Sausage, Egg, And Cheese Casserole: Cooking Time Perfection

A sausage, egg, and cheese casserole is a delicious breakfast option that can be prepared in advance and is perfect for feeding a crowd. The cooking time for this dish varies depending on the specific recipe used, but it typically ranges from 30 to 45 minutes in the oven at a temperature of around 350°F (177°C). Some recipes also include a step to brown the sausage before assembling the casserole, which would add a few extra minutes to the overall preparation time. This hearty breakfast dish is a great way to start the day and can be customized with different types of cheese, vegetables, and spices to suit individual tastes.

How to make sausage egg and cheese casserole in a baking dish

How to make sausage, egg, and cheese casserole in a baking dish

This sausage, egg, and cheese casserole is a hearty and delicious breakfast option that can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy mornings or special occasions. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make it using a baking dish:

Ingredients:

• Ground pork sausage
• Eggs
• Milk
• Bread
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Mustard powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Other optional ingredients: bell peppers, onions, sour cream, spinach, zucchini, etc.

Instructions:

• Browning the Sausage: Start by browning and crumbling the ground pork sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Drain the excess grease and set the cooked sausage aside.
• Combining the Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and add milk, salt, mustard (if using), and any other desired seasonings. Stir in the bread cubes, shredded cheese, and cooked sausage. You can also add other ingredients like bell peppers, onions, or vegetables of your choice.
• Preparing the Baking Dish: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or an 11x7-inch baking dish, depending on the size of your casserole. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
• Chilling (Optional): If you have time, cover the baking dish and chill it in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight. This step is optional but helps the flavors develop and makes the casserole easier to prepare in the morning.
• Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F. If you chilled the casserole, remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake the uncovered casserole for 30-45 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. The casserole is done when the center is set and no longer jiggly.
• Serving: This sausage, egg, and cheese casserole is a meal in itself, but you can serve it with fresh fruit or yogurt on the side if desired.

Storage and Reheating:

• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the baked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to brown the sausage

Browning the sausage is an important step in making a sausage and egg casserole. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Preparing the Sausage:

Before you start cooking, make sure you have good-quality sausage meat. You can use mild, original, maple, or zesty sausage, depending on your preference. If you want a leaner option, go for turkey sausage, or add a spicy kick with chorizo.

Cooking the Sausage:

Place a skillet over medium heat. Take your sausage meat and start to brown it in the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. Make sure to keep stirring and crumbling the sausage so that it cooks evenly and doesn't burn.

Draining the Grease:

Once the sausage is cooked, it's important to drain the excess grease. Place the cooked sausage on a plate covered with paper towels to absorb the grease. This will help ensure that your casserole isn't too greasy.

Preparing the Sausage for the Casserole:

At this point, you can set the cooked sausage aside until you're ready to assemble the casserole. If you're making the casserole right away, simply add the cooked sausage to the rest of your ingredients and stir well. If you're making it ahead of time, let the sausage cool down and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it.

Tips for Browning Sausage:

• Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the sausage to ensure even cooking.
• Break up the sausage into small pieces as it cooks to ensure it cooks through and crumbles easily.
• Drain the grease thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole.
• If making the casserole ahead of time, let the sausage cool before storing it in the refrigerator.

How to assemble the ingredients

To assemble the ingredients for a sausage, egg, and cheese casserole, you'll need to gather the following:

Ingredients

• Eggs: You'll need 6-10 eggs, depending on the size of your casserole and the number of people you're serving.
• Sausage: Opt for regular ground pork sausage, or choose a variety such as maple, Italian, or chorizo for added flavor. You'll need about 1-2 pounds.
• Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is a popular choice, but you can also use mild, aged, or extra-sharp cheddar, or even substitute another variety like Parmesan, Swiss, or pepper jack. Plan for about 1-2 cups of shredded cheese.
• Milk: Use 2% milk, or experiment with whole milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream for a richer casserole.
• Bread: Hearty white sandwich bread works well and helps improve the texture of the casserole. Cube the bread into small pieces.
• Seasonings: A tiny bit of ground mustard adds a nice zing to the casserole, and you can also include salt and pepper to taste.

Preparation

Before assembling your casserole, you'll want to prepare the individual ingredients:

• Brown the sausage in a skillet, crumbling it as it cooks. Drain the excess grease and set the sausage aside.
• Beat the eggs in a large bowl.
• If using milk, add it to the eggs and stir to combine.
• If using bread, cut it into cubes and lightly toast or dry them.
• Shred the cheese if you haven't already.
• Chop any additional vegetables you plan to include, such as bell peppers, onions, spinach, or zucchini.

Once your ingredients are prepared, simply combine them in a large bowl, stirring well to mix everything together. Then, pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and you're ready to bake your sausage, egg, and cheese casserole!

How to store leftovers

Sausage, egg, and cheese casseroles are a great way to feed a crowd, but you may still find yourself with leftovers. Here are some tips on how to store them.

Leftover sausage and egg casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. To reheat, place the casserole in the microwave at a reduced power level until hot. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

If you want to freeze your leftovers, cut the casserole into individual servings and wrap them in a paper towel before placing them in freezer bags. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to two months. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Some recipes suggest that you can store the leftovers in the baking dish, covered tightly, and then reheat the entire dish when you're ready to enjoy it again.

How to reheat leftovers

To reheat individual slices of your sausage, egg, and cheese casserole, use the microwave in 30-second increments until hot. To reheat the whole casserole, cover it with foil and place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.

If you have frozen your casserole, you can reheat it in the oven for about 25 minutes at 350°F until the center is warm. There is no need to thaw it first.

Frequently asked questions