Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Bake

### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.

#### Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet, heat the sausage over medium heat. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Brown the sausage until it’s fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain excess grease if necessary, and set the sausage aside.

#### Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a little olive oil or butter and sauté the onion and bell pepper (if using) until they’re softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This step will add an extra layer of flavor to your breakfast bake.

#### Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, hash browns, and shredded cheese.

#### Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the egg mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. If you like a bit of extra cheese on top, sprinkle some more shredded cheese over the top.

#### Step 6: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for **30-40 minutes**, or until the eggs are set, and the top is golden brown and bubbly. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean.

#### Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

### Tips and Variations:

– **Make it ahead**: This recipe can easily be made ahead of time. Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

– **Cheese options**: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a spicier kick or feta for a tangy twist.

– **Add more veggies**: You can sneak in extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.

– **Gluten-free**: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, just ensure that your sausage and hash browns are gluten-free, or use a gluten-free substitute.

– **Low-carb version**: For a low-carb alternative, substitute the hash browns with cauliflower rice or skip them entirely. You’ll still get the cheesy, savory goodness without the carbs.

### Why You’ll Love It:
– **Easy to make**: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this breakfast bake is quick and simple.
– **Customizable**: You can tailor it to suit your family’s tastes by adding different vegetables, meats, or cheeses.
– **Great for leftovers**: This casserole keeps well in the fridge and can be easily reheated for breakfast the next day.
– **Feeds a crowd**: Whether you’re hosting brunch or just feeding your family, this bake is the perfect dish to serve a crowd.

This **Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Bake** is the ultimate way to start your day with a warm, savory, and satisfying meal. It’s a perfect choice for holiday mornings, weekend breakfasts, or anytime you’re craving something comforting and delicious.