Introduction
Rise and shine with the ultimate breakfast casserole with biscuits! This hearty dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy mornings or special occasions. Combining fluffy biscuits, savory sausage, scrambled eggs, and melted cheese, it is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you are hosting a holiday brunch or simply feeding your family, this recipe promises a delicious and satisfying start to your day.
Why You’ll Love This Breakfast Casserole
- Simple, Flavorful Ingredients: You only need a few common items to create a delicious and satisfying breakfast.
- Minimal Prep, Maximum Impact: Spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal with loved ones.
- Perfect for Make-Ahead: Prepare it the night before and simply bake it in the morning for effortless entertaining.
- Highly Customizable: Easily adapt this versatile breakfast casserole to fit your family’s tastes and dietary needs.
- A Comforting Family Favorite: This warm and cheesy bake is sure to become a cherished recipe in your home.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients for this delightful breakfast casserole with biscuits is simple. You likely have many of these items in your pantry and fridge already!
- 1 16 oz Can of Jumbo Refrigerated Biscuits: Opt for a flaky layer variety for the best texture.
- 12 oz. of Breakfast Sausage: Ground pork sausage works wonderfully, whether you prefer mild or spicy.
- 8 Large Eggs: These are essential for creating the rich and custardy base.
- 1 Cup of Milk: Use 2% or whole milk for a creamy, delicious result.
- 1 Cup of Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp or mild cheddar both melt beautifully.
- Salt: To taste, enhancing all the savory components.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds a wonderful aroma and subtle kick.
Notes & Substitutions
Feel free to personalize your breakfast casserole with biscuits. If jumbo biscuits are not available, use smaller ones and arrange them to cover the bottom of the dish completely. For the sausage, ground turkey, diced ham, or even vegetarian sausage crumbles make excellent substitutes. When it comes to cheese, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a cheddar blend all melt wonderfully. For a lighter texture, use almond milk, or for extra richness, try half-and-half. Boost the flavor and nutrition by adding sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or fresh spinach to your mixture.
Equipment
Making this easy recipe requires only a few basic kitchen tools. You likely have everything on hand already.
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large skillet (for browning meat)
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Creating this delightful breakfast casserole with biscuits is incredibly straightforward, perfect for beginners! Follow these simple steps for a hearty morning meal. This recipe takes just 10 minutes of prep time and bakes in about 30 minutes, giving you a delicious breakfast in under an hour.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Biscuits: Open your can of jumbo refrigerated biscuits. Press each biscuit firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange them closely together, ensuring you seal any gaps between them to form a cohesive base for your amazing breakfast casserole.
- Cook Sausage: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breakfast sausage and cook, crumbling it with a spoon as it browns. Continue cooking until the sausage is fully cooked through and no pink remains. Drain any excess grease from the pan to prevent a greasy casserole.
To ensure food safety, the USDA recommends that ground sausage be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Layer Sausage: Once the sausage is cooked and drained, spread it evenly over the biscuit layer in your baking dish. Make sure it covers the biscuits from edge to edge.
- Whisk Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, crack the 8 large eggs. Add the cup of milk, along with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk the mixture vigorously until the eggs are well beaten and the milk is fully incorporated. This creates the rich custard for your breakfast casserole.
- Pour Egg Mixture: Gently pour the whisked egg and milk mixture over the sausage and biscuits in the baking dish. Tilt the dish slightly to ensure the liquid evenly coats all ingredients and seeps down around the biscuits.
- Add Cheese Topping: Generously sprinkle the cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt into a delicious, golden crust.
- Bake Casserole: Carefully place the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The casserole is done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set, with no visible liquid egg remaining.
- Cover if needed: Keep an eye on your casserole during baking. If the top starts to brown too quickly before the center is cooked, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil. This prevents excessive browning while the interior finishes cooking.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the breakfast casserole with biscuits from the oven. Let it stand for 5 minutes before cutting. This short resting period allows the eggs to fully set, making it easier to slice into neat squares. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious creation!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve the best results for your breakfast casserole with biscuits every time with these helpful hints.
- Prevent Soggy Biscuits: Press the biscuits down firmly in the dish, ensuring no gaps. This creates a solid base and helps them absorb just enough moisture without becoming mushy.
- Avoid Overcooked Eggs: Watch baking time closely. Eggs are done when just set; overbaking makes them rubbery. The center should be firm, not jiggly.
- Even Cooking: Distribute the sausage and cheese uniformly across the dish. This ensures every piece of your casserole cooks consistently and tastes amazing.
- Perfect Browning: If the top browns too quickly, cover the casserole loosely with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This prevents scorching.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to your egg mixture. These subtle additions enhance the savory depth of your breakfast casserole.
- Cooling Time: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps the eggs set further, making for cleaner slices and easier serving.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile breakfast casserole with biscuits is perfect for any meal, and leftovers are just as delightful.
Serving Suggestions: Serve slices of this warm casserole with a drizzle of hot sauce, a spoonful of fresh salsa, or a dollop of ketchup. For a balanced meal, pair it with a side of fresh fruit salad or a crisp green salad.
Refrigeration: Store any leftover breakfast casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then cut it into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat.
Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the entire breakfast casserole with biscuits the night before, following all steps up to baking. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The next morning, remove it from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature, then bake as directed.
Flavor Variations: Get creative! Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the sausage layer for extra veggies. Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend. Swap the breakfast sausage for diced ham, crumbled bacon, or even shredded chicken for a new twist on this classic dish.
Nutrition
This hearty breakfast casserole with biscuits provides a great source of protein to kickstart your day, along with energy from carbohydrates and healthy fats. Research suggests that a protein-rich breakfast can help reduce appetite and support satiety throughout the day. It’s a filling meal that keeps you satisfied. For specific dietary needs or to track macros, we recommend using an online nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients. This will give you the most accurate nutritional information per serving.
FAQ
Can I prepare this breakfast casserole the night before?
Yes, absolutely! Assemble the entire breakfast casserole with biscuits, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
Can I freeze leftover breakfast casserole?
Yes, you can! Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cut it into individual portions. Wrap each piece well in plastic wrap and foil before freezing; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly.
What kind of biscuits work best for this recipe?
Jumbo refrigerated flaky layer biscuits are ideal as they create a sturdy and delicious base. Homemade biscuits also work wonderfully if you have extra time.
Can I use fresh vegetables in this casserole?
Yes, fresh vegetables are a great addition! Make sure to sauté them beforehand until tender to remove excess moisture and ensure they cook through properly in the casserole.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
Your casserole is fully cooked when the edges are golden brown and the center is set and firm. Insert a knife into the center; if it comes out clean with no liquid egg, it is ready.
Conclusion
This easy breakfast casserole with biscuits truly delivers on flavor and convenience, making your mornings simpler and more delicious. With minimal prep and hearty ingredients, it is the perfect dish for any family breakfast, holiday gathering, or weekend brunch. We hope you enjoy creating and sharing this comforting meal with your loved ones. Give this versatile recipe a try, and do not hesitate to share your wonderful creations or feedback with us!