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Easy Cheesy Sausage Gravy Breakfast Bake

Easy Cheesy Sausage Gravy Breakfast Bake - featured image

A comforting and easy breakfast casserole combining rich sausage gravy, melted cheese, and cubed day-old bread baked to golden perfection. Perfect for busy mornings, brunches, or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound breakfast sausage (spicy or mild)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 6 cups cubed day-old bread (French or sourdough)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 7-9 minutes until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  3. Add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter to the skillet with the sausage fat. Once melted, whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour to form a roux. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until golden and nutty-smelling.
  4. Gradually pour in 3 cups warmed whole milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Simmer and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Adjust thickness by cooking longer or adding more milk as needed.
  5. Season the gravy with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Remove from heat.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine 6 cups cubed day-old bread, 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella. Toss to mix evenly.
  7. Beat 3 large eggs with 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions. Slowly pour the sausage gravy into the egg mixture, stirring gently to combine.
  8. Pour the gravy-egg mixture over the bread and cheese cubes. Toss gently to coat evenly without breaking down the bread too much.
  9. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
  10. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown, bubbly, and set. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean but moist.
  11. Let the bake cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to settle.

Notes

Use day-old bread to avoid sogginess. Brown sausage well for flavor. Whisk roux continuously to prevent lumps. Let bake rest before slicing. Tent with foil if edges brown too fast. Add extra cheese on top in last 5 minutes for a bubbly crust. Can be made ahead and baked in the morning with extra baking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, sausage gravy, cheesy bake, brunch recipe, easy breakfast, comfort food