This Hearty Sausage and Egg Bake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for breakfast or brunch. Simple yet satisfying, it's packed with savory sausage, creamy eggs, and melty cheddar. Perfect for feeding a hungry group or prepping for the week ahead.
Sausage links: These provide a savory, meaty base. Choose your favorite breakfast sausage for the best flavor.
Butter: Used to sauté the onions, adding a rich, buttery flavor.
Onions: They bring a sweet and savory depth to the dish once sautéed.
Eggs: The main component that holds everything together, providing protein and richness.
Milk: Adds creaminess and helps create a fluffy texture for the eggs.
Cheddar cheese: Offers a gooey, cheesy topping that crisps up nicely in the oven.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall taste.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad or some crusty bread to balance the rich flavors. If you're serving brunch, consider a light arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepping the oven early ensures everything bakes evenly later. Next, grab a large skillet and melt your butter over medium heat. Toss in your onions and sauté them until they're translucent. This usually takes about 5 minutes. They should look soft and slightly golden.
Once the onions are ready, add your sausage links to the skillet. Break them up into crumbles as they cook. You want them browned and well-cooked, which should take about 7-10 minutes. After the sausage is done, take a moment to enjoy that savory aroma filling your kitchen — it's a little reward for your hard work so far!
Now, in a mixing bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper. The goal is to get a smooth, well-blended mixture. Once that's ready, grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and to make serving a breeze.
Spread the cooked sausage and onions evenly across the bottom of your prepared dish. Then, pour your egg mixture over this layer. It's starting to look like something delicious, isn't it? Finally, sprinkle your cheddar cheese evenly across the top. This is where the magic happens — the cheese will melt and form a beautiful golden crust as it bakes.
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for 35-40 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the eggs are set and the cheese is golden brown. Once out of the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This brief wait helps the dish set a bit more, making it easier to serve.