Breakfast Casserole

Start your morning right with this hearty Breakfast Casserole loaded with savory sausage, fluffy eggs, melty cheese, and colorful veggies. It’s easy to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for busy mornings, brunch gatherings, or meal prep.

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Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork sausage
• 12 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream (light or regular, about 240 g)
• ¼ cup milk (60 ml)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 4 green onions, chopped
• ½ green bell pepper, diced
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (200 g)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Make the Egg Mixture:
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sour cream, milk, cheese, salt, and pepper until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.
3. Cook the Sausage:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the pork sausage until browned, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain most of the grease, then add the sausage to the bowl with the egg mixture.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In the same skillet, sauté the chopped green onions and bell peppers for 2–3 minutes, just until slightly softened. Add them to the egg and sausage mixture and stir well to combine.
5. Assemble and Bake:
   Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 35–50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly.
6. Cool and Serve:
   Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat as needed — it’s even better the next day!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for feeding a crowd: Great for brunch, holidays, or family gatherings.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prep it the night before and bake in the morning.
• Protein-packed and satisfying: Keeps you full for hours.
• Customizable: Easy to adapt with your favorite mix-ins.

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Tips

• Don’t overbake: Remove the casserole when the center is still slightly jiggly — it will finish cooking as it rests.
• Drain the sausage well: Too much grease can make the casserole heavy.
• Let it rest: Waiting a few minutes before serving helps the casserole set and slice cleanly.
• Use freshly shredded cheese: It melts better than pre-shredded varieties.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Meat options: Swap sausage for bacon, ham, turkey sausage, or even chorizo.
• Vegetarian version: Omit the meat and load it up with mushrooms, spinach, or diced zucchini.
• Cheese swaps: Try Monterey Jack, Swiss, or mozzarella for a new flavor.
• Add carbs: Stir in cooked hash browns or cubed bread for a heartier casserole.
• Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese.

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FAQs

Can I make this breakfast casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Bake it, cool completely, then freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.

How can I tell when it’s done baking?
The edges should be golden and set, and the center should barely jiggle when shaken. Insert a knife in the middle — it should come out clean.

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Serving and Suggestions

Serve your breakfast casserole warm with:

• Fresh fruit or a simple fruit salad
• Crispy hash browns or roasted potatoes
• Toast, biscuits, or croissants
• A dollop of salsa, sour cream, or hot sauce on top

It’s the perfect make-ahead meal for holidays, meal prep, or weekend brunches — hearty, delicious, and easy to love! 🍳