Savory Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe for Cozy Mornings

Mornings feel magical when an italian sausage breakfast casserole emerges from the kitchen, promising comfort and deliciousness.

Savory aromas will dance through your living space, awakening sleepy appetites.

Hearty ingredients combine in a delightful melody of flavor and texture.

Weekend brunch demands something special that satisfies deeply and brings people together.

Layers of melted cheese, crisp vegetables, and spiced sausage create a memorable meal.

Families gather around the table, eager to share this warm and inviting dish.

Each bite tells a story of comfort and nourishment.

You’ll want to make this casserole your weekend breakfast tradition.

Store and Reheat Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole Like a Pro

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Cover the casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and protect against absorption of other food odors.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or restore the entire casserole in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
• Due to the egg and bread composition, this casserole does not freeze well and may become watery or lose its original texture when thawed.

Pairings That Match Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole

• Pair this hearty Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole with complementary beverages and sides.
• Rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee cuts through the casserole's richness, balancing its robust sausage and cheese flavors with smooth, aromatic notes.
• Serve chilled orange juice or a tangy grapefruit mimosa to brighten the dish's savory profile and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Add a light mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to provide a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to the casserole's warm, cheesy texture.

New Spins on Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace bread cubes with riced cauliflower, creating a gluten-free and lower-carbohydrate breakfast casserole perfect for keto dieters.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute Italian sausage with plant-based crumbles or roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach for a meat-free version.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Casserole: Trade Italian seasonings for jalapeños, swap mozzarella with pepper jack cheese, and add chorizo for a zesty breakfast bake with southwestern flavors.
• Gluten-Free Bread Alternative: Use gluten-free bread cubes or almond flour-based bread to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities while maintaining the casserole's hearty texture.

Common Questions About This Breakfast Casserole

• Can I use different types of bread for this casserole?

Yes, you can use any sturdy bread like sourdough, French bread, or day-old bread. Just ensure the bread cubes are similar in size for even cooking.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake it directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Substitute regular sausage with turkey sausage, use low-fat cheese, and add more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to increase nutritional value.

• Can I freeze this breakfast casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing before baking, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. If freezing after baking, cool completely, wrap tightly, and reheat in the oven.

Why Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole Works Any Time

• The one-pan cooking method reduces dishes and saves time, perfect for weekday mornings or lazy weekend brunches.
• Packed with Italian sausage, melted cheeses, and colorful vegetables, this dish guarantees smiles around the breakfast table.
• Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by swapping ingredients or serving with a side salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole

• Italian Sausage: Rich meat that provides hearty flavor and protein for the breakfast dish, choose a spicy or mild version based on preference.
• Eggs: Binding ingredient that creates the casserole's creamy texture, fresh large eggs work best.

• Milk: Creates smooth custard-like consistency in the casserole.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds creamy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp, salty finish to the dish.

• Onion: Adds depth and aromatic base to the casserole, yellow or white varieties recommended.
• Bell Peppers: Introduces color and mild sweetness, red or green peppers work well.
• Bread Cubes: Absorbs egg mixture and creates substantial base for the casserole, day-old bread is ideal.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity to the dish.

Baking Up the Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Veggies

• Diced onion
• Chopped bell peppers

Drain any excess grease from the pan.

Step 3: Whip Up the Egg Mixture

• Eggs
• Milk
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk until well blended.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Spread bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the dish.

Step 5: Layer the Sausage

Spoon the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture over the bread cubes.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly across the top.

Step 7: Pour the Egg Mixture

Carefully pour the whisked egg mixture over the entire casserole.

Step 8: Top with Parmesan

Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven.

Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes.

Look for a set center and golden-brown top.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes.

Slice and serve while warm.

Tricks to Master Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select high-quality Italian sausage and crisp vegetables for maximum flavor and texture in your casserole.
• Drain Excess Grease: Remove extra fat from sausage to prevent a greasy breakfast dish and maintain a lighter, more appetizing meal.
• Customize Bread Selection: Use day-old bread or brioche for a richer taste, or opt for whole wheat bread to make the casserole more nutritious.
• Adjust Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles that suit your taste.
• Prep Ahead for Convenience: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate, then bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast that saves time and effort.

Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Italian sausage breakfast casserole brings comfort and flavor to morning tables, blending savory ingredients into a satisfying one-pan meal. Rich layers of cheese, eggs, and spicy sausage promise delicious energy you’ll crave from first bite to last.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 6 large eggs

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced

Dairy and Bread:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) milk
• 6 slices white or Italian bread, cut into cubes
• 1 ½ cups (170 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Sauté Italian sausage with finely chopped onions and vibrant bell peppers in a skillet, cooking until meat turns golden brown and vegetables become tender and translucent.
3. Remove excess oil from the sausage mixture to ensure a lighter, less greasy casserole.
4. Create a smooth egg base by whisking eggs with milk, seasoning with salt and black pepper until fully integrated.
5. Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
6. Create a foundational layer by evenly distributing bread cubes across the bottom of the prepared dish.
7. Distribute the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture uniformly over the bread layer.
8. Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese to add creamy texture and rich flavor.
9. Carefully pour the prepared egg mixture over the entire casserole, ensuring even coverage.
10. Finish by dusting the surface with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory touch.
11. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes.
12. Verify doneness by checking that the center is completely set and the top has achieved a golden-brown color.
13. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, which helps the ingredients settle and makes slicing easier.
14. Serve warm, cutting into hearty portions that showcase all the delicious layers.

Notes

• Swap bread with gluten-free alternatives like cauliflower crust or almond flour bread for a celiac-friendly version.
• Use turkey or chicken sausage to reduce fat and create a leaner breakfast option without sacrificing flavor.
• Prep ingredients the night before and assemble quickly in the morning for a stress-free breakfast that looks impressive.
• Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and extra freshness that elevates the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg