We simply call it a longtime favorite. I’ve made it many times, and it always turns out to be the most requested one.
This overnight-friendly casserole is packed with savory breakfast sausage, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, peppers, and tender cubes of bread soaked in a perfectly seasoned egg custard.
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Simple Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients:
| INGREDIENTS | AMOUNT |
| Breakfast sausage, casings removed if linked | 1 pound (450 g) |
| Neutral oil or butter | 1 tablespoon (optional) |
| Large eggs | 8 |
| Whole milk | 2 cups (480 ml) |
| Kosher salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Freshly ground black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Smoked paprika | 1/4 teaspoon (optional) |
| Cubed day-old bread, 1/2-inch pieces | 6 cups (about 6-7 slices) |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1/1/2 cups (6 oz/170 g) |
| Shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese | 1/2 cup (2 oz/55 g) |
| Medium red bell pepper, diced | 1 (about 1 cup) |
| Scallions or chopped chives, finely sliced | 3-4 scallions or 2 tablespoons |
| Butter or nonstick spray | For greasing the baking dish |
How To Make Simple Sausage Breakfast Casserole:
Step 1: Prep Dish and Cook Sausage: Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the 1 pound breakfast sausage, breaking it into crumbles, until browned (7-10 minutes). Drain off most excess fat and transfer the sausage to a plate to cool slightly.
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Step 2: Cube Bread and Whisk Custard: Cut the bread into 1/2-inch cubes (6 cups). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 8 eggs, 2 cups milk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (if using).
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Step 3: Combine Filling: Stir in the 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, the 1 cup diced red bell pepper, and the sliced scallions/chives (reserving some cheese and pepper for topping).
Step 4: Assemble Casserole: Add the cubed bread and the slightly cooled sausage to the bowl. Gently fold everything together until the bread is evenly soaked. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press down lightly. Scatter the reserved cheese and bell pepper pieces over the top.
Step 5: Rest (Optional) and Preheat: (Optional) Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350F (175C).
Step 6: Bake and Finish: Uncover the baking dish and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is deeply golden brown and the center is set (a knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean).
Step 7: Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle with additional sliced scallions or chives for garnish before cutting into squares and serving warm.
