Cheesy Bacon and Sausage Breakfast Bake

Introduction

This Cheesy Bacon and Sausage Breakfast Bake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any morning occasion—whether a lazy weekend brunch, a holiday gathering, or a hearty weekday breakfast meal prep. Combining savory sausage, crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and a comforting bread base, it’s a dish that is satisfying, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a group or making ahead for the week.

The best part? It’s versatile! You can customize it with different cheeses, add vegetables for freshness and nutrition, and make it as spicy or mild as you like. Below, you’ll find everything you need to make this breakfast bake a hit in your kitchen, from the ingredients and equipment to cooking tips and storage ideas.

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Ingredients

Protein

• 8 slices of bacon: Thick-cut preferred for a meatier texture and more flavor. Bacon adds smokiness and saltiness.

• 1 pound (450g) breakfast sausage: Choose your favorite type—mild, spicy, or Italian sausage all work well.

Base

• 6 cups day-old bread, cubed: Use a sturdy bread like sourdough, French bread, or a rustic white loaf. Day-old bread absorbs the custard well without turning mushy.

Cheese

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds a nice tang.

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella adds gooeyness and stretchiness.

Eggs and Dairy

• 10 large eggs: Provides the custard base binding everything together.

• 2 cups whole milk: Milk makes the custard creamy and tender. You can substitute half-and-half for a richer bake.

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional): For extra richness and a custard that’s extra luscious.

• Salt and pepper: To taste.

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth and a subtle smoky heat)

Vegetables (Optional but Recommended)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Garnishes and Extras

• Fresh chives or parsley, chopped for garnish.

• Hot sauce or salsa on the side (optional).

• Sour cream for serving.

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Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or frying pan

• 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish

• Large mixing bowl

• Whisk or fork

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Cutting board and knife

• Oven

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients

Bread: If you don’t have day-old bread, cube fresh bread and toast it lightly in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to dry it out slightly. This prevents sogginess.

Bacon: Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp but not burnt. Drain on paper towels, then chop into bite-sized pieces.

Sausage: Remove excess bacon fat, then add sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat but leave some for flavor.

Vegetables: In the same pan, sauté onions and bell peppers until softened, about 5 minutes. Add spinach last and cook just until wilted.

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2. Assemble the Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until fully combined.

3. Add the bread cubes, cooked bacon, sausage, sautéed vegetables, and half of the shredded cheese to the egg mixture. Stir gently to combine, making sure all the bread cubes are coated and everything is evenly distributed.

4. Pour the mixture into your greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.

5. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.

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3. Bake

• Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.

• Check doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

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4. Rest and Serve

• Let the breakfast bake rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting. This helps it set further and makes serving easier.

• Garnish with fresh chives or parsley.

• Serve warm with hot sauce, salsa, or sour cream on the side.

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Tips for Success

• Bread choice: Use dense bread that can absorb the custard without turning mushy.

• Protein: Fully cook bacon and sausage first to prevent raw meat in the bake.

• Custard: Whisk eggs and milk thoroughly for a smooth texture.

• Vegetables: Precook veggies so they’re tender and excess moisture evaporates.

• Cheese: A mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella creates great flavor and texture.

• Make ahead: Prepare the mixture the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning (add 5-10 minutes to baking time if baking cold).

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Variations and Add-Ins

• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or use spicy sausage.

• Veggie-loaded: Add mushrooms, tomatoes, zucchini, or broccoli.

• Different cheese: Try pepper jack, gouda, or feta for different flavor profiles.

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread.

• Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano add aromatic complexity.

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Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 450-550

• Protein: 30g

• Carbohydrates: 20-25g

• Fat: 30-35g

• Fiber: 2-3g

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheat: Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair with fresh fruit or a fruit salad to balance the richness.

• Serve alongside fresh coffee, orange juice, or your favorite morning beverage.

• Add a side of crispy hash browns or roasted potatoes for an extra hearty breakfast.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Soggy bake: Use stale bread and don’t overload with vegetables that release too much water.

• Dry bake: Don’t overbake and consider adding a little more milk or cream to the custard.

• Uneven cooking: Spread ingredients evenly and use a proper-sized dish.

• Burnt top: Tent with foil if browning too quickly.

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Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Bacon and Sausage Breakfast Bake is comfort food at its best—rich, cheesy, meaty, and filling. It’s a versatile recipe that can be tailored to your preferences, making it ideal for any breakfast or brunch scenario. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals ahead, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your breakfast rotation.