Need a crowd-pleasing morning dish? This Paula Deen Breakfast Casserole Recipe is hearty and delicious. Eggs and sausage and cheese all bake together. Perfect for lazy weekends.
Learn How to Make Paula Deen Breakfast Casserole easily. These Ingredients for Paula Deen Breakfast Casserole are simple staples. Feeds everyone happy!
My Story With This Comforting Paula Deen Breakfast Casserole
Paula Deen recipes saved my first family holiday brunch. Nervous cook and big crowd. Casserole baked golden perfection. Sausage aroma filled house. Everyone raved! Now it’s Christmas morning must-have.
Kids wake up excited. Southern hospitality in every cheesy bite. What’s your go-to breakfast crowd-pleaser?
Equipment List
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil
- Spatula
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Paula Deen Breakfast Casserole
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 65 mins (plus overnight chill)
- Course: Breakfast/Brunch
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Calories: 380 kcal per serving
Ingredients for Paula Deen Breakfast Casserole
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (bulk or removed from casings)
- 12 large eggs
- 3 cups whole milk
- 8 cups cubed day-old bread (French or sourdough)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Optional: 1 cup diced bell peppers or onions
These Ingredients for Paula Deen Breakfast Casserole create Southern comfort magic.
Instructions for Paula Deen Breakfast Casserole
1. Cook the Sausage
Brown sausage in skillet over medium heat. Crumble as cooks. Drain excess fat. Takes 8-10 minutes. Golden brown perfection. Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare Baking Dish
Grease 9×13 baking dish well. Layer half bread cubes on bottom. Sprinkle half cooked sausage. Add half cheese. Repeat layers. Beautiful breakfast tower.
3. Mix Egg Custard
Whisk eggs, milk, mustard powder, salt, pepper, onion powder in bowl. Creamy golden liquid forms. Pour slowly over bread layers. Bread soaks beautifully.
4. Press and Chill Overnight
Gently press bread into egg mixture. Cover tightly with foil. Refrigerate 8+ hours. Overnight magic happens. Flavors marry perfectly.
5. Preheat and Bake
Heat oven 350°F (175°C). Remove foil. Bake 40-45 minutes. Edges golden, center set. Cheese bubbles beautifully. Perfect doneness.
6. Rest and Serve
Let rest 10 minutes. Eggs set perfectly. Slice into squares. Garnish with parsley. Hot sauce on side. Breakfast bliss ready!
Cooking Tips and Simple Recipe Variations
- Day-old bread absorbs best. Fresh bread gets soggy.
- Don’t skip overnight chill. Flavors develop magic.
- Spicy: Use hot sausage or add diced jalapeños.
- Veggie boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes.
- Ham version: Swap sausage for diced ham.
- Gluten-free: Use GF bread. Same delicious results.
Little History Behind This Comfort Food
Breakfast casseroles rose in 1970s America. Potluck kings! Paula Deen perfected Southern style. Heavy cream, sausage, cheese overload. Church socials, family reunions. Ultimate make-ahead morning savior.
What to Serve With This Dish
Fresh fruit salad balances richness. Chilled orange juice. Coffee or sweet tea. Biscuits and gravy optional. Hot sauce wakes it up. Simple sides perfect.
Occasion or Event Ideas
Christmas morning essential. Sleepovers win. Bridal shower brunches. Tailgates breakfast-style. Family reunions. Weekend guests. Holiday brunches shine.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers 3-4 days.
- Freeze baked casserole up to 2 months.
- Reheat 325°F oven 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave portions 1-2 minutes.
- Add milk splash when reheating.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Total Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 20g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
Values based on 12 servings. Approximate.
Is This Dish Good for You?
Paula Deen Breakfast Casserole packs protein power. Eggs build muscle. Sausage gives energy. Cheese offers calcium.
Perfect occasional indulgence. Balance with fruit. Feeds families nourishing comfort!
Paula Deen Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage bulk or removed from casings
- 12 large eggs
- 3 cups whole milk
- 8 cups cubed day-old bread French or sourdough
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Optional: 1 cup diced bell peppers or onions
Instructions
Cook the Sausage
- Brown sausage in skillet over medium heat. Crumble as cooks. Drain excess fat. Takes 8-10 minutes. Golden brown perfection. Set aside to cool.
Prepare Baking Dish
- Grease 9×13 baking dish well. Layer half bread cubes on bottom. Sprinkle half cooked sausage. Add half cheese. Repeat layers. Beautiful breakfast tower.
Mix Egg Custard
- Whisk eggs, milk, mustard powder, salt, pepper, onion powder in bowl. Creamy golden liquid forms. Pour slowly over bread layers. Bread soaks beautifully.
Press and Chill Overnight
- Gently press bread into egg mixture. Cover tightly with foil. Refrigerate 8+ hours. Overnight magic happens. Flavors marry perfectly.
Preheat and Bake
- Heat oven 350°F (175°C). Remove foil. Bake 40-45 minutes. Edges golden, center set. Cheese bubbles beautifully. Perfect doneness.
Rest and Serve
- Let rest 10 minutes. Eggs set perfectly. Slice into squares. Garnish with parsley. Hot sauce on side. Breakfast bliss ready!
Notes
- Day-old bread absorbs best. Fresh bread gets soggy.
- Don’t skip overnight chill. Flavors develop magic.
- Spicy: Use hot sausage or add diced jalapeños.
- Veggie boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes.
- Ham version: Swap sausage for diced ham.
- Gluten-free: Use GF bread. Same delicious results.
FAQs about Paula Deen Breakfast Casserole
Can I bake without overnight chill?
Yes, but less flavorful. At least 4 hours best. Overnight transforms ordinary to extraordinary. Patience rewards big time.
How to Make Paula Deen Breakfast Casserole lighter?
Use half milk, half skim. Turkey sausage. Reduced-fat cheese. Still delicious. Same comfort different calories.
What bread works best?
Day-old French, sourdough, Italian. Firm breads hold custard. Sandwich bread too soft. Challah lovely too.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Peppers, onions, spinach, mushrooms. Saute first. Drain well. Prevents watery casserole. Flavor boost!
Make ahead for holiday morning?
Perfect! Assemble night before. Bake fresh morning of. Guests think you’re kitchen wizard. Secret’s safe with me.
Final Thoughts
Your Paula Deen Breakfast Casserole Recipe is morning magic! Golden cheesy top hides sausage-egg perfection. Family gathers around warm slices. Holiday memories made easy.
Make-ahead genius saves sanity. Everyone leaves happy, full. Perfect Southern hospitality dish. Bake tradition today. Share your brunch triumphs below!
Hi! I’m Livy Lane, the creator of LivyCooks.com. I share easy, delicious recipes anyone can make at home. Let’s cook, taste and enjoy every bite together!