Delicious Sausage Cream Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Breakfast casseroles have become a cherished staple in many households, transforming the morning meal into a delicious and satisfying experience. These dishes offer a wonderful way to combine several ingredients into one hearty meal, making them perfect for busy mornings or leisurely brunch gatherings. Among the myriad of breakfast casserole options, the sausage cream cheese breakfast casserole stands out for its rich flavors and creamy texture. This delightful dish is infused with savory sausage and velvety cream cheese, creating a flavor profile that is both comforting and indulgent.

One of the greatest advantages of breakfast casseroles is their ease and versatility. For busy families or weekend hosts, the ability to prepare a dish that can feed a crowd with minimal effort is invaluable. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. The sausage cream cheese breakfast casserole is not just convenient; it also allows for endless variations, ensuring that every family member can enjoy their perfect breakfast. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or add in your favorite ingredients, this casserole is sure to become a morning favorite.

1. What is a Sausage Cream Cheese Breakfast Casserole?

A sausage cream cheese breakfast casserole is a delightful dish that brings together the hearty flavors of sausage and the creamy richness of cream cheese in a baked form. This comforting casserole typically combines these ingredients with eggs, milk, and bread to create a satisfying breakfast that is both filling and indulgent. The baked dish often has a golden top, which adds to its appeal, making it a perfect centerpiece for any breakfast or brunch setting.

Breakfast casseroles have a fascinating history that dates back several decades, evolving from simple egg bakes into more elaborate dishes featuring a variety of ingredients. The concept of baking ingredients together allows for a seamless blend of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for busy families and hosts alike. Casseroles gained popularity for their ability to feed a large group without requiring excessive effort in preparation or cleanup.

Sausage and cream cheese are a match made in breakfast heaven. Sausage adds a savory, seasoned flavor that pairs exquisitely with the mildness of cream cheese. Together, they provide a satisfying base that can be further enhanced with spices, herbs, or additional ingredients, creating a breakfast experience that is both familiar and exciting.

2. Ingredients Needed

To create a delicious sausage cream cheese breakfast casserole, you will need a combination of key ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the main components:

• Sausage: You can choose breakfast sausage, pork sausage, turkey sausage, or any style you prefer.
• Cream Cheese: The star of this dish, cream cheese adds the rich and creamy texture that’s essential to the casserole.
• Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together and providing protein.
• Milk: Helps to create a softer texture and adds moisture to the dish.
• Bread: Cubed bread serves as a base that soaks up the egg mixture and adds bulk. Use any type you like—white, whole wheat, or even croissants for a richer flavor.
• Cheese: Grated cheddar is a popular choice, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.
• Spices: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are the basics. You can adjust these to suit your taste.

In addition to the main ingredients, here are some optional components that can take your casserole to the next level:

• Vegetables: Diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach can add flavor and nutrients.
• Additional Proteins: Consider adding bacon or ham for extra heartiness.
• Toppings: Garnish with green onions, hot sauce, or your favorite condiments for added flair.

3. Why This Recipe is Perfect for Breakfast

The sausage cream cheese breakfast casserole is an ideal choice for breakfast for several reasons. First and foremost, it boasts quick preparation and cooking times, allowing you to whip up a hearty meals in a matter of minutes. Simply gather your ingredients, mix them together, and let the oven do the rest. This makes it perfect for those hectic weekdays or relaxing weekend brunches.

This casserole is also great for feeding a crowd. Its generous portion size ensures that everyone at the table can enjoy a filling breakfast without the need for extensive preparation. Whether you are hosting family gatherings, holiday breakfasts, or brunch with friends, this dish will have you covered.

Moreover, the convenience of making this casserole ahead of time cannot be overstated. You can prepare it the night before, refrigerate it, and simply pop it in the oven the next morning. This strategy maximizes your time and minimizes any morning chaos.

Versatility is another standout feature of this recipe. You can mix and match the ingredients based on your family’s preferences or whatever you have on hand. The ability to customize the flavors allows each person to enjoy their breakfast just the way they like it.

Finally, this casserole offers nutritional benefits thanks to its wholesome ingredients. The inclusion of protein-rich eggs and sausage, along with the potential for added vegetables, ensures a balanced breakfast that can help fuel your day.

4. Detailed Recipe: Sausage Cream Cheese Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 pound breakfast sausage
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 6 slices of bread (cubed)
• 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: verde sauce, diced bell peppers, etc.

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
2. Cook the Sausage: In a skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs and milk, then whisk until fully combined.
4. Combine All Ingredients: Add the cooked sausage to the cream cheese mixture along with the cubed bread and cheese. Mix well.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake and Serve: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and set. Allow to cool slightly before cutting and serving.

Advice and Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• You can make this casserole gluten-free by using gluten-free bread.
• Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding spices or herbs that suit your taste.

5. Common Variations of Sausage Cream Cheese Breakfast Casserole

This breakfast casserole is incredibly adaptable, allowing for numerous variations to suit different tastes. For example, you might choose to use turkey sausage instead of traditional pork sausage for a leaner option. Alternatively, consider incorporating chorizo for a spicier twist or a vegetarian sausage for a meat-free version.

If you want to add more nutrients, vegetables can be included. Diced bell peppers, onions, or even fresh spinach can infuse the dish with flavor and color. You can also try swapping out the cheese for various options, such as pepper jack or feta, to enhance the flavor profile.

For those looking to infuse international flair into their breakfast, consider creating a Southwest-style casserole by adding black beans, corn, and spices like cumin and chili powder. An Italian-inspired version could feature herbs such as basil and oregano along with sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.

6. Serving Suggestions

Condiments also add another layer of flavor to the dish. Hot sauce, salsa, or even a dollop of sour cream can elevate the experience, allowing guests to customize their plates to their liking.

For beverage pairings, traditional options like coffee and juice work wonderfully. A mimosa or a bloody mary could add a celebratory touch for a brunch gathering, enhancing the overall breakfast experience.

7. Nutritional Information

This breakfast casserole can be a wholesome addition to your morning routine. On average, a serving contains approximately 350 calories, offering a good balance of protein and fat from the sausage and eggs. Each serving typically comes with around 20 grams of protein, making it a filling option that can help sustain energy levels throughout the day.

The dish’s macro breakdown usually includes about 25 grams of fat and 15 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from the bread. While this casserole can be hearty, you can also adjust portions to fit your dietary needs. The addition of vegetables can further enhance the nutritional profile while adding vitamins and minerals.

8. FAQs

What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Cream cheese can be substituted with Greek yogurt or ricotta for a different texture and flavor. However, these alternatives may alter the richness of the dish.

How can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You can prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to bake it in the morning after preheating your oven.

Can I use frozen sausage?
Yes, frozen sausage can be used. Just ensure it is thoroughly cooked before mixing it into the casserole.

What is the best way to store leftovers?
Leftovers should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables enhances the flavor and nutritional value. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if using fresh or frozen veggies, as moisture content may vary.

sausage cream cheese breakfast casserole

This savory sausage cream cheese breakfast casserole is the perfect dish for a hearty morning meal. It combines flavorful sausage, creamy cheese, and fluffy eggs into a convenient casserole that serves well for breakfast or brunch gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 4 People

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• 1 oven
• 1 9x13 inch baking dish
• 1 skillet
• 1 mixing bowl
• 1 whisk
• 1 spatula
• 1 cutting board

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound breakfast sausage
• 8 ounces cream cheese softened
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups frozen hash browns thawed
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• optional chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
• In a mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
• In the skillet with the cooked sausage, mix in the softened cream cheese until melted and smooth.
• Add the thawed hash browns to the skillet and stir until evenly combined with the sausage and cream cheese.
• Pour the egg mixture over the sausage and hash brown mixture, stirring gently to combine everything evenly.
• Transfer the combined mixture into the greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is set and lightly golden on top.
• Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

You can customize this casserole by adding vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach.

For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños to the sausage mixture.

This casserole can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Simply add a few extra minutes to the bake time if taken directly from the fridge.

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