Name: Sausage Bacon Breakfast Casserole: The Ultimate Morning Meal
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 8-10 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound breakfast sausage, removed from casings; 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1 loaf (1 pound) French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes; 12 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon dry mustard; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives, for garnish (optional); Cooking spray

Sausage Bacon Breakfast Casserole: the ultimate crowd-pleaser that will transform your weekend brunch! Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of savory sausage, crispy bacon, and fluffy eggs baked to golden perfection. This isn't just breakfast; it's an experience, a warm hug on a plate that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!).

Casseroles, in general, have a long and comforting history, evolving from humble peasant dishes to sophisticated culinary creations. They represent resourcefulness and the joy of sharing a hearty meal. Our Sausage Bacon Breakfast Casserole takes that tradition and elevates it with the dynamic duo of sausage and bacon, two breakfast staples that are universally loved.

Why is this dish so popular? It's simple: it's incredibly delicious and unbelievably convenient. The combination of savory sausage and smoky bacon provides a depth of flavor that's simply irresistible. The creamy, cheesy egg base adds a luxurious texture that melts in your mouth. Plus, it's a fantastic make-ahead option! Prepare it the night before, and all you have to do in the morning is pop it in the oven. This makes it perfect for busy families, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to experience breakfast bliss with this easy and satisfying casserole!

Ingredients:

1 pound breakfast sausage, removed from casings
1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 loaf (1 pound) French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
12 large eggs
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives, for garnish (optional)
Cooking spray

Preparing the Sausage and Bacon:

Okay, let's get started! First things first, we need to cook our sausage and bacon. This is where the deliciousness begins!

Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the breakfast sausage and cook until it's browned and no longer pink. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. This will ensure it's evenly distributed throughout the casserole. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy casserole!
Cook the Bacon: While the sausage is cooking, or after it's done, cook the bacon until it's crispy. You can do this in the same skillet, in the oven, or even in the microwave if you're short on time. Once the bacon is cooked, let it cool slightly, then crumble it into small pieces. I like to use kitchen shears for this – it's so much easier than trying to crumble it with my hands!

Preparing the Bread:

Next up, we need to prepare the bread. The bread soaks up all the eggy goodness, so it's a crucial part of the casserole.

Cube the Bread: Cut the French bread into 1-inch cubes. You can use a serrated bread knife for this. It's important to use day-old bread, or even slightly stale bread, because it will absorb the egg mixture better without becoming soggy. If your bread is too fresh, you can dry it out slightly by spreading the cubes on a baking sheet and baking them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are lightly toasted.

Making the Egg Mixture:

Now for the star of the show – the egg mixture! This is what binds everything together and gives the casserole its creamy texture.

Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, dry mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of dry mustard! The dry mustard adds a subtle tang that really complements the sausage and bacon.

Assembling the Casserole:

Time to put it all together! This is where the magic happens.

Grease the Baking Dish: Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make it easier to serve.
Layer the Ingredients: Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the cooked sausage and half of the crumbled bacon. Sprinkle with half of the cheddar cheese and half of the Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining bread cubes, sausage, bacon, cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese.
Pour the Egg Mixture: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers of bread, sausage, bacon, and cheese. Make sure the bread is well saturated with the egg mixture. You might need to gently press down on the bread cubes to help them absorb the liquid.
Cover and Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture and the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for a moist and flavorful casserole!

Baking the Casserole:

Almost there! Now it's time to bake our masterpiece.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the Casserole: Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish and bake the casserole for 45-55 minutes, or until it's golden brown and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
Let it Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set up a bit more and makes it easier to slice.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh chives, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy! This casserole is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a casual dinner.

Tips and Variations:

Want to customize your casserole? Here are a few ideas:

Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyere, Swiss, or pepper jack would all be delicious additions.
Vegetable Additions: Add some chopped vegetables to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrients. Onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach would all work well. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the casserole.
Meat Variations: If you're not a fan of sausage or bacon, you can substitute ham, turkey sausage, or even chorizo.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for a little bit of heat.
Bread Alternatives: Instead of French bread, you can use croissants, challah, or even sourdough bread.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread to make this casserole gluten-free.
Individual Casseroles: For a fun twist, bake the casserole in individual ramekins. This is great for portion control and makes for a beautiful presentation. Reduce the baking time accordingly.

Make Ahead Instructions:

This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time! You can assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning. This is a lifesaver when you're hosting a brunch or have a busy morning.

Assemble the Casserole: Follow the instructions for assembling the casserole up to the point of baking.
Cover and Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Bake the Casserole: In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish and bake the casserole for 50-60 minutes, or until it's golden brown and set. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since the casserole will be cold from the refrigerator.

Storage Instructions:

Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions:

This sausage bacon breakfast casserole is delicious on its own, but it's also great served with a side of fresh fruit, a green salad, or some crispy hash browns. It's the perfect dish for a weekend brunch, a holiday gathering, or any special occasion!

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
Fat: Approximately 30-40 grams per serving
Protein: Approximately 20-25 grams per serving
Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-35 grams per serving

Enjoy your delicious Sausage Bacon Breakfast Casserole! I hope you and your loved ones enjoy it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Sausage Bacon Breakfast Casserole isn't just another breakfast recipe; it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a staple in your weekend brunch rotation. The savory combination of crispy bacon, flavorful sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese creates a symphony of textures and tastes that's simply irresistible. It's the kind of dish that disappears quickly, leaving everyone wanting more. But beyond its deliciousness, this casserole is incredibly convenient. It's perfect for preparing ahead of time, making it ideal for busy mornings or when you're hosting a gathering. Imagine waking up on a Sunday morning, knowing that a warm, comforting, and utterly satisfying breakfast is already waiting for you in the oven. That's the magic of this casserole!

Why You Absolutely Need to Try This Recipe

I know there are countless breakfast casserole recipes out there, but trust me, this one is special. The secret lies in the perfect balance of ingredients and the ease of preparation. You don't need to be a culinary expert to whip this up; it's straightforward and forgiving. Plus, the hearty nature of the casserole means it's incredibly filling, keeping you satisfied for hours. It's a complete meal in one dish, packed with protein and flavor. And let's be honest, who can resist the allure of bacon and sausage in the morning?

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage. If you're a veggie lover, toss in some chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms. You could even add a layer of spinach for a boost of nutrients. For a lighter version, use turkey sausage and reduced-fat cheese. Serving-wise, this casserole pairs perfectly with a side of fresh fruit, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley. You can also serve it with a side of toast or English muffins for soaking up all those delicious juices. And if you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), they reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.

Your Turn to Create Breakfast Magic

I'm so excited for you to try this Sausage Bacon Breakfast Casserole! I truly believe it will become a new favorite in your household. It's the perfect dish for family breakfasts, brunch with friends, or even a cozy weeknight dinner. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and make it your own. Once you've made it, I'd love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using [insert your social media handle/hashtag here]. Let me know what variations you tried and how your family and friends enjoyed it. I can't wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite! This recipe is a must-try, and I'm confident you'll agree!