Wake up your taste buds with the ultimate Southern comfort food: Paula Deen's Breakfast Casserole! This hearty dish is perfect for lazy weekend mornings or special family gatherings, combining savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheese all baked to perfection. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of love, you can whip up a breakfast that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to become a breakfast staple in your home!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 2 cups shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until the sausage is completely browned and no pink remains, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- While the sausage is cooking, cube the bread into 1-inch pieces. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined and smooth.
- Drain any excess grease from the cooked sausage and add the sausage to the cubed bread.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and sausage, gently stirring to ensure all bread pieces are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.
- Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. The casserole should be slightly puffy and not jiggly when done.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
- Slice into squares and serve hot. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for added color and freshness.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh breakfast sausage and high-quality cheese. You can even experiment with different types of cheese, like pepper jack or gouda, for a unique twist!
- Let It Rest: After baking, allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving much easier.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the mix for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them with the sausage for a few minutes before combining.
- Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just pop it in the oven in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast!
- Serve with Style: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. A side of fruit or a light salad can also complement this hearty dish beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 220mg
