Easy Cheesy Breakfast Casserole
A hearty and cheesy breakfast casserole combining sausage, mushrooms, and eggs with a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for weekend brunch or family mornings, its savory flavors and comforting texture make it a crowd-pleaser for breakfast or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Brown sausage with chopped onion in a skillet; drain and set aside.
- Wipe out the same skillet with paper towel and melt 1 1/2 tablespoons butter.
- Add beaten eggs to the skillet and scramble lightly.
- Fold in mushrooms and sausage mixture; set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over low heat.
- Add salt, white pepper, and flour; cook and stir until blended.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Stir in cubed cheese until melted.
- Add dry mustard and blend well.
- Fold the cheese sauce into the egg mixture.
- Pour the combined mixture into a buttered casserole dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes until golden and set.
- Can be made ahead, refrigerated, and reheated before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using spicy sausage or adding diced bell peppers along with the onions. If you're out of Cheddar cheese, feel free to substitute with Monterey Jack or a blend of your favorites. To enhance the dish’s creaminess, a splash of heavy cream can be added to the milk. This casserole can be customized with any leftover vegetables you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Easy Cheesy Breakfast Casserole with fresh fruit on the side for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a light salad or some crispy hash browns. For a complete breakfast, consider offering a selection of breakfast pastries or muffins alongside. This dish is also great for brunch gatherings, making it a perfect centerpiece.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can warm the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Cheesy Breakfast Casserole contains roughly 707 calories, with 17g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value), calcium (31% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1751mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven. This is a great way to save time in the morning.
What can I substitute for the bulk sausage?
If you prefer a lighter option, turkey sausage or plant-based sausage can be used instead. For a vegetarian version, you could skip the sausage entirely and add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini to keep it hearty.
Is it possible to freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking it. Just assemble the dish, cover it well, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. This makes for a convenient meal option.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).