Savory Paula Deen Breakfast Casserole Recipe for Morning Joy

Paula Deen’s breakfast casserole transforms ordinary morning ingredients into a soul-warming culinary masterpiece.

Layers of melted cheese, tender eggs, and golden bread create a symphony of Southern comfort.

This hearty dish bursts with flavor, promising to awaken sleepy taste buds and energize sluggish mornings.

Weekend brunches come alive with its irresistible combination of savory elements.

Creamy textures and rich ingredients dance together, crafting a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Families gather around the table, drawn by its inviting aroma and promise of deliciousness.

Jump into this recipe and experience a breakfast that turns ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

What to Use for Paula Deen’s Breakfast Casserole

• Bread Cubes: Opt for day-old or slightly stale bread for better texture and absorption of flavors.

• Pork Sausage, Sage: Choose fresh ground sausage with high fat content for rich flavor; fresh sage adds aromatic depth.

• Whole Milk, Eggs: Select farm-fresh eggs and full-fat milk for creamy, luxurious texture.
• Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Use freshly shredded cheese for superior melting and maximum flavor complexity.

• Cayenne Pepper, Dry Mustard, Salt, Black Pepper: Seek high-quality, fresh ground spices to elevate the overall taste profile; adjust heat levels to personal preference.

• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Choose a spray with neutral flavor to prevent unwanted taste interference.

Equipment Musts for Morning Casseroles – Paula Style

• Large Skillet: Perfect for browning sausage and creating delicious flavor foundations.
• Wooden Spoon: Essential for breaking down and stirring sausage while cooking.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: Ideal size for layering ingredients and creating a hearty casserole.
• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy food release.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Necessary for whisking eggs and creating the creamy base mixture.
• Whisk: Great for blending eggs and seasonings smoothly without lumps.
• Plastic Wrap: Covers casserole during overnight refrigeration to seal in flavors.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Help accurately portion ingredients for perfect taste.

Casserole Prep Instructions from Paula’s Kitchen

• Prep the Cooking Surface

Grab a baking dish and coat it thoroughly with cooking spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.

• Sizzle and Season the Meat

Brown the pork sausage in a skillet, breaking it down while cooking. Sprinkle in fresh sage to enhance the meat’s rich flavor and create an aromatic base for the dish.

• Layer the Foundation

Create a delicious base by spreading buttered bread cubes across the baking dish. Top with the cooked sausage and generously sprinkle both cheddar and monterey jack cheeses to create a mouthwatering foundation.

• Whip Up the Egg Blend

Combine eggs with milk and seasonings in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth, incorporating cayenne and dry mustard to add a subtle kick that will wake up your taste buds.

• Let Flavors Develop

Cover the casserole and refrigerate overnight. This magical resting period allows the ingredients to mingle and develop deep, complex flavors that will make your breakfast extraordinary.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Heat the oven to 350°F. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and bake for about an hour. Look for a golden top that’s bubbling with promise and a center that’s set just right.

• Serve and Savor

Allow the casserole to rest briefly after baking. Slice and serve warm, offering a hot sauce on the side for those who love an extra flavor punch. This incredible breakfast treat will feed a hungry crowd and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Morning Casserole Tips and Flavor Ideas

Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, pepper jack, or gouda to create unique flavor profiles that make the casserole pop with excitement.

Sneak in extra nutrients by adding sautéed spinach, diced bell peppers, or caramelized onions between the bread and sausage layers for added depth and nutrition.

Prepare the entire casserole up to 2 days in advance, keeping it tightly covered in the refrigerator. This makes morning preparation a breeze for busy households or weekend gatherings.

Swap pork sausage with turkey sausage, chorizo, or vegetarian sausage crumbles to accommodate different dietary preferences and keep the dish versatile and exciting.

Delicious Ways to Serve Paula’s Breakfast Casserole

• Pair with Fresh Greens: Serve alongside a crisp mixed salad with light vinaigrette to balance the casserole's richness and add nutritional variety.
• Create Brunch Spread: Complement the dish with fresh fruit platter, mimosas, and additional breakfast classics like bacon or hash browns for a complete morning feast.
• Customize with Condiments: Offer hot sauce, salsa, or herb-infused sour cream as optional toppings, allowing guests to personalize their breakfast experience.
• Weekend Family Gathering: Perfect for large family breakfasts, holiday mornings, or casual weekend get-togethers where everyone can enjoy a hearty, comforting meal together.

Save & Reheat Tips for Breakfast Casserole Leftovers

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Refrigerate Right Away: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze up to 3 months for quick and delicious meal prep. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of milk to prevent dryness and restore the creamy texture.
• Portion and Preserve: Cut casserole into individual servings before storing. This makes grab-and-go breakfasts super easy during busy mornings. Keep refrigerated portions fresh for 3-4 days, ensuring a quick and satisfying meal whenever hunger strikes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 520 kcal

Servings: 8

Hearty Paula Deen Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Paula Deen breakfast casserole combines savory sausage, eggs, and cheese in a comforting morning dish. Perfect for weekend gatherings, this casserole satisfies hungry diners with its rich, layered flavors and easy preparation.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) loose pork breakfast sausage
• 7 eggs
• 3 cups (720 ml) milk
• 1 cup (240 g) shredded white cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 g) shredded sharp yellow cheddar cheese
• 8 thick slices country white bread, buttered and cubed
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp dry mustard
• salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste
• Paula Deen’s hot sauce (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Thoroughly coat a 9×13 inches baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
2. Sausage Preparation: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground pork sausage, breaking it into small crumbles until golden-brown. Fold in freshly chopped sage, distributing the herb’s aromatic flavors evenly throughout the meat.
3. Layering Foundation: Create a uniform base by arranging buttered bread cubes across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Distribute the sautéed sausage mixture evenly over the bread layer, then generously sprinkle shredded cheddar and monterey jack cheeses to form a complete cheese blanket.
4. Egg Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs, whole milk, cayenne pepper, dry mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and well-integrated. Carefully pour the seasoned mixture over the layered ingredients, allowing it to penetrate thoroughly.
5. Chilling and Resting: Cover the casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to meld flavors. Remove from refrigerator and let rest at room temperature while preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
6. Baking: Uncover and bake for 50-60 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the center becomes firm and bubbling. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Optionally, serve with hot sauce for an extra kick of flavor.

Notes

• Overnight Marination Magic: Letting the casserole rest in the refrigerator allows ingredients to absorb flavors deeply, creating a more complex and rich taste profile.
• Sausage Crumbling Technique: Break sausage into small, uniform pieces while cooking to ensure even distribution and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Cheese Layer Precision: Sprinkle cheese evenly to create a complete coverage that melts uniformly and provides a delicious golden-brown top.
• Room Temperature Rest: Allowing the casserole to sit at room temperature before baking helps it cook more evenly and prevents potential temperature shock.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 320 mg