The aroma of breakfast wafting through the house is one of life’s simple pleasures. Growing up, Sunday mornings were often filled with the sounds of sizzling sausage and the laughter of family gathered around the table. It was a time for connection, for sharing stories, and for enjoying delicious food that warmed the heart. One of my favorite dishes from those mornings was a comforting breakfast bake, and today, I’m excited to share a delightful twist on that classic: Cheddar Sausage Biscuit Breakfast Bake. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together, making it perfect for family gatherings or leisurely weekends.
Imagine fluffy biscuits nestled among savory sausage, all enveloped in a cheesy, custardy embrace. It’s a hearty breakfast that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying. So, let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering recipe that will surely become a staple in your home!
Gathering the Ingredients
Before we get cooking, let’s take a moment to gather our key ingredients. The beauty of this Cheddar Sausage Biscuit Breakfast Bake lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
– Breakfast Sausage: 1 lb of your choice—mild or spicy, depending on your preference. This is the flavor base that sets the tone for the entire dish. Using high-quality sausage will enhance the overall taste, making it a standout breakfast option.
– Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup of shredded cheese. Choose sharp cheddar for a bold flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sausage. The cheese not only adds richness but also melts perfectly to create a luscious texture.
– Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: 1 can (16.3 oz) of refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands). This saves time in preparation and adds that comforting biscuit texture that everyone loves.
– Large Eggs: 6 eggs to create a rich custard that binds everything together. Eggs are essential for achieving that satisfying, cohesive structure in the bake.
– Milk: 1 cup of milk helps create a creamy texture. Whole milk or 2% works best, but you can also substitute with a non-dairy milk if needed.
– Seasonings: 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and a ¼ tsp of cayenne pepper (optional, for an added kick). These spices elevate the dish and add depth to the flavors, allowing you to customize the bake to your taste.
– Chopped Fresh Chives: As a finishing touch, optional for garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness. Not only do chives enhance the visual appeal, but they also impart a mild onion flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Preparing Your Cheddar Sausage Biscuit Breakfast Bake
The preparation of this bake is straightforward and can be done in less than 15 minutes. Here’s how to create this delicious breakfast dish:
1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your dish bakes evenly and achieves that golden-brown finish.
2. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the breakfast sausage. Using a wooden spoon, break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. Sauté until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and set it aside to cool slightly. This step is important to prevent excess grease from making your bake soggy.
3. Prepare the Biscuit Dough: While the sausage is cooking, open your can of refrigerated biscuit dough. On a clean surface, separate the biscuits and cut each one into quarters. This will allow them to distribute evenly throughout the dish and soak up the custard mixture beautifully.
4. Mix the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). This mixture will create the custard that binds all the ingredients together, ensuring that every bite is flavorful and satisfying. Whisk until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is frothy.
5. Combine Ingredients: In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the cooked sausage evenly across the bottom. Then, add the quartered biscuit pieces on top of the sausage, ensuring they are distributed evenly. Next, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the biscuits and sausage. This layering creates pockets of flavor and gooey cheese throughout the bake.
6. Pour the Custard Mixture: Carefully pour the egg and milk custard mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish. Use a spatula to gently push down any biscuit pieces that may be floating on the surface, ensuring they are submerged in the custard. This step is vital for achieving that soft, custardy texture after baking.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma of baking sausage and melting cheese will fill your kitchen, creating an irresistible atmosphere.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, allow the Cheddar Sausage Biscuit Breakfast Bake to cool for a few minutes. If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh chives on top for added color and flavor. Cut into squares and serve warm, allowing each person to enjoy a hearty slice of this comforting breakfast bake.
This Cheddar Sausage Biscuit Breakfast Bake is not only a delightful start to your day but also a dish that can be prepared ahead of time for busy mornings. It’s perfect for potlucks, holiday brunches, or even as a comforting family meal. The combination of sausage, cheese, and biscuits creates a satisfying and nostalgic experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Now that you know how to prepare this delicious breakfast bake, get ready to create memorable moments around your dining table!
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is essential for ensuring that your breakfast bake cooks evenly and comes out perfectly golden. Preheating also helps to achieve that delightful puffiness in the biscuits, which is crucial for a satisfying breakfast experience.
Cook the Sausage
In a medium skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the breakfast sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Throughout this process, be sure to keep an eye on the sausage, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan. Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet. This step is vital, as too much grease can lead to a soggy bake, detracting from the overall texture and flavor of your dish.
Prepare the Biscuit Dough
Next, it’s time to prepare the biscuit dough. Open the can of biscuit dough, and with either a sharp knife or your hands, cut each biscuit into quarters. This will allow the biscuits to soak up the egg mixture beautifully, leading to a fluffy and delicious breakfast bake. If you’re using homemade biscuit dough, roll it out and cut it into similar-sized pieces to maintain consistency in cooking.
Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you’re feeling adventurous!). This mixture is what binds everything together and provides that custardy texture that makes this breakfast bake so special. Be sure to whisk well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth. You want to make sure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the egg mixture for a perfectly seasoned dish.
Layer the Bake
Now, let’s layer everything in your greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Start by evenly spreading the cooked sausage across the bottom of the dish. This forms a flavorful base for your bake. Next, scatter the quartered biscuits on top of the sausage layer, ensuring they are evenly distributed. This will help them soak up the egg mixture as it bakes. Pour the egg mixture over everything, ensuring it coats all the biscuits and sausage. This step not only adds flavor but also keeps the biscuits moist during baking.
Add Cheddar Cheese
Now for the best part—sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top, ensuring even coverage. Cheddar cheese adds a rich, creamy flavor that complements the sausage and biscuits perfectly. As it bakes, the cheese will melt into gooey perfection, creating a deliciously cheesy topping that everyone will love.
Bake the Dish
Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the biscuits are golden brown, the egg is set, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra golden top, you can broil the dish for the last few minutes of baking, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. This resting time allows the bake to set further, making it easier to cut into squares. If you’d like, garnish with chopped chives for a fresh touch. Chives not only add a pop of color but also a mild onion flavor that enhances the dish. Cut into squares and dig in! This breakfast bake pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, a side of crispy bacon, or even a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
Tips & Tricks for Success
To make sure your Cheddar Sausage Biscuit Breakfast Bake turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
– Sausage Choice: Experiment with different types of sausage. A spicy sausage will give a nice kick, while a mild sausage is family-friendly. You can even try turkey or chicken sausage for a healthier option.
– Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix and match your cheeses. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses can create a unique flavor profile. Mixing cheeses can also add depth to the overall taste.
– Biscuit Dough Alternatives: If you prefer homemade biscuits, you can substitute them, but ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking. You can also try flaky pastry dough for a different texture.
– Make-Ahead Option: This breakfast bake can be prepared the night before. Simply assemble the ingredients in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
– Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with a fresh fruit salad or yogurt for a balanced breakfast. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, serve with hot sauce or salsa on the side.
– Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This makes it a perfect option for meal prep, as it can be enjoyed throughout the week.
Conclusion
The Cheddar Sausage Biscuit Breakfast Bake is not only a comforting and hearty dish but also a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for family gatherings or weekend brunches. With its delicious combinations of savory sausage, fluffy biscuits, and gooey cheddar cheese, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your breakfast repertoire.
Don’t hesitate to get creative with your ingredients—you can customize it to suit your taste preferences, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand. Whether you add vegetables, switch up the cheese, or change the type of sausage, this breakfast bake is versatile enough to accommodate all kinds of flavor profiles.
So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a delightful breakfast that will please everyone at the table. Don’t forget to share your experience and any variations you try, as cooking is all about experimentation and making recipes your own!
