Slow Cooker Waffle & Beef Sausage Breakfast Bake – A Hearty, Flavorful Breakfast Casserole

Breakfast is often considered the most important meal of the day, and there’s no better way to kick-start your morning than with a warm, satisfying dish that combines the best of both sweet and savory flavors. Enter the Slow Cooker Waffle & Beef Sausage Breakfast Bake—an easy-to-make, comforting breakfast casserole that’s bound to become a new favorite in your household.

Whether you’re feeding a large family or preparing breakfast for a special weekend brunch, this recipe is versatile, hearty, and absolutely delicious. With a combination of frozen waffles, savory beef sausage, and eggs, it’s the perfect dish to bring everyone together around the table. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the convenience of the slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy a warm and comforting breakfast with minimal effort. Let’s dive into this recipe and explore how you can make this dish your go-to breakfast bake!

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Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Waffle & Beef Sausage Breakfast Bake

Before you get started, gather the following ingredients for the perfect breakfast casserole:

• 8 frozen waffles, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 pound ground beef sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Aluminum foil

These ingredients combine to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The frozen waffles provide a sweet, slightly crisp base, while the beef sausage adds richness and depth. The eggs and half-and-half bring everything together, creating a creamy and savory consistency, topped off with gooey melted cheese. A drizzle of maple syrup offers a hint of sweetness that perfectly balances the savory notes of the sausage and waffles.

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Directions: How to Make the Slow Cooker Waffle & Beef Sausage Breakfast Bake

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
   • Start by lining the bottom and sides of your 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with two crisscrossed strips of aluminum foil. This makes it easier to remove the casserole later.
   • Lightly spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Layer the Waffles and Sausage:
   • Cut your frozen waffles into bite-sized pieces. Place the pieces evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker.
   • Evenly spread the cooked and crumbled ground beef sausage over the waffles. The sausage adds a savory punch to each bite.
3. Mix the Egg Mixture:
   • In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, maple syrup, dried sage, salt, and black pepper. The maple syrup infuses the eggs with a touch of sweetness, while the sage brings a savory, herbaceous note to the dish.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Pour the egg mixture evenly over the waffle and sausage layers in the slow cooker. The egg mixture will soak into the waffles, creating a custard-like texture that holds everything together.
   • Top with shredded cheddar cheese, which will melt perfectly during the slow-cooking process, creating a cheesy, golden crust on top.
5. Cook:
   • Cover the slow cooker with its lid, and set it to low heat.
   • Cook for about 5 to 6 hours, or until the eggs are set, and the casserole is fully cooked through. The slow cooker will work its magic, allowing the flavors to meld and develop over time.
6. Serve:
   • Carefully lift the casserole out of the slow cooker using the aluminum foil handles.
   • Slice it into pieces and serve warm. You can top it with extra maple syrup or fresh herbs for added flavor.

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Why You’ll Love the Slow Cooker Waffle & Beef Sausage Breakfast Bake

This Slow Cooker Waffle & Beef Sausage Breakfast Bake offers the best of both worlds—a savory breakfast casserole with a touch of sweetness, making it a well-rounded meal that everyone will love. Let’s take a closer look at why this dish is perfect for any occasion.

1. Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor
   One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can have a delicious breakfast ready to go when you wake up. The slow cooking process ensures that all the flavors come together perfectly, without any extra effort on your part.
2. Family-Friendly
   This recipe is perfect for large gatherings, whether it’s a weekend family breakfast or a holiday brunch. Everyone will love the combination of crispy waffles, hearty sausage, and cheesy eggs. Plus, it’s easy to scale up or down depending on how many people you’re serving.
3. Customizable
   If you want to mix things up, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to suit your taste. Swap the beef sausage for pork sausage or turkey sausage if you prefer a leaner option. You can also experiment with different types of cheese—pepper jack, mozzarella, or feta would all work beautifully in this casserole. Add vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or spinach to make it even more nutritious.
4. Great for Meal Prep
   This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can make it the night before, refrigerate it, and then reheat it in the slow cooker the next morning. This makes it a great option for busy mornings or for feeding a crowd with minimal effort.

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FAQs about the Slow Cooker Waffle & Beef Sausage Breakfast Bake

Q: Can I use fresh waffles instead of frozen?
A: Yes, you can use fresh waffles instead of frozen ones. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces as you would with frozen waffles. However, frozen waffles tend to hold up better during the slow cooking process and absorb the egg mixture more evenly.

Q: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute the beef sausage with pork sausage, turkey sausage, or even chicken sausage depending on your preference. Make sure to cook and crumble the sausage before adding it to the casserole.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare this casserole the night before and store it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just pop it into the slow cooker and let it cook. It’s a great option for busy mornings or for hosting a brunch.

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, this casserole freezes well. After it has cooked and cooled, portion it out into airtight containers and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave or bake it until it’s warmed through.

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Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Waffle & Beef Sausage Breakfast Bake is the ultimate breakfast casserole that brings together the perfect combination of sweet waffles and savory sausage in a delicious, easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weekday morning or hosting a brunch gathering, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. With its minimal prep time, slow-cooked perfection, and customizable options, this casserole is destined to become a regular part of your breakfast rotation.

So, next time you’re looking for a comforting, delicious breakfast that everyone will love, look no further than this incredible slow cooker casserole. It’s warm, satisfying, and absolutely irresistible—your family will be asking for it again and again!

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