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Easy One-Pan Breakfast Tailgate Casserole: Best Game Day Recipe

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This hearty, one-pan breakfast casserole is perfect for tailgating or lazy weekends. Made with simple ingredients like eggs, cheese, sausage, and bread, it comes together in about 45 minutes and is designed to be portable and delicious at room temperature.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 8 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 cups cubed day-old bread (crusty French loaf or sourdough)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onion (optional)
  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat and add the butter, swirling to coat the bottom.
  2. Add the breakfast sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and slightly frothy. Add the cubed bread and gently toss to coat. Let sit for 5 minutes to soak.
  4. Spread the cooked sausage evenly in the skillet. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of cheddar and all the Parmesan over the sausage. Pour the bread and egg mixture on top, spreading evenly. Press down lightly. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheddar.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until edges are golden brown and center is set (jiggles slightly when shaken). If top browns too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  6. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best texture. If using fresh bread, toast lightly at 300°F for 10 minutes. For a vegetarian version, skip sausage and sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. To make ahead, assemble the night before, refrigerate, and add 10 minutes to baking time. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, tailgate recipe, one-pan, game day, sausage casserole, easy breakfast

Find it online: https://milacook.com/easy-one-pan-breakfast-tailgate-casserole-best-game-day-recipe/