Instructions
1. Prepare the Sausage Layer
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. You want the sausage fully cooked and crumbly, with no pink remaining. If the sausage releases excess grease, drain it to avoid making the casserole heavy. This step creates the savory, meaty base that gives the casserole its satisfying flavor.
2. Mix the Egg and Dairy Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs until smooth. Add the milk (or half-and-half for extra richness), cottage cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until all ingredients are fully combined.
The cottage cheese may seem unusual in a breakfast casserole, but it melts beautifully into the mixture, creating a creamy, soft texture. This is one reason why the slice in your image looks moist and fluffy rather than dry.
3. Layer the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Now create your layers:
- Spread the cooked sausage evenly across the bottom.
- If you’re adding hash browns or vegetables, sprinkle them over the sausage.
- Add 1 cup cheddar and ½ cup mozzarella over the meat.
- Pour the egg mixture slowly over everything, allowing it to seep into all the gaps.
- Top with the remaining cheese.
It should look generously covered like the cheesy top visible in your photo.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, depending on your oven. The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp, while the inside stays soft and custardy. Insert a knife in the center—if it comes out clean or mostly clean, the casserole is done.
Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the layers firm up so you can cut a thick, beautiful slice like the one in your image.
Why This Casserole Works So Well
This recipe produces a perfect balance of textures: the egg mixture sets softly, the sausage gives a savory bite, and the cheese melts into every layer. The top becomes slightly crisp and caramelized, which adds flavor and makes the dish visually appealing. The casserole in your photo has that exact golden, cheesy crust, which is achieved by using a blend of cheddar and mozzarella plus the right baking time.
The addition of cottage cheese ensures moisture. Many casseroles turn rubbery or dry, but this one stays rich and creamy even when reheated. It also holds its shape beautifully, which is why the slice stands tall and thick.
Serving Suggestions
This breakfast casserole can be enjoyed exactly as it is, but if you want to elevate your meal, try pairing it with:
- Toast or warm biscuits
- A simple green salad
- Fresh fruit like oranges, berries, or grapes
- Hot sauce, salsa, or ketchup
- A warm cup of coffee or tea
Because it’s hearty and protein-rich, a single slice is very filling—perfect for feeding a crowd.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the best features of a casserole like this is that it can be prepared ahead of time:
- Option 1: Assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning.
- Option 2: Bake it completely, let it cool, then refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven.
- Option 3: Freeze the entire casserole (uncut), tightly wrapped. Thaw overnight before baking or reheating.
This makes it a great choice for holidays, busy mornings, or weekly meal prep.
Variations You Can Try
You can customize this recipe to fit your taste:
- Use bacon or ground turkey instead of sausage
- Add jalapeños for a spicy kick
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes
- Use Swiss cheese for a more sophisticated flavor
The casserole adapts easily, and each version bakes beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This cheesy sausage breakfast casserole is everything a comforting breakfast should be—rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The slice in your image shows a perfectly executed casserole with creamy layers, browned edges, and a generous amount of melted cheese. With this recipe, you can recreate that exact result and enjoy a dish that’s simple to prepare yet impressive enough for any occasion.