Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Breakfast casseroles check all the boxes. They're easy to put together, they serve a crowd, and most—including this sausage breakfast casserole—can even be made ahead!

This casserole is loaded with savory sausage, crisp hash browns, eggs, and a generous helping of cheddar cheese. To make it, you cook up some sausage and bell pepper in a skillet, then whisk them into the eggs, along with thawed frozen hash browns and shredded cheese. Then just pop the dish into the oven to bake. About an hour later, you have perfectly tender potatoes, fluffy eggs, and gloriously melty cheese. Serve this show-stopper for your next breakfast, brunch, or breakfast for dinner!

What's the difference between a breakfast casserole and a frittata?

While they're both delicious egg dishes, breakfast casseroles and frittatas aren't the same. Frittatas are usually started on the stovetop in a skillet and finished in the same pan in the oven. They have a texture closer to an omelette.

A breakfast casserole, by contrast, is baked entirely in the oven. It leans creamier and richer thanks to an egg-and-dairy custard base. And while it can feature many of the same mix-ins as a frittata, a casserole almost always includes a starchy layer—like bread or potatoes—that soaks up all that custard and gives it a cozy, substantial feel.

What else can you add to sausage breakfast casserole?

It's easy to switch up the ingredients in this forgiving recipe. You can replace the green onions with finely diced yellow onion, throw in a handful of spinach for extra greens, or even fold in bite-sized pieces of broccoli. Fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley, thyme, or chives, would be a delicious, bright addition to the casserole.

Can you put a casserole dish from the fridge straight into the oven?

No, you should never place a cold casserole dish in a hot oven. The drastic temperature change can cause the dish to crack! Instead, let the casserole hang out on the countertop for about 30 minutes before baking. Pull it out of the fridge a few minutes before preheating the oven, and you'll be safe.

Why is my breakfast casserole soggy?

When making any breakfast casserole that includes eggs, the moisture content of the other ingredients can affect the final texture. Whatever kind of vegetables you use in this dish, it's best to sauté them on the stove before folding them into the egg mixture to remove excess moisture. If you're considering a different kind of cheese, you're best off with a low-moisture variety (not fresh mozzarella or feta, for example). Pick something firm, like cheddar, pepper jack, or parmesan.

What do you serve with sausage breakfast casserole?

With a hearty combination of sausage, eggs, vegetables, and potatoes, this breakfast casserole can certainly stand alone. But for holiday or special occasion brunches when you want a full spread, a simple fruit salad goes wonderfully with this breakfast casserole. And who could say no to a round of mimosas or classic Bloody Marys?

Should breakfast casseroles be covered when baking?

Yes, covering the casserole with foil while baking prevents it from drying out. This breakfast bake is covered for most of its time in the oven. Towards the end, you'll remove the foil, sprinkle the casserole with cheese, and crank the oven up to 400 degrees. After another 15 minutes, it should be fully set, the cheese will be melted, and the top will be golden brown.

Can you freeze sausage breakfast casserole?

Yes! Bake the casserole and let it cool completely. Then wrap the baking dish or any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Let the casserole thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, covered, in a 350-degree oven until warmed through.

How long can egg and sausage casserole sit out?

Don't let this casserole sit out for more than two hours. If it's hot out (90 degrees or above), it shouldn't sit out for more than one hour. When it's not being served, play it safe and stick the casserole in the fridge.

How long does breakfast casserole last in the fridge?

Cooked, this casserole will stay good for up to four days, tightly covered, in the refrigerator.

What's the best way to reheat sausage breakfast casserole?

Reheat individual portions in the microwave. For larger portions, cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in a 350-degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until warmed through.

Can sausage breakfast casserole be made ahead of time?

This breakfast casserole can be assembled, covered, and refrigerated for up to one day before baking. While the oven preheats, let the casserole sit at room temperature to knock off some of the chill.

Can you use a different kind of potato for the casserole?

Instead of frozen hash browns, you can substitute a different kind of frozen potato, such as tots, diced potatoes, or wedges.