Breakfast Sausage Casserole With Herb Cheese Swirl

Start your day with a hearty and flavorful breakfast that’s sure to please the whole family! This Breakfast Sausage Casserole with Herb-Cheese Swirl is the perfect make-ahead dish for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or even a comforting weeknight dinner. Packed with savory sausage, tender potatoes, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy, herbaceous cheese swirl, this casserole is a delightful combination of textures and tastes. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting more. We’ve focused on using quality ingredients and a simple preparation method to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to create this breakfast masterpiece!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 500g (1 lb) Chicken Breakfast Sausage, sliced: We recommend using a certified permissible chicken breakfast sausage for a flavorful base. Slicing the sausage ensures even distribution throughout the casserole. Look for a sausage with a good balance of savory and slightly sweet notes.
• 600g (1 ¼ lb) Russet Potatoes, peeled and diced into 1cm (½ in) cubes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their fluffy texture when cooked. Dicing them into uniform cubes ensures they cook evenly and blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.
• 1 Large Onion (≈200g / 7oz), diced: A classic aromatic, the onion adds a foundational layer of flavor. Dicing it finely allows it to soften and caramelize beautifully during cooking. Yellow or white onions work best here.
• 1 Red Bell Pepper (≈150g / 5oz), diced: The red bell pepper contributes a touch of sweetness and vibrant color. Its slightly crisp texture provides a pleasant contrast to the softer potatoes and sausage.
• 2 Cloves Garlic, minced: Garlic is essential for adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile. Mincing it releases its aromatic oils, infusing the entire casserole with its pungent goodness.
• 2 tbsp (30ml) Olive Oil, divided: Olive oil serves as the cooking medium for sautéing the vegetables and potatoes. Its fruity flavor complements the other ingredients.
• 200ml (¾ cup) Whole Milk: Whole milk provides richness and moisture to the egg mixture, creating a creamy base for the casserole.
• 4 Large Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the casserole.
• 150g (5oz) Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated: Sharp cheddar cheese adds a tangy and savory flavor that complements the sausage and vegetables. Grating it ensures it melts evenly throughout the casserole.
• 100g (3½oz) Cream Cheese, softened: Softened cream cheese is the star of the herb-cheese swirl, adding a luxurious creaminess and tang.
• 1 tsp (5ml) Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika imparts a smoky and slightly sweet flavor that enhances the savory notes of the sausage.
• ½ tsp (2.5ml) Ground Cumin: Cumin adds a warm and earthy undertone to the casserole, complementing the paprika and sausage.
• ½ tsp (2.5ml) Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper provides a subtle spice and enhances the overall flavor.
• ½ tsp (2.5ml) Salt, or to taste: Salt balances the flavors and brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
• 2 tbsp (30g) Fresh Parsley, finely chopped: Fresh parsley adds a bright and herbaceous note to the herb-cheese swirl.
• 2 tbsp (30g) Fresh Chives, finely sliced: Fresh chives contribute a mild onion flavor and a vibrant green color to the swirl.
• Zest of 1 Lemon: Lemon zest brightens the herb-cheese swirl with a citrusy aroma and flavor.
• 1 tbsp (15ml) Olive Oil for drizzling: A final drizzle of olive oil adds a touch of shine and enhances the flavors.
• Extra grated cheddar (optional, for topping): Adding extra cheddar on top creates a golden, bubbly crust.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this casserole to your liking! Here are a few substitution ideas:

• Sausage: You can substitute the chicken sausage with pork sausage, turkey sausage, or even chorizo for a different flavor profile.
• Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes can be used in place of Russet potatoes for a slightly creamier texture.
• Cheese: Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Colby Jack cheese can be used instead of cheddar cheese.
• Herbs: Dill, cilantro, or tarragon can be used in place of parsley or chives.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions for Breakfast Sausage Casserole

1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F). This ensures even cooking. While the oven heats, lightly grease a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 in) baking dish with olive oil. A well-greased dish prevents sticking and makes serving easier.
2. Sauté the Potatoes: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and sauté for approximately 8 minutes, or until they are just tender and lightly golden. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary to ensure even browning. Transfer the cooked potatoes to a large bowl and set aside.
3. Cook the Sausage and Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Ensure the sausage is cooked through. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Finally, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Season the mixture with smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt.
4. Combine Base Ingredients: Add the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture to the bowl with the sautéed potatoes. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
5. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, and half of the grated cheddar cheese until well combined. This creates the creamy base of the casserole.
6. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the egg mixture over the sausage and potato mixture. Gently fold everything together, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
7. Make the Herb-Cheese Swirl: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the chopped parsley, chives, lemon zest, a pinch of salt, and a splash of milk until smooth and creamy. This creates the flavorful swirl that adds visual appeal and a burst of freshness.
8. Swirl and Top: Drop spoonfuls of the herb-cheese mixture over the surface of the casserole. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the batter, creating beautiful ribbons. Avoid over-swirling, as you want distinct ribbons, not a fully mixed-in effect. Scatter the remaining grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a golden, bubbly crust.
9. Bake to Perfection: Bake the casserole uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly browned. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil.
10. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set further and makes it easier to slice. Drizzle a thin stream of olive oil around the edges of the casserole for a subtle sheen.

Why This Breakfast Sausage Casserole Works

This Breakfast Sausage Casserole isn’t just a convenient breakfast option; it’s a carefully constructed dish designed for flavor and texture. The initial sautéing of the potatoes ensures they are tender but not mushy, providing a pleasant bite. Cooking the sausage and vegetables together allows their flavors to meld, creating a savory base. The egg custard binds everything together, while the herb-cheese swirl adds a bright, fresh counterpoint to the richness of the sausage and cheese. The lemon zest in the swirl is a secret ingredient, lifting the flavors and preventing the casserole from feeling heavy.

Tips for a Perfectly Golden Crust

Achieving a beautifully golden-brown crust is key to a visually appealing and delicious casserole. Using a good quality cheddar cheese that melts well is essential. If you find the top is browning too quickly, don’t hesitate to loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. For an extra golden hue, you can sprinkle a little extra grated cheddar cheese on top during the final 5 minutes of baking.

Variations and Customization

Feel free to customize this Breakfast Sausage Casserole to your liking! You can substitute different types of sausage, such as Italian sausage or chorizo, for a different flavor profile. Add other vegetables, like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini, to increase the nutritional value and add variety. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sausage and vegetable mixture. Different cheeses, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack, can also be used.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time. This is a great option for busy mornings or when you’re hosting a brunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of potatoes?

While russet potatoes are recommended for their texture, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly creamier casserole. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they don’t brown as well.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that your sausage is certified gluten-free.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Enjoy Your Delicious Breakfast!

This Breakfast Sausage Casserole with Herb-Cheese Swirl is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or a simple, satisfying breakfast any day of the week. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for easy access later!

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