The Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish that brings comfort and flavor to any breakfast or brunch table. With its perfect blend of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, melty cheddar cheese, and crisped bread cubes, it’s a no-fuss recipe that satisfies every time.
Whether you’re hosting weekend brunch, prepping meals for the week, or feeding a hungry family on a busy morning, this casserole delivers convenience and nourishment. You can assemble it the night before and simply bake in the morning. Customize it with veggies, different cheeses, or even swap the bread for hash browns to suit your taste.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground breakfast sausage
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6 large eggs
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2 cups whole milk
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1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
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6 slices of bread, cubed (preferably day-old or lightly toasted)
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ tsp black pepper
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¼ tsp salt
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2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
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Butter or non-stick spray (for greasing the baking dish)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
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In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
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Add the cubed bread and shredded cheddar cheese to the egg mixture and stir until bread is fully coated.
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Fold in the cooked sausage until evenly distributed.
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Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
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Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is set.
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Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 365 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Why Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole Is a Must-Try Morning Dish
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, baked casserole coming out of the oven in the morning. It fills your home with irresistible aromas, satisfies your appetite, and simplifies your routine, especially if you’re hosting a gathering or need a make-ahead breakfast. The Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole is not just any breakfast. It’s a wholesome, protein-rich, all-in-one dish that brings together classic morning ingredients—eggs, sausage, cheese, and bread into one perfectly baked ensemble.
Whether you’re prepping a family brunch, looking for a hearty meal before a long workday, or planning ahead for the holidays, this casserole has you covered. It’s flexible enough to adapt to what you have in your pantry, yet rich and flavorful enough to make any breakfast table feel like a special occasion.
The Comfort of Tradition with a Modern Twist
Many of us grew up with some variation of a breakfast bake perhaps passed down from a grandparent or shared at family gatherings during holidays. This dish has stood the test of time, and for good reason. It’s deeply satisfying, easy to make in large quantities, and endlessly customizable. Over the years, breakfast casseroles have evolved to accommodate a range of dietary needs and flavor preferences.
This recipe keeps the traditional roots intact, classic breakfast sausage, whole eggs, melty cheddar cheese but offers room for creativity. Swap the bread for potatoes or low-carb options. Add veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Use spicy sausage for an extra kick, or try turkey sausage for a lighter version. The base recipe remains strong, making it a blank canvas for you to experiment with or tailor to dietary goals.
Ingredients Breakdown: What Makes It So Delicious
Let’s talk about the stars of the show:
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Breakfast sausage: Provides rich, savory flavor. Opt for a high-quality sausage to maximize taste. You can choose spicy, mild, or even flavored with herbs or maple.
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Eggs: The backbone of the casserole. Eggs provide structure and richness, turning this from a pile of ingredients into a cohesive bake.
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Milk: Balances the eggs and ensures a light, fluffy texture. Whole milk gives the best result, but you can use 2%, half-and-half, or even a dairy-free alternative in a pinch.
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Cheddar cheese: Sharp, tangy, and perfectly melty, cheddar complements the sausage beautifully. You could substitute with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist.
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Bread: Day-old or lightly toasted bread cubes absorb the egg mixture and add body. It’s best to use a sturdy loaf, white, sourdough, or even brioche.
Each ingredient contributes to the dish’s unique balance of savory, creamy, and hearty textures.
Make It Your Own: Customization Ideas
One of the best things about this breakfast casserole is how easy it is to adapt:
For a Healthier Option:
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Use turkey sausage or plant-based sausage.
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Swap whole milk for unsweetened almond milk or oat milk.
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Replace bread with cauliflower florets or cooked quinoa for a lower-carb alternative.
To Add More Flavor:
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Stir in sautéed vegetables like onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
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Sprinkle herbs like thyme, chives, or rosemary into the egg mixture.
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Use a blend of cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and Gruyère—for added depth.
For Special Occasions:
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Add a layer of crispy bacon on top after baking.
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Garnish with chopped scallions or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
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Serve with fruit salad, fresh-squeezed juice, or a mimosa bar for a complete brunch experience.
Time-Saving Tips
If mornings are hectic in your household, the make-ahead potential of this dish is a total game changer. You can assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. The next morning, just pop it in the oven while you sip your coffee or help the kids get ready.
You can also freeze this casserole, either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, simply assemble it in a foil container, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. To freeze leftovers, portion them into airtight containers for a quick grab-and-go breakfast option that reheats beautifully in the microwave.
Perfect for Holidays, Meal Prep, and Busy Families
There’s a reason this dish is a staple during the holidays either Thanksgiving morning, Christmas brunch, New Year’s Day, you name it. It’s festive, hearty, and serves a crowd with very little effort. You can double the recipe for larger gatherings or bake it in two smaller dishes if you’re delivering to friends or neighbors.
But this casserole isn’t just for special occasions. It’s also an excellent choice for meal prepping. If you’re trying to streamline your week or follow a specific diet plan, this dish delivers multiple servings of protein-rich, satisfying breakfast. It will hold in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats well, making your mornings smoother and more delicious.
Tips for the Best Sausage and Egg Casserole
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Don’t overbake: Check the casserole around the 40-minute mark. You want the center to be set but still moist. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture.
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Let it rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 5–10 minutes after baking. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to slice.
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Use quality sausage and cheese: Since these are the key flavor components, using high-quality versions really elevates the final dish.
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Toast your bread: If your bread is very fresh, toast it lightly before adding. This helps it absorb the egg mixture better and keeps the texture from getting mushy.
Conclusion
The Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole is more than just a recipe, it’s a lifesaver for busy mornings, a centerpiece for cozy brunches, and a comfort-filled dish that brings people together. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep returning to again and again. Whether you stick to the classic version or dress it up with your own creative touches, this casserole delivers big on taste and convenience.
So next time you’re planning breakfast or brunch, skip the short-order cooking and let the oven do the work. With this hearty, satisfying casserole, mornings just got a whole lot easier and tastier.