Rustic Morning Bliss: Hearty Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Weekends call for something special, and this delectable Italian sausage breakfast casserole promises pure morning comfort.

Layers of rich, savory ingredients blend seamlessly to create a morning masterpiece.

Packed with robust flavors and hearty textures, the casserole delivers a satisfying meal that awakens every sense.

Crisp edges, melted cheese, and perfectly seasoned sausage promise a delightful start to any day.

Each bite tells a story of warmth and culinary passion.

The golden, bubbling surface hints at the deliciousness waiting underneath.

You’ll want to gather around the table and savor every single morsel of this irresistible breakfast delight.

Ingredient List for Sausage Breakfast Bake

• Italian Sausage: Adds robust, spicy flavor and hearty texture to the casserole, choosing fresh ground sausage ensures maximum taste and juiciness.
• Eggs: Binding powerhouse that creates creamy structure and provides rich protein source, select farm-fresh eggs for best results.

• Onion: Delivers subtle sweetness and aromatic depth, selecting yellow onions provides balanced flavor profile.
• Bell Peppers: Introduces vibrant color and crisp texture, mixing red and green peppers creates beautiful visual appeal.

• Bread Cubes: Creates foundational layer with soft, absorbent texture, day-old bread works best for maintaining structural integrity.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides creamy, melty element that adds luxurious smoothness, selecting fresh whole milk mozzarella ensures superior stretchy quality.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes sharp, salty note with nutty undertones, using freshly grated cheese intensifies overall flavor profile.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind ingredients together, whole milk creates richer, more indulgent consistency.
• Salt: Enhances and balances overall taste, using kosher salt provides more controlled seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and aromatic complexity, freshly ground pepper delivers more vibrant flavor.

Tools You’ll Need for This Hearty Casserole

• Large Skillet: Perfect for browning sausage and sautéing onions and peppers.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for whisking eggs and milk together.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Provides the right space for layering and baking the casserole.
• Whisk: Helps blend eggs and milk smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions and bell peppers.
• Sharp Knife: Used for dicing vegetables.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula: Helps drain grease and transfer sausage mixture.

Making Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350°F, getting ready for a delicious morning feast.

• Sizzle the Protein

Brown the Italian sausage with chopped onions and bell peppers in a hot skillet, letting the flavors dance and mingle. Drain away any extra grease.

• Whip the Liquid Magic

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk eggs with milk, seasoning with salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.

• Build the Casserole Base

Lovingly grease a baking dish and spread bread cubes across the bottom like a comfy blanket.

• Layer the Flavor Explosion

Scatter the sausage and veggie mixture over the bread, then shower mozzarella cheese on top.

• Pour and Cover

Gently cascade the egg mixture across the entire dish, ensuring every corner gets some love.

• Sprinkle the Final Touch

Dust the top with grated Parmesan for a delightful crispy finish.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and set.

• Rest and Serve

Let the casserole catch its breath for 5-10 minutes before slicing into this morning masterpiece.

Pro Tips for Morning Casserole Perfection

• Assemble the casserole the night before, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Pop it in the oven in the morning for a stress-free breakfast that's ready in minutes.
• Replace regular bread with gluten-free bread cubes to make this dish celiac-friendly without sacrificing flavor or texture.
• Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to boost vegetable content and create a more nutrient-packed breakfast casserole that's both delicious and wholesome.
• Incorporate red pepper flakes or swap Italian sausage for spicy chorizo to give the casserole an extra kick of heat and excitement for those who love bold flavors.

Serving a Slice of Breakfast Comfort

• Brunch Party Delight: Serve this casserole at a weekend gathering with close friends, creating a relaxed morning atmosphere with mimosas and fresh fruit.
• Hearty Side Companions: Pair with crispy hash browns, fresh green salad, or tangy fruit compote to balance the rich, savory flavors of the casserole.
• Weekend Recovery Meal: Perfect for post-workout brunch or after a late night out, providing protein-packed energy and comforting warmth to help restore your appetite.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare the entire casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast that feeds multiple people quickly.

How to Prep and Store the Breakfast Bake

• Whip up multiple casseroles during weekend meal prep, storing extras in freezer-safe containers for quick weekday breakfasts.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety when refrigerated promptly after cooling.
• Wrap individual portions or entire casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, keeping delicious breakfast ready for up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then warm in oven at 350F for 1520 minutes until heated through, maintaining crispy top and creamy texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 8

Hearty Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savor hearty Italian sausage breakfast casserole that blends robust flavors of spicy sausage, eggs, and melted cheese. Comfort meets convenience in this easy one-pan morning delight you’ll crave from first bite to last.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (454 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 6 large eggs
• 6 slices white or Italian bread, cut into cubes
• 2 cups (480 ml) milk
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sausage Sauté: Brown Italian sausage with onions and bell peppers in a skillet over medium heat, thoroughly draining any excess fat to ensure a crisp, flavorful base.
2. Egg Preparation: Whisk eggs with milk, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined, creating a rich custard foundation.
3. Layering Foundation: Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then evenly distribute bread cubes across the bottom, forming a rustic, textured base.
4. Protein and Vegetable Distribution: Spread the sautéed sausage and vegetable mixture uniformly over the bread cubes, ensuring balanced coverage.
5. Cheese Infusion: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the surface, followed by a generous coating of grated Parmesan for added depth and complexity.
6. Custard Incorporation: Gently pour the egg mixture over the entire casserole, allowing it to seep into all layers and create a cohesive, custardy texture.
7. Baking Process: Place in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and a firmly set center.
8. Resting and Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, which helps it set and makes slicing easier, then serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

• Remove excess grease completely from sausage and vegetables to prevent a soggy casserole base and maintain crisp texture.
• Use day-old or slightly stale bread cubes to absorb egg mixture without becoming too mushy, ensuring perfect consistency.
• Sprinkle cheeses evenly for uniform flavor and melting, creating a balanced bite in every serving.
• Ensure casserole reaches internal temperature of 160°F to guarantee eggs are fully cooked and sausage is safe to consume.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 150mg