Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Instructions
- Get Ready to Bake: First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 7×11-inch baking dish (an 8x11 or similar 2-quart dish works too) and give it a light coating of butter or nonstick spray. This little step ensures you can serve up clean slices later.
- Cook the Sausage: In a medium skillet, cook your sausage over medium heat. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it into bite-sized crumbles as it browns. Once it’s fully cooked, tilt the pan and spoon out any excess grease. Set the sausage aside.
- Whisk the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, crack in the 6 eggs and pour in the milk. Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Whisk everything together until it’s well-combined and slightly frothy.
- Assemble Your Casserole: Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. If you're using vegetables like diced peppers, onions, or spinach, scatter them over the sausage. Next, add a generous layer of your shredded cheese. If you're using bread cubes, arrange them on top. Finally, pour the egg mixture evenly over everything, making sure it seeps into all the nooks and crannies.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is a beautiful golden brown and the center is set. If you give the dish a gentle shake, it shouldn't jiggle too much in the middle.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole cool on a wire rack for at least 5 minutes before you slice into it. This helps it set up completely, so you get perfect squares. Serve it warm and watch everyone enjoy!
Notes
For the best results, drain the sausage thoroughly after browning. Avoid overbaking; the center should be just set. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This dish can be assembled the night before; just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time. Variations include using bacon or ham, different cheeses like Gruyère or Pepper Jack, or using croissants or hash browns instead of bread.
