Sausage and cream cheese breakfast casserole is a comforting and flavorful way to begin your day. This dish combines savory sausage with the rich creaminess of cream cheese. Prepare for 5 ultimate recipes that will impress your family and friends.
Sausage and Cream Cheese Breakfast Casserole Fundamentals
Sausage and cream cheese breakfast casserole is incredibly versatile. You can adapt it to suit your tastes. It’s perfect for holidays, brunches, or a cozy weekend breakfast. It’s also simple to prepare in advance.
Key Benefits
One of the main benefits of a sausage and cream cheese breakfast casserole is how easy it is. Just combine the ingredients and bake! This makes it perfect for feeding large groups. The creamy texture and savory flavor are also big advantages. The cream cheese enriches the flavor profile.
Potential Drawbacks
While generally a delicious option, sausage and cream cheese breakfast casserole can be high in fat. Opting for leaner sausage and reduced-fat cream cheese can help. Some recipes involve several steps, requiring more preparation time. However, the satisfying result is usually worth the effort.
5 Ultimate Sausage and Cream Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipes
Here are five amazing recipes to make your mornings brighter. Each sausage and cream cheese breakfast casserole offers a unique flavor profile. They’re all sure to become family favorites.
Recipe 1: Classic Sausage and Cream Cheese Casserole
This classic recipe is easy and satisfying. It combines sausage, eggs, bread, and cream cheese. The result is a rich and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
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1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
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6 eggs, beaten
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1 cup milk
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8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
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6 slices bread, cubed
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
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In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and cream cheese.
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Stir in the crumbled sausage, cubed bread, and shredded cheese.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
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Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
Recipe 2: Spicy Sausage and Cream Cheese Breakfast Casserole
If you like a kick, this spicy version is for you. Add jalapeños and pepper jack cheese. This will add some heat to your breakfast.
Ingredients:
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1 lb spicy breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
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6 eggs, beaten
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1 cup milk
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8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
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6 slices bread, cubed
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1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
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1/4 cup chopped jalapeños (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
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In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and cream cheese.
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Stir in the crumbled sausage, cubed bread, pepper jack cheese, and jalapeños (if using).
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
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Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
Recipe 3: Sausage and Cream Cheese Breakfast Casserole with Veggies
Add some vegetables to your casserole for added nutrients. Bell peppers, onions, and spinach work well. This enhances the flavor.
Ingredients:
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1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
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1 cup chopped bell peppers
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1 cup chopped onion
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1 cup chopped spinach
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6 eggs, beaten
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1 cup milk
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8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
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6 slices bread, cubed
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
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Sauté bell peppers and onions until softened. Add spinach at the end until wilted.
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In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and cream cheese.
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Stir in the crumbled sausage, sautéed vegetables, cubed bread, and shredded cheese.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
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Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
Recipe 4: Sausage and Cream Cheese Breakfast Casserole with Hash Browns
This recipe uses hash browns as a base instead of bread. It makes it gluten-free. It also gives it a different texture.
Ingredients:
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1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
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1 (30 oz) package frozen hash browns, thawed
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6 eggs, beaten
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1 cup milk
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8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
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Spread the thawed hash browns evenly in the baking dish.
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In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and cream cheese.
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Stir in the crumbled sausage and shredded cheese.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Pour the mixture over the hash browns.
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Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
Recipe 5: Overnight Sausage and Cream Cheese Breakfast Casserole
This recipe is perfect for busy mornings. Assemble it the night before. Bake it in the morning.
Ingredients:
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1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
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6 slices bread, cubed
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6 eggs, beaten
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1 cup milk
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8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
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Layer the cubed bread and crumbled sausage in the baking dish.
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In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and cream cheese.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Pour the egg mixture over the bread and sausage.
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Cover and refrigerate overnight.
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In the morning, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
Tips for Making the Best Sausage and Cream Cheese Breakfast Casserole
Here are some tips to perfect your sausage and cream cheese breakfast casserole.
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Soften the cream cheese. It makes mixing easier.
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Cook the sausage thoroughly before adding it. This ensures proper cooking.
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Use day-old bread for the best texture.
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Adjust the cheese and seasonings to your liking.
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Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
A sausage and cream cheese breakfast casserole can be a complete meal. You can also serve it with fruit salad, yogurt, or a side of toast. It pairs perfectly with coffee, juice, or mimosas for brunch.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover sausage and cream cheese breakfast casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven. Ensure it’s heated thoroughly before serving.
FAQ
Can sausage and cream cheese breakfast casserole be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning for convenience.
What kind of sausage is best for breakfast casserole?
Breakfast sausage is a popular choice, but you can use Italian sausage, chorizo, or any sausage you like.
Can I freeze sausage and cream cheese breakfast casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
What are some good additions to sausage and cream cheese breakfast casserole?
Vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and spinach add flavor and nutrients. Cheese varieties and spices can also enhance it.