A hearty, cheesy breakfast casserole loaded with bacon, sausage, bread, and eggs. Perfect for weekend breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or make-ahead meal prep.
Description
This breakfast bake combines the comforting flavors of crispy bacon, savory sausage, soft bread, and melty cheese. With a creamy egg mixture and optional vegetables, it’s a filling and flavorful dish that pleases any crowd.
Introduction
Breakfast casseroles are a classic way to feed a family or guests without spending the morning at the stove. This version is packed with protein, bread for structure, and gooey cheese. It’s versatile, easy to assemble, and can be customized with your favorite veggies or cheese types.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Loaded with bacon, sausage, cheese, and bread for a hearty breakfast
• Easy to prep ahead of time
• Flexible — swap in different cheeses or vegetables
• Ideal for brunch or family gatherings
• Golden, cheesy top that’s irresistible
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
• 6–8 slices day-old bread (white, whole grain, or sourdough)
• 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 200 g sausage (or 2 links), cooked and crumbled
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (whole milk or half-and-half for richer texture)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 2 tbsp green onions or parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Butter or oil, for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then drain and crumble.
In the same pan, cook the sausage until browned and crumbly, draining excess grease.
If using bell peppers or onions, sauté lightly for extra flavor.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or oil.
Layer bread slices across the bottom.
Sprinkle bacon, sausage, and vegetables evenly over the bread.
Add most of the shredded cheese, saving some for the top.
Step 3: Make the Egg Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
Optional: add paprika or garlic powder for extra flavor.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole layers.
Press the bread lightly so it absorbs the liquid.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden and set.
Allow to cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
Preparation Time
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
Tips for Best Results
• Use day-old bread: Stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better. Lightly toast fresh bread if necessary.
• Customize add-ins: Mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes are great additions.
• Make-ahead option: Assemble the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.
• Cheese variations: Try Gouda, Swiss, or pepper jack for new flavors.
• Crispy top: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or Parmesan cheese before baking for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, straight from the oven, alongside fresh fruit, breakfast potatoes, or a simple salad. Perfect with coffee, tea, or fresh juice for brunch.
FAQs
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes. Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old?
Yes, lightly toast fresh bread to help it absorb the egg mixture better.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Omit bacon and sausage and add extra vegetables or a vegetarian sausage substitute.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Bacon and Sausage Breakfast Bake is a crowd-pleasing, versatile dish that’s simple to make but feels indulgent. With its gooey cheese, savory meats, and fluffy egg-soaked bread, it’s perfect for weekends, holidays, or any time you want a hearty breakfast.