Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about starting the weekend with the savory aromas of this Italian sausage breakfast casserole wafting through the kitchen—it’s like a big, warm hug in the form of a delicious, cheesy bake.

Beginning the day with this Italian breakfast casserole makes me downright happy. It’s composed of layers of protein-rich eggs, hearty Italian sausage, and a mélange of red and green bell peppers.

For a morning casserole, that’s a lot of nutrition. And a lot of flavor, too, thanks to an irresistible combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, which (I think) makes for the right amount of creaminess; and to herbs like oregano and basil, which infuse the dish with delightful Italian flavors.

Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe Ingredients

• Italian Sausage: Rich in protein, delivering hearty and robust flavors.
• Eggs: Packed with protein and essential nutrients, providing a fluffy texture.
• Bell Peppers: Add color, vitamin C, and a subtle sweetness to the dish.
• Whole Milk: Contributes creaminess and a touch of richness to the casserole.
• Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheese: Offer melty goodness and extra calcium.
• Day-Old Bread: Absorbs flavors and adds structure to the casserole.
• Garlic: Infuses a delicious savory aroma and flavor.

Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe Ingredient Quantities

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• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 cups cubed day-old bread
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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How to Make this Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

1. Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and let it heat up. While it is coming up to temperature, oil a 9×13 inch casserole dish with a tiny bit of olive oil, spreading it with a paper towel or your fingers to ensure even coverage.

2. In a big frying pan over medium heat, pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and add the Italian sausage. Using a spatula, break the sausage apart as it cooks until it is nicely browned and fully cooked. Scooping the cooked sausage out with a slotted spoon, transfer it to a plate. The next step is to prepare the sauce.

3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté until the veggies are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. In a big bowl, combine together the eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, and oregano and basil with a whisk.

5. Combine the egg mixture with cooked sausage, veggies, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and bread cubes.

6. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. If you want, you can sprinkle the top with fresh parsley.

7. Allow the casserole to sit for approximately 10 minutes so that the bread can soak up the egg mixture.

8. Make sure you cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

9. Take off the foil and keep on baking for 15 to 20 more minutes, or until the top is a nice golden brown and the eggs have set.

10. Let the casserole cool for a bit before cutting it into slices. Serve it up warm and enjoy!

Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9×13 inch casserole dish
3. Paper towel or fingers (for spreading oil)
4. Large frying pan
5. Spatula
6. Slotted spoon
7. Plate
8. Knife (for chopping)
9. Cutting board
10. Large bowl
11. Whisk
12. Aluminum foil

FAQ

• Q: Can I prepare this casserole the night before?A: Yes, it can be assembled the night before, covered, and refrigerated. In the morning, while the oven is preheating, let it sit at room temperature.
• Q: Can I use a different type of bread?A: For sure. Any strong bread like sourdough or French bread works well in this recipe.
• Q: Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?A: Indeed, swap out the milk for a non-dairy option and go with cheese that contains no dairy.
• Q: Can I add extra vegetables?Absolutely. Include mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for additional taste and nourishment.
• Q: How long should I bake the casserole?A: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. It’s done when the center is set and the top has turned a lovely golden color.
• Q: What can I serve with this casserole?A: It makes an excellent companion to a fresh fruit salad or a basic green salad, lending balance to breakfast or brunch.
• Q: Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?A: Yes, turkey sausage can be a healthier alternative, and it will still be delicious in this dish.

Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

One pound of Italian sausage, without the casings – For a lighter option, use turkey sausage or vegetarian sausage.
1 cup whole milk – Substitute with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Substitute Monterey Jack or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
– Replace with provolone or fontina. Alternative options include gouda, havarti, or gruyere.
Use 4 cups of bread that has been cubed and left to sit for a day. For a heartier texture, opt for sourdough or whole grain bread.

Pro Tips

Here are some pro tips to elevate this casserole recipe:

1. Pre-Bake Bread Lightly toast the day-old bread cubes in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes before combining them with the other ingredients. This helps enhance their flavor and ensures they hold up well when soaked with the egg mixture.

2. Enhance Flavor Consider deglazing the skillet after cooking the sausage with a splash of white wine or chicken broth to capture any browned bits. Let it reduce slightly before adding the onions and peppers.

3. Cheese Mix For a more complex flavor, substitute part of the cheddar or mozzarella with a sharper cheese like Gruyère or a pinch of Parmesan.

4. Vegetable Variations Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach when cooking the peppers and onions. These will add more nutrients and depth to the dish.

5. Overnight Soak For a more intense flavor, prepare the casserole up to step 7 the night before, cover, and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld and the bread to soak thoroughly. Just remember to let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.