Easy & Delicious Egg Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Say hello to the classic egg casserole, a true breakfast champion that simplifies your mornings. This recipe offers incredible ease and fantastic make-ahead convenience. Loaded with savory eggs, hearty sausage, and melty cheese, it is a satisfying dish. Whether for a busy weekday breakfast, a festive holiday brunch, or a simple family dinner, this versatile casserole fits any meal perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Egg Casserole

Effortless Preparation: You can easily assemble this savory breakfast bake with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for beginner cooks.
Perfect for Meal Prep or Holidays: Prepare it the night before for a stress-free morning, ideal for busy weeks or special gatherings.
Incredibly Versatile with Add-ins: Customize your egg casserole with your favorite meats, vegetables, or cheeses to suit any taste.
Satisfying, Flavorful, and Comforting: Each bite delivers a rich, hearty flavor that warms you from the inside out.
Always a Crowd-Pleaser: This dish consistently receives rave reviews and disappears quickly at any meal.

Ingredients

This simple egg casserole recipe uses everyday items to create a delicious and satisfying meal. You’ll need a generous amount of protein, dairy, and fresh vegetables to build layers of flavor. Always choose fresh ingredients for the best results in your breakfast bake.

2 pounds pork sausage
12 large eggs
1 cup sour cream (light or regular) (240 g)
1/4 cup milk (60 ml)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 green onions, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (200 g)

Notes & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with your egg casserole to match your family’s preferences. For sausage, try cooked turkey sausage, crispy bacon, or diced ham for different flavor profiles. You can swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack, Swiss, or Monterey Jack to add a unique twist. Consider adding extra vegetables like fresh spinach (wilt it first), sautéed mushrooms, or diced zucchini for more nutrition. For dietary needs, use dairy-free milk and sour cream alternatives.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful egg casserole. These common items help simplify the cooking process.

9×13 inch baking dish
Large skillet
Large mixing bowl
Electric mixer (optional, but helpful for whisking eggs)
Meat chopper (optional, for breaking up sausage)
Vegetable chopper (optional, for quick dicing)

Instructions

Making this delicious egg casserole is straightforward with our easy-to-follow steps. Pay close attention to each stage to ensure a perfect bake every time.

Prep Oven & Pan: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This ensures your egg casserole comes out easily.
Combine Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 12 large eggs, 1 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup milk, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper. Use an electric mixer on low speed, or a whisk, to gently combine the ingredients. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to rubbery eggs.
Cook Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 2 pounds of pork sausage to the hot skillet. Cook until the sausage is completely browned, breaking it into small, even pieces with a wooden spoon or meat chopper as it cooks. Ensure there are no pink spots remaining.
Drain Grease: Once the sausage is thoroughly cooked, carefully drain most of the excess grease from the skillet. This step prevents your egg casserole from becoming too oily. You can leave a small amount of grease for flavor.
Sauté Vegetables: Add the 1/2 diced green bell pepper, 1/2 diced red bell pepper, and 4 chopped green onions to the same skillet where the sausage was cooked. Sauté the vegetables for 2-3 minutes, just until they begin to soften slightly and become fragrant. Avoid overcooking them; you want them to retain a little texture.
Combine All Ingredients: Transfer the cooked and drained sausage from the skillet to the large bowl containing the egg mixture. Next, add the sautéed bell peppers and green onions to the bowl. Stir everything together gently to ensure all the ingredients are well distributed throughout the egg mixture.
Pour into Pan: Carefully pour the entire egg, sausage, and vegetable mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly across the pan.
Bake Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-50 minutes. The egg casserole is done when the edges are set and lightly golden, and the center is just barely jiggly when you gently shake the pan. An inserted knife should come out mostly clean.
Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period helps the casserole set completely and makes for cleaner cuts.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Prevent Rubbery Eggs: Do not overbake your egg casserole. Remove it from the oven when the center is just slightly jiggly, as it will continue to cook from residual heat.
Achieve Fluffy Eggs: Mix the egg mixture just until combined. Over-mixing introduces too much air, which can make eggs tough.
Perfectly Browned Sausage: Start with a hot skillet and cook the sausage without breaking it up initially. This allows for good searing and browning, developing deeper flavors.
Ensure Even Cooking: Distribute the sausage and vegetables evenly throughout the egg mixture before pouring it into the pan. This prevents denser areas and promotes consistent doneness.
Check for Doneness: The “jiggle test” is key for an ideal texture. The center should resemble soft-set gelatin, not liquid.

To ensure food safety and prevent foodborne illnesses, the USDA provides guidance on the safe internal temperature for egg dishes like casseroles.

Prevent Sticking: Always use a generous amount of cooking spray, or line the baking dish with parchment paper, especially if freezing.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

This versatile egg casserole makes a fantastic centerpiece for any meal. Its make-ahead nature also adds to its appeal.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your delicious egg casserole with fresh fruit slices or creamy sliced avocado for a balanced meal.
Serve it alongside toasted bread, warm biscuits, or fluffy muffins to complete your breakfast spread.
Offer a variety of condiments like your favorite hot sauce, zesty salsa, or classic ketchup for an extra kick.

Storage

Refrigerate any leftover egg casserole in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Reheat individual portions easily in the microwave until warmed through.

Make Ahead Instructions

Prepare the unbaked egg casserole mixture, pour it into the prepared baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed the next morning, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Freezing Instructions

Unbaked: Freeze the unbaked casserole, covered tightly with foil, for 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, bring to room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed.
Baked: Freeze individual slices of the baked egg casserole for quick, convenient meals. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in the microwave or oven.

Variations

Meats: Swap the pork sausage for savory crumbled bacon, diced ham, or spicy chorizo for a different flavor profile.
Vegetables: Enhance your egg casserole with sautéed spinach, sliced mushrooms, diced potatoes, or a kick of jalapeños.
Cheeses: Experiment with different shredded cheeses like a sharp provolone, mild Swiss, or a blend of Mexican cheeses.
Spice: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for a subtle warmth.
Crust/Base: For a heartier dish, add a layer of shredded hash browns or cubed bread to the bottom of the pan before adding the egg mixture.

Nutrition Information

Enjoy this hearty egg casserole, knowing it provides a good source of protein and essential nutrients.

For those seeking comprehensive information on the nutritional aspects of eggs and their place in a healthy diet, Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health offers valuable insights on the nutrition of eggs.

This dish offers a fulfilling start to your day or a satisfying meal at any time.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving (Approx.)
Calories	420 kcal
Protein	28 g
Fat	32 g
Carbohydrates	5 g
Cholesterol	280 mg
Sodium	780 mg
Vitamin A	15% DV
Calcium	20% DV
Iron	15% DV

Note: Nutrition information is an approximation and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this egg casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely prepare the unbaked mixture the night before. Simply assemble it, cover, and refrigerate until you are ready to bake.
How long does egg casserole last in the fridge?
Cooked egg casserole stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It makes for excellent leftovers.
Can I freeze this egg casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it either unbaked or baked. Freeze unbaked for up to 2-3 months, or individual baked slices for convenient reheating.
What kind of sausage is best for egg casserole?
Ground pork breakfast sausage is highly recommended for its flavor, but turkey sausage, bacon, or ham are also delicious alternatives.
Can I add other vegetables to my egg casserole?
Absolutely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, diced zucchini, or bell peppers are all wonderful additions to enhance flavor and nutrition.
How do I know when the egg casserole is done?
The edges should be set and lightly golden, while the center should still have a slight jiggle when gently shaken. An inserted knife should come out clean.

Conclusion

This easy and delicious egg casserole truly lives up to its reputation. Its effortless preparation, savory flavor, and incredible make-ahead convenience make it a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you’re a busy parent, a beginner cook, or simply seeking a stress-free meal, this versatile recipe is your answer. Encourage your loved ones to gather around and enjoy a fantastic, stress-free breakfast or brunch with your perfect egg casserole!