When you wake up to the comforting aroma of a hearty breakfast casserole baking in the oven, you know the day is off to a perfect start. An Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole brings together bold flavors, creamy textures, and the ease of preparing a dish that feeds a crowd. Whether it’s a family brunch, a holiday morning, or simply a treat for yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: crusty bread cubes soaked in a savory egg mixture, layered with Italian sausage, melted cheese, and fresh herbs. The flavors are vibrant yet comforting, and the preparation couldn’t be simpler. What’s even better? You can prep it the night before, making it perfect for busy mornings.
Ingredients for Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole
To create this flavorful casserole, gather the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Cubed crusty loaf of bread | 8 cups |
| Smithfield fresh ground breakfast sausage | 1 pound |
| Large eggs | 8 |
| 2% milk | 2 cups |
| Prepared pesto | 1 Tablespoon |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Kosher salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Freshly ground black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 2 cups |
| Fresh shredded Parmesan cheese | 1 cup |
| Cherry tomatoes, quartered | 1 cup |
| Chopped green onion | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh basil leaves (for garnish) | 1/4 cup chiffonade |
Essential Tools You’ll Need
Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have the following kitchen tools:
- 9 x 13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chef knife
- Medium skillet
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole:
1. Prepare Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
2. Layer the Bread
Spread 8 cups of cubed crusty bread evenly across the prepared baking dish. This base soaks up all the delicious flavors, creating a soft yet sturdy foundation.
3. Cook the Sausage
In a medium skillet, cook 1 pound of Smithfield fresh ground breakfast sausage over medium heat. Stir frequently, breaking it into crumbles as it browns. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat and layer the sausage over the bread cubes.
4. Make the Egg Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups 2% milk
- 1 Tablespoon prepared pesto
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pour this mixture evenly over the bread and sausage layers.
5. Add Cheese and Toppings
Sprinkle the casserole with 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, followed by 1 cup of quartered cherry tomatoes and 1/2 cup chopped green onion. Top with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake or Refrigerate
- To bake immediately: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 55–60 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.
- To prepare ahead: Cover the casserole with foil and refrigerate overnight or for at least 3 hours. When ready to bake, remove the dish from the fridge, preheat the oven to 350°F, and bake for 55–60 minutes.
7. Garnish and Serve
Before serving, top the casserole with fresh basil leaves cut into thin ribbons (chiffonade). Cut the casserole into squares and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
Here are some tips to make your Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole truly exceptional:
- Use Crusty Bread: Day-old or slightly stale bread works best as it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming soggy.
- Prepare in Advance: This casserole can be prepared a day or two before serving, saving you time on busy mornings.
- Room Temperature Baking: If the dish is refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for about 30–60 minutes before baking.
- Customize Ingredients: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and drinks:
- Sides: Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or a side of roasted potatoes.
- Drinks: A hot cup of coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice, or a mimosa completes the meal.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
| Calories | ~310 |
| Total Fat | ~18g |
| Saturated Fat | ~8g |
| Cholesterol | ~140mg |
| Sodium | ~520mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | ~20g |
| Protein | ~18g |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute ground breakfast sausage with Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative.
2. What type of bread works best?
Crusty breads like sourdough, French bread, or ciabatta are ideal as they hold their shape and absorb the egg mixture well.
3. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese substitutes for a dairy-free version.
4. How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is ready when the center is set and a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze individual portions of the casserole. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.
6. How long can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
A Comforting Dish for Every Occasion
The Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole is more than just a recipe—it’s a dish that brings people together. Its rich, savory flavors and easy preparation make it a must-have for gatherings, holidays, or lazy weekend mornings. Once you try this casserole, it’ll become a cherished staple in your kitchen.
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Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole: A Savory Start to Your Day
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Wake up to a comforting and flavorful breakfast with this Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole. Layers of crusty bread, savory sausage, and melted cheese come together with fresh herbs for a dish that’s perfect for brunch, holidays, or a cozy morning treat. Easy to make and customizable to your taste, this casserole will delight your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed crusty bread (day-old or slightly stale preferred)
- 1 lb Smithfield fresh ground breakfast sausage
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups 2% milk
- 1 tbsp prepared pesto
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/2 cup chopped green onion
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chiffonade (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Layer Bread: Spread the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish.
- Cook Sausage: Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat and distribute sausage over the bread.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: Whisk eggs, milk, pesto, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pour evenly over the bread and sausage.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, cherry tomatoes, and green onions over the casserole. Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake or Refrigerate:
- To bake immediately: Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- To refrigerate overnight: Cover and refrigerate. Bake as directed the next day.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, include sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers.
- If refrigerating, let the casserole sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
