Breakfast Casserole
Add Preferred SourceI make this hearty, easy Breakfast Casserole recipe when I’ve got a house full of people and need something hearty on the table. It’s loaded with perfectly browned sausage and cheese that melts throughout, while the bell peppers soften into sweet bites. Everything bakes into a golden, bubbly dish that has everyone coming back for seconds.
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I love making this for Thanksgiving morning, Christmas brunch, and Easter gatherings when I need something hearty that feeds a crowd. It’s also great for Mother’s Day and travels well to potlucks, and it’s something you can make ahead of time. It stays fresh in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or freezes for up to 3 months, and reheats easily in the oven or microwave, making it perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Breakfast Casserole with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe instructions card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
Here’s how I make the best breakfast casserole from start to finish.
Preheat and Brown the Sausage
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and heat a large skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. A nonstick skillet keeps everything from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Add sausage and break it apart with a wooden spoon or a meat chopper as it cooks. I use pork sausage, but turkey sausage is also fine.
You’ll want it nicely browned all over, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. The browned bits add so much flavor to the casserole.
Cook the Vegetables
Add the diced onion, red and green pepper, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the pan. If you don’t have fresh onion and fresh garlic, onion powder and garlic powder work in a pinch. You could also use seasoned salt instead of regular salt for more flavor.
Keep cooking for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are soft and the onion turns translucent. The peppers will start to caramelize at the edges, and your kitchen will smell amazing. A mandoline slicer makes dicing the peppers quick and even.
Combine the Mixture
In a large bowl, combine eggs, Gruyere cheese, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese with the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture. You may also stir in some pepperjack cheese for mild heat, or even shredded hash browns, shredded potatoes, or pre-cooked diced ham to further bulk it up.
Mix everything together until well combined. You should whisk eggs thoroughly to coat everything evenly, and you’ll see pockets of melted cheese forming.
Assemble and Bake
Grease a 9×13 casserole dish with butter or cooking spray, then pour mixture in and spread it in an even layer across the bottom. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top so it gets golden and bubbly in the oven.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot throughout and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown at the edges.
Garnish and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, garnish with fresh parsley and chopped chives (or green onions). The herbs add a fresh, bright contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole. Feel free to sprinkle sliced green chiles if you like to add a spicy kick, or crumbled bacon for crunch.
Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing so it holds together better when you serve it.
Enjoy your hearty breakfast casserole!
If you’re bringing this to a potluck, weekend brunch gathering, or Christmas morning spread, keep it warm by wrapping the casserole dish in aluminum foil (I sometimes make it in a disposable aluminum pan for easy clean up)and then a clean kitchen towel. You can also use an insulated casserole carrier to maintain the temperature for up to two hours.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork sausage
- 1 onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 eggs
- ¼ cup chopped chives
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Video
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (180ºC) and heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the pork sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned.1 pound pork sausage
- Stir in the onion, both bell peppers, garlic, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for 7–10 minutes, until the vegetables are soft.1 onion, 1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, 2 garlic cloves, Salt and pepper
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage mixture, Gruyere cheese, half of the cheddar cheese, and the eggs. Mix well.1 ½ cups shredded Gruyere cheese, 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, 6 eggs
- Grease a casserole dish, pour in the mixture, and spread evenly.
- Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and bake for 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
- Garnish with chives and fresh parsley before serving.¼ cup chopped chives, ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Notes
Nutrition
How to Store Leftovers
Let the casserole cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm the entire dish covered with foil in a 350ºF oven until heated through.
For freezing, cut the casserole into portions, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and the eggs will stay creamy without getting watery.
What to Serve With Breakfast Casserole
I usually serve this breakfast or brunch casserole with roasted veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, tomatoes, or chopped broccoli on the side for extra color and nutrition. Sautéed spinach or a simple kale salad with lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and cuts through the richness of the dish.
Serving it with air-fried frozen hash brown potatoes, diced potatoes, tater tots, breakfast sausage, or egg casserole makes it even more filling for a crowd. Toasted sourdough or buttery croissants are great for soaking up any extra egg, and a fresh fruit salad or berries keep things light and refreshing.
You can also set out some Greek yogurt and granola for people who want something lighter. It’s also absolutely delicious with mimosas, fresh-squeezed orange juice, or strong coffee that rounds out the meal perfectly.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
If you’ve loved this classic breakfast casserole, then you should take a look at my other awesome recipes that are just as perfect for the holiday season as they are for busy weekends.
