Savory Breakfast Sausage and Cheese Casserole

Start your day with a hearty and incredibly delicious Savory Breakfast Sausage and Cheese Casserole. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd, whether it’s a weekend brunch, a holiday gathering, or simply a make-ahead meal for busy mornings. It combines savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheese in every comforting bite.

Why This Breakfast Casserole is a Must-Try

This casserole is a true breakfast hero. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or cheeses. The best part? You can assemble it the night before, making your morning routine a breeze. Just pop it in the oven, and a warm, satisfying breakfast awaits!

It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover bread or sausage, reducing food waste while creating a delicious meal. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Essential Ingredients for Your Casserole

1. The Sausage

Choose your favorite breakfast sausage – mild, spicy, or even a maple-flavored variety. Cook it thoroughly and crumble it before adding it to the casserole.

2. The Bread

Stale bread works best as it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming soggy. Cubed bread, such as sourdough, French bread, or even regular sandwich bread, will create a delightful texture.

3. The Eggs and Dairy

A mixture of eggs and milk (or half-and-half for extra richness) forms the custardy base of the casserole. This binds all the ingredients together and creates a fluffy texture.

4. The Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for its sharp flavor and excellent melting properties. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of your favorites.

5. Optional Add-ins

Enhance your casserole with sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick.

Tips for a Perfect Breakfast Casserole

• Don’t Skip the Overnight Soak: Allowing the casserole to sit overnight in the refrigerator helps the bread absorb the egg mixture fully, resulting in a more uniform and less soggy texture.
• Cook Sausage Thoroughly: Ensure the sausage is fully cooked and crumbled before adding it to the casserole to prevent any uncooked bits.
• Grease Your Dish: Liberally grease your baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
• Cover for Even Cooking: Cover the casserole with foil for the first part of baking to prevent the top from browning too quickly and to ensure the eggs cook through. Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes to achieve a golden-brown top.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or a dollop of sour cream or salsa for an extra burst of flavor.

Savory Breakfast Sausage and Cheese Casserole

A hearty and delicious make-ahead breakfast casserole with savory sausage, eggs, and cheese.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 people

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb breakfast sausage cooked and crumbled
• 6 slices stale bread cubed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk or half-and-half
• 1 tsp dry mustard
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper, sautéed

Get Recipe Ingredients

Method

 

1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Spread cooked and crumbled sausage evenly over the bottom of the prepared dish.
3. Layer the cubed bread over the sausage.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the bread.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. If using, stir in sautéed onion and bell pepper.
6. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese. Press down gently to ensure all bread is moistened.
7. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes while oven preheats.
9. Bake, covered with foil, for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.
10. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a spicier casserole, use hot breakfast sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture. You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.