Sausage and Cheese English Muffin Casserole
When it comes to breakfast dishes that are both hearty and comforting, the Sausage and Cheese English Muffin Casserole takes the cake. This dish combines the savory flavors of breakfast sausage, the creaminess of cheeses, and the delightful texture of English muffins, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday brunch, a holiday gathering, or even a make-ahead breakfast for busy weekdays, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why It’s My Go-To
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a casserole that you can prepare in advance, and the Sausage and Cheese English Muffin Casserole checks all the boxes for me. It’s easy to throw together, can be made the night before, and bakes up beautifully in the morning, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. The combination of textures and flavors—from the crispy edges to the creamy center, coupled with the savory sausage and melted cheese—makes it a deliciously indulgent way to start the day. Plus, it’s versatile! You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
What Goes In
To create this delightful casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
- 5 English Muffins, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 12 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Setup & Equipment
To make the preparation process smooth, here’s what you’ll need:
- Large skillet – for browning the sausage and sautéing the onion.
- Baking dish (9×13 inches) – to hold the casserole.
- Mixing bowl – for whisking the eggs and combining ingredients.
- Whisk – to beat the eggs and milk together.
- Spatula – for mixing and spreading ingredients evenly.
Sausage and Cheese English Muffin Casserole: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the ground breakfast sausage. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, and then add the chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
Step 2: Prepare the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns and the pieces of English muffins. Stir in the cooked sausage and onion mixture, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Mix the Egg Mixture
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined. Pour the egg mixture over the hash brown and sausage mixture, gently folding everything together until the bread is well coated.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Fold in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, reserving a little of each for topping. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the reserved cheeses on top of the casserole. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm, and watch as everyone digs in!
How to Make It Lighter
If you’re looking to lighten up the Sausage and Cheese English Muffin Casserole without sacrificing flavor, consider these options:
- Use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage for a leaner protein.
- Opt for low-fat or non-dairy milk to reduce calories and fat.
- Incorporate more vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach, to add volume without many calories.
- Choose reduced-fat cheese varieties to cut down on fat content.
Chef’s Notes
This Sausage and Cheese English Muffin Casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. You can assemble it the night before, cover it with foil, and refrigerate. In the morning, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed. It’s also great for feeding a crowd, making it an excellent choice for brunch parties or holiday gatherings.
- Feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients, such as different cheeses, vegetables, or even hot sauce for a kick.
- If you want to make it vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and add in more veggies or a meat substitute.
- This casserole can be frozen, too! Just make sure to wrap it tightly before freezing. Reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Save It for Later
Not only is the Sausage and Cheese English Muffin Casserole delicious fresh out of the oven, but it also makes for fantastic leftovers. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or pop the whole casserole back in the oven to heat through.
Ask the Chef
Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! While English muffins are traditional, you can substitute other types of bread. Consider using bagels, croissants, or even leftover dinner rolls for a unique twist.
Can I prepare this casserole without meat?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and add a variety of vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers, for a hearty vegetarian version.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in individual containers for up to 3 months.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning. Just make sure to cover it with foil to keep it fresh.
Don’t Miss These
- Cheesy Baked Egg Casserole
- Vegetable Egg Casserole
- Vegan Breakfast Casserole
- Sausage and Egg Casserole
Time to Try It
There’s no better time to whip up this tasty Sausage and Cheese English Muffin Casserole than right now! Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a delightful breakfast that’s sure to impress. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, this dish will quickly become a staple in your household, cherished by family and friends alike. Happy cooking!
Sausage and Cheese English Muffin Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the ground breakfast sausage. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, and then add the chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns and the pieces of English muffins. Stir in the cooked sausage and onion mixture, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined. Pour the egg mixture over the hash brown and sausage mixture, gently folding everything together until the bread is well coated.
- Fold in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, reserving a little of each for topping. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the reserved cheeses on top of the casserole. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm, and watch as everyone digs in!
Notes
- Feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients, such as different cheeses, vegetables, or even hot sauce for a kick.
- If you want to make it vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and add in more veggies or a meat substitute.
- This casserole can be frozen, too! Just make sure to wrap it tightly before freezing. Reheat in the oven when you're ready to enjoy it again.
