Easy Breakfast Bake: This Easy Breakfast Bake brings together everything you love about Southern comfort food—cheesy grits, savory sausage, and perfectly baked eggs.
It’s hearty, satisfying, and simple to prepare, making it the perfect dish for family breakfasts or weekend brunches. With its creamy cheese sauce and golden baked eggs, this recipe combines the best of traditional Southern cuisine into one irresistible casserole.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ lb pork sausage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2¼ cups water
- ¾ cup quick-cooking grits
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
How to Make Easy Breakfast Bake
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
In a heavy skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Grits
In a medium saucepan, bring salted water to a boil. Stir in the grits, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and black pepper, then gradually whisk in the milk. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and blended.
Step 4: Combine the Mixtures
Add the cooked sausage and half of the cheese sauce to the grits, mixing well. Pour this mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish and spread it evenly.
Step 5: Add the Eggs
Using the back of a large spoon, make four indentations in the grits mixture. Crack one egg into each indentation.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 325°F for 15–18 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness.
Step 7: Serve
Reheat the remaining cheese sauce and drizzle it over the baked grits and eggs before serving. Enjoy warm for a cozy, flavorful breakfast.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Breakfast Bake
- Use spicy sausage for an extra kick of flavor.
- For creamier grits, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese before baking.
- Add chopped green onions or diced bell peppers to the grits for color and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Southern flavors in one easy dish
- Perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory
- Great for feeding a family or a weekend crowd
- Simple ingredients with a rich, homemade taste
FAQs
1. Can I make this breakfast bake ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the grits and sausage mixture the night before, refrigerate it, and bake the next morning after adding the eggs.
2. Can I use instant grits instead of quick-cooking grits?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time according to package instructions.
3. What cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar is classic, but you can also try Monterey Jack or Colby for a different flavor.
4. Can I add vegetables?
Definitely. Diced onions, peppers, or spinach all make great additions.
5. How can I make it spicier?
Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper to the cheese sauce for extra heat.
