Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe

Sausage: Provides a savory and flavorful base for the casserole.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.

Milk: Adds creaminess and helps to set the eggs.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the flavor.

Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a sharp, tangy flavor.

Bread cubes: Provide structure and absorb the egg mixture, creating a delightful texture.

To ensure your casserole has a rich and even flavor, try toasting the bread cubes lightly before layering them in the baking dish. This will add a subtle crunch and prevent the bread from becoming too soggy when combined with the egg mixture. Additionally, consider using a mix of cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella for a more complex flavor profile.

• breakfast sausage - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can be seasoned to mimic the flavors of breakfast sausage.

• breakfast sausage - Substitute with vegetarian sausage: For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage which provides similar texture and flavor.

• eggs - Substitute with egg substitute: Egg substitutes like liquid egg replacers or flaxseed meal mixed with water can be used for those avoiding eggs.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk or other plant-based milks can be used for a dairy-free option.

• milk - Substitute with half-and-half: For a richer texture, use half-and-half instead of milk.

• cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella provides a milder flavor and melts well.

• cheddar cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: For a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese which melts similarly to regular cheese.

• bread cubes - Substitute with gluten-free bread cubes: For a gluten-free option, use bread made from gluten-free grains.

• bread cubes - Substitute with hash browns: Hash browns can add a different texture and flavor, making the casserole heartier.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make it soggy.
• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, cut the casserole into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method allows you to take out only what you need.
• Label the freezer-safe bags or containers with the date to keep track of freshness. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This ensures even reheating.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through. Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes to crisp up the top.
• Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through.
• For an added touch, sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top before serving to brighten the flavors.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover sausage and egg casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top if desired.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Cut a portion of the casserole and place it on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. If not heated through, continue in 30-second intervals until hot.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the leftover casserole in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until warmed through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the casserole in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If necessary, extend the time by a couple of minutes until the casserole is hot and the top is crispy.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the casserole on a toaster oven tray.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to keep it moist.
  4. Heat for 15-20 minutes, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

• Skillet: Used to cook the sausage over medium heat until browned.

• Mixing bowl: Used to beat the eggs and mix them with milk, salt, and pepper.

• Whisk: Helps in beating the eggs and mixing them with other ingredients.

• Greased baking dish: The container where you layer the bread cubes, cooked sausage, and shredded cheese, and pour the egg mixture over.

• Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C) to bake the casserole.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the milk and bread cubes accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt and black pepper.

• Spatula: Useful for layering the bread cubes, sausage, and cheese in the baking dish.

• Knife: Used to cut the day-old bread into cubes.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface to cut the bread into cubes.

• Colander: Used to drain any excess fat from the cooked sausage.

• Oven mitts: Protect your hands when placing the baking dish in the oven and taking it out.

• Timer: Helps you keep track of the 45 minutes baking time.

Pre-cook the sausage: Cook the sausage the night before and store it in the fridge. This will save you time in the morning.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheese to cut down on prep time.

Prep the bread cubes: Cube the bread a day in advance and let it sit out to become slightly stale, which works best for the recipe.

Mix the egg mixture ahead: Combine the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper the night before and store in the fridge.

Assemble the night before: Layer the bread cubes, sausage, and cheese in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate. Pour the egg mixture over it in the morning and bake.