Description
A hearty and comforting Grilled Cheese Sausage & Egg Breakfast Casserole combining crispy grilled cheese sandwiches, savory breakfast sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch, this casserole offers flavorful layers with optional vegetable add-ins to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Casserole
- 1 lb (450 g) breakfast sausage
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 8 slices sandwich bread
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray. Set it aside while preparing the sausage.
- Cook the Breakfast Sausage: Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage and cook for approximately 7–9 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the sausage is browned and completely cooked through. Drain excess grease from the skillet and set the sausage aside. If you’re adding onions, peppers, or mushrooms, sauté them with the sausage during the final few minutes of cooking to add flavor and reduce excess moisture.
- Prepare the Grilled Cheese Bread: Spread a thin layer of softened butter over the bread slices. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place several bread slices butter-side down. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella over the bread, then top with another bread slice, butter-side facing upward. Cook about 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown and cheese begins to melt. Repeat with remaining bread. Allow sandwiches to cool, then cut into approximately 1-inch cubes to form the casserole base.
- Assemble the Casserole: Arrange half of the grilled cheese cubes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Scatter half of the cooked sausage on top, then add a light layer of shredded cheddar. Repeat with remaining grilled cheese pieces and sausage. Finish with a generous handful of cheese distributed evenly for balanced flavor and texture.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Pour this mixture slowly and evenly over the casserole. Use a spoon or spatula to gently press the bread into the egg liquid. Allow the assembled casserole to rest for 10–15 minutes to let the bread absorb the mixture.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the casserole. For extra cheesiness, add an additional ½ cup of cheddar cheese to enhance flavor and texture.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the center is set, cheese is melted, and the top is lightly golden. Verify doneness by inserting a knife into the center; the eggs should be firm, not runny.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove casserole from oven and let it rest for approximately 10 minutes. This final step allows the eggs to finish setting and makes slicing easier. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions before serving.
Notes
- This casserole is great for meal prepping or feeding a crowd at brunch or breakfast gatherings.
- Optional add-ins such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, bacon, jalapeño, and red pepper flakes can be added for extra flavor and texture.
- Use a sturdy bread like sandwich or Texas toast for best texture; stale bread can work well to absorb the egg mixture.
- For a lighter version, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with lower fat options, but expect slight changes in richness.
- Make sure to allow the casserole to rest after baking for easier slicing and better texture.
- Check the casserole’s center before removing from oven to avoid undercooked eggs.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: breakfast casserole, grilled cheese casserole, sausage egg casserole, brunch recipe, cheesy breakfast bake
