Chef Mitchell preparing Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Bake
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I stumbled upon this Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Bake while experimenting with leftover ingredients one weekend. It quickly became a family tradition, loved for its simplicity and flavor. Over the years, I've refined it to make it the ultimate breakfast treat that everyone can enjoy together."

Chef Mitchell has spent over a decade perfecting his craft in American cuisine, specializing in breakfast recipes. His passion for creating comforting dishes has led him to develop hundreds of recipes that bring families together around the breakfast table.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Bake served on a plate

Why This Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Bake Recipe Works

This recipe stands out due to its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of crispy sausage, creamy cheese, and fluffy eggs creates a satisfying dish that will please everyone. It's versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients.

Using day-old bread enhances the texture by absorbing the egg mixture and creating a delicious custard-like consistency. Baking it until golden ensures a beautiful presentation and delightful crunch on top.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, use a mix of cheeses, such as cheddar and Monterey Jack, to add depth of flavor. Additionally, letting the mixture sit for about 10 minutes before baking allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture for a creamier texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance. Simply assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh the next morning for the best texture and flavor.

You can use turkey sausage or even a plant-based sausage alternative for a healthier option. Ground beef or diced ham also work well if you prefer a different flavor profile.

The bake is done when it is puffed up and a golden-brown color on top. You can insert a knife in the center; if it comes out clean, it's fully cooked.

Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

This dish pairs well with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a side of hash browns for a complete breakfast experience. A light salad can also complement the hearty bake nicely.

When properly stored in an airtight container, it can last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture, store it in the fridge overnight, and bake it fresh in the morning. This makes it an ideal recipe for busy weekdays or special occasions.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick option or cover the entire bake with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: The breakfast bake turns out dry.

Solution: Ensure you use enough liquid in the mixture and let it soak for the recommended time before baking. You can also add more cheese or a splash of milk to increase moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The top layer isn’t crispy.

Solution: For extra crispiness, broil the bake for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just keep a close eye to prevent burning.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: The edges are burnt while the center is undercooked.

Prevention: Cover the edges with foil during baking to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. Use an oven thermometer to check the accuracy of your oven temperature.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: The center remains jiggly and undercooked.

Recovery: If the center is undercooked, cover the dish with foil and return it to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes to ensure it cooks through.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The top of the bake is burnt.

Prevention: Lower the oven temperature slightly and cover the dish with foil if it starts to brown too quickly while baking.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dish is too sweet, consider adding a pinch of salt or a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: To counteract excessive saltiness, add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt before serving.

Bland: If the bake tastes bland, increase the seasoning with more spices or add hot sauce for a kick.

Fresh ingredients for Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Bake

Essential Ingredients for Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Bake

Using fresh ingredients is key to achieving the best flavor in your Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Bake. The sausage should be well-seasoned, and the cheese should be of good quality to melt beautifully. Fresh vegetables like bell peppers and green onions add a nice crunch and color.

Opt for crusty bread that can hold up against the egg mixture without becoming too soggy. Day-old bread is ideal as it absorbs the egg mixture better, resulting in a more flavorful and textured bake.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Breakfast Sausage: Choose a high-quality breakfast sausage for the best flavor. You can use spicy sausage for a kick or mild for a more traditional flavor. For a healthier option, opt for turkey sausage.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese works best for melting. Look for sharp cheddar for a more robust flavor, and consider mixing it with other cheeses like Monterey Jack for added creaminess.
  • Eggs: Using large, fresh eggs will give you the best results. They provide the structure and fluffiness needed for the bake. Organic or free-range eggs are a great choice for flavor and quality.
Cooking process for Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Bake

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Bake is straightforward. Begin by preparing your ingredients and browning the sausage. Mixing everything together is a breeze, and before you know it, you'll have a delicious breakfast bake ready to go in the oven.

To achieve perfect results, make sure to let the mixture sit for a few minutes before baking, allowing the bread to soak up the egg mixture fully. This step ensures a creamy texture throughout the bake.

Key Technique for Perfect Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Bake

The most crucial technique for this recipe is allowing the bread to absorb the egg mixture properly before baking. This soaking time enhances the texture and flavor, resulting in a bake that is both fluffy and moist.

Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Bake

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon flour
    For thickening
  • 1 cup cream
    Heavy cream
  • 1 cup milk
    Whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    For flavor
  • 1 teaspoon salt
    To taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    To taste

For the Sauce

  • 1 lb breakfast sausage
    Cooked and crumbled
  • 6 large eggs
    Beaten
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
    For topping
  • 2 cups milk
    Whole milk
  • 4 cups cubed bread
    Stale or day-old
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    For flavor
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    For added flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    To taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    To taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
    For color and flavor
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
    For garnish
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
    For color and crunch
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    For greasing the baking dish
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    For topping

Instructions

  1. Brown the Sausage

    In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.

  2. Prepare the Egg Mixture

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.

  3. Combine Ingredients

    Add bread cubes, cooked sausage, green onions, and diced bell peppers to the egg mixture. Stir until well combined.

  4. Add Cheese

    Fold in shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture.

  5. Transfer to Baking Dish

    Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly.

  6. Top with Parmesan

    Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.

  7. Bake

    Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes or until set and golden on top.

  8. Garnish and Serve

    Remove from oven, let cool slightly, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving for best results.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Bake with fresh fruit, a side salad, or yogurt for a balanced meal. It's perfect for brunch gatherings or a cozy family breakfast.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize this bake by adding your favorite veggies or using different types of cheese. For a spicy kick, consider adding jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.