. You can serve it with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries or melon. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few tips and variations to make this casserole even better:

• Use different types of bread: Instead of French bread, you can use croissants, brioche, or even leftover dinner rolls.
• Add vegetables: You can add chopped vegetables to the casserole, such as onions, peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the casserole.
• Use different types of cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Swiss, or provolone.
• Add a sauce: You can add a sauce to the casserole, such as hollandaise sauce or a cheese sauce.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the sausage and bacon and add more vegetables. You can also use vegetarian sausage or bacon substitutes.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a little kick.
• Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning. This is a great option for busy mornings.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this sausage bacon breakfast casserole as much as I do! It’s the perfect dish for a weekend brunch, a holiday gathering, or any special occasion. It’s also a great way to use up leftover bread and meat. So go ahead and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Conclusion:

This sausage bacon breakfast casserole isn’t just another breakfast recipe; it’s a weekend game-changer, a holiday brunch hero, and a simple weeknight dinner disguised as morning comfort food. Seriously, what’s not to love? The savory combination of crispy bacon and flavorful sausage, nestled in a creamy, cheesy egg base, is a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!). It’s the kind of dish that creates memories, sparks conversations, and leaves you feeling utterly satisfied.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve shared my go-to version, feel free to get creative and adapt it to your own preferences. Craving a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the egg mixture. Want to sneak in some veggies? Sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms would be fantastic additions. For a vegetarian twist, you could easily substitute the sausage and bacon with plant-based alternatives or load it up with even more vegetables like spinach or zucchini.

Serving suggestions are endless! This casserole is delicious on its own, but it also pairs perfectly with a side of fresh fruit, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of maple syrup for a touch of sweetness. For a truly decadent brunch, serve it alongside some homemade biscuits or croissants. And don’t forget the coffee! A strong cup of joe is the perfect complement to this hearty and flavorful dish.

Beyond the basic recipe, consider these variations to keep things interesting:

* Mexican Fiesta Casserole: Add chorizo sausage, black beans, corn, and a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of salsa after baking.
* Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole: Use Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.
* Spinach and Feta Casserole: Omit the bacon and sausage and add sautéed spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of nutmeg to the egg mixture.

I truly believe that this sausage bacon breakfast casserole will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s the perfect solution for busy mornings, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both delicious and easy to make. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can customize it to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, making it a truly personal and satisfying culinary experience.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a breakfast masterpiece! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And more importantly, I’m eager to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and learn about your own unique twists on this classic dish. Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. Enjoy!