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- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy) - 6 large eggs - 2 cups milk (whole or 2% recommended) - 4 cups cubed bread (day-old or toasted) - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 cup diced bell peppers (red and green for color) - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - ½ cup chopped green onions - ½ cup salsa (optional, for serving) The key to this cheesy sausage breakfast casserole lies in the ingredients. You start with breakfast sausage, which adds a savory and hearty base. You can choose mild or spicy sausage, depending on your taste. The eggs and milk create a rich, custardy texture that binds everything together. Next, the cubed bread soaks up all the flavors. For best results, use day-old or toasted bread. It holds up better when mixed with wet ingredients. Fresh bread can turn mushy. Seasoning is crucial. Salt and black pepper bring out the flavors. Garlic and onion powder add savory depth. Diced bell peppers not only add color but also a bit of crunch. Finally, we can’t forget the cheese. Sharp cheddar gives a nice tang and melts beautifully. You can also add fresh toppings like green onions or salsa for a burst of flavor. This combination of ingredients makes for a delicious and satisfying breakfast dish that you will want to share with friends and family. Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add your breakfast sausage. Cook until the sausage is browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces as it cooks. This step is key. You want even bits for great flavor and texture. Once it’s done, drain any extra fat. Set the sausage aside in a bowl. In a large mixing bowl, crack 6 large eggs. Add 2 cups of milk. Use a whisk to mix well. Make sure there are no egg streaks left. Then, add 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. This seasoning blend is important. It gives the casserole a tasty kick. Whisk until everything is blended smoothly. Now, it’s time to put it all together! Add 4 cups of cubed bread to the egg mixture. Then, mix in the cooked sausage and 1 cup of diced bell peppers. Add only half of the 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Gently fold all the ingredients together. Make sure the bread gets coated. This way, every bite is full of flavor. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Pour the mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the rest of the cheese and sprinkle ½ cup of chopped green onions on top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You'll know it’s done when the middle is set and the top is golden and bubbly. To make your casserole pop, add spices like paprika or cayenne. These spices bring warmth and depth to the dish. You can also swap cheeses for a twist. Try mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for some heat. Each cheese brings a new flavor. For a fluffy casserole, use stale bread. Day-old bread absorbs the egg mixture better. If you want a denser dish, fresh bread works well. The type of bread matters too. A crusty, hearty bread gives great texture while soft bread may become mushy. When serving, slice the casserole into squares. Place them on a large platter for family gatherings. Drizzle with salsa for a splash of color. Garnish with chopped cilantro or extra green onions. These touches make your dish look as good as it tastes. {{image_2}} You can make this casserole vegetarian. Just swap the sausage for plant-based sausage. These alternatives taste great and add nice flavor. You can also use extra protein sources. Tofu or beans work well to keep it filling. Just crumble the tofu and mix it with the other ingredients. For a gluten-free version, choose the right bread. Look for gluten-free bread at the store. You can also make your own if you want. Be sure all other ingredients are gluten-free. Check labels on cheese, spices, and sauces to avoid gluten. Add exciting flavors to your casserole. Try spicy jalapenos for heat. You can also use Italian herbs like oregano or basil. These make the dish pop. Family favorites can also mix in well. Consider adding spinach or mushrooms for extra taste and texture. You can keep the casserole in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. To maintain freshness, seal it well. Use an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This helps keep moisture in and odors out. For freezing leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Cut it into single servings for easy use. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This keeps them fresh for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm. To reheat without drying out, cover the casserole with foil. Heat in the oven until warm and bubbly. You can also use the microwave; just add a splash of milk to keep it moist. If you want to get creative, add toppings like salsa or avocado. You can also use leftovers in a breakfast burrito or on toast for a fun twist! Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before. This saves time in the morning. To do this, follow these steps: - Cook the sausage and let it cool. - Mix the eggs, milk, and seasonings as usual. - Combine the bread, sausage, and veggies in a bowl. - Pour the egg mixture over the top and stir gently. - Cover the dish with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 40-45 minutes. Check if it is set in the middle and golden on top. The best bread for this casserole is day-old or toasted bread. Here are some great options: - White bread - Whole wheat bread - French bread - Sourdough bread These types soak up the egg mixture well. They also give a nice texture to the dish. To adjust the serving size, you can scale the recipe up or down easily. Here’s how: - To serve more people, double the ingredients. Use a larger baking dish if needed. - For fewer servings, cut the ingredients in half. A smaller dish works best. Make sure to keep the baking time similar. Check for doneness by looking for a set middle. Yes, you can use other meats in this casserole. Here are some tasty alternatives: - Bacon: Cooked and crumbled for a smoky flavor. - Ham: Diced ham can add a nice touch. - Turkey sausage: A leaner option for a healthier twist. Feel free to mix and match your favorite meats. This gives you more ways to enjoy the dish! This casserole combines hearty sausage, eggs, and spices in a simple way. You can customize it with different breads, cheeses, and add-ins. Remember, the key to a great dish lies in the balance of flavors and textures. You can also explore vegetarian and gluten-free options, ensuring everyone can enjoy it. Whether for brunch or dinner, serve it with fresh herbs or toppings for a festive touch. Try it out, and make it your own!

Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Start your day off right with this delicious Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole! Packed with savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheddar cheese, this easy recipe is perfect for brunch or family breakfasts. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! With the colorful addition of bell peppers and a hint of spices, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Click through to explore the full recipe and savor every bite of this hearty dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)

6 large eggs

2 cups milk

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

4 cups cubed bread (preferably day-old or toasted)

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup diced bell peppers (red and green for color)

½ cup chopped green onions

½ cup salsa (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

    In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set aside.

      In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.

        Add the cubed bread, cooked sausage, diced bell peppers, and half of the shredded cheese to the egg mixture. Gently fold everything together until the bread is well coated and the ingredients are evenly distributed.

          Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining shredded cheese and sprinkle chopped green onions on top.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the middle and the top is golden and bubbly.

              Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Slice into squares and serve warm with salsa if desired.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 8

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve slices on a platter, drizzled with additional salsa, and garnish with fresh cilantro or extra green onions for color.