Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole

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The Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole is the kind of warm, savory dish that transforms any morning into something special. Combining rich breakfast sausage, fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and tender bread cubes, this bake offers a balance of protein, comfort, and nostalgia in every bite.

Whether you’re preparing breakfast for the holidays, weekend guests, or your everyday crew, this casserole is a time-saver and crowd-pleaser. You can make it ahead of time and bake it fresh in the morning, making it perfect for busy schedules or relaxed brunches. Each slice is loaded with flavor, making it a household favorite you’ll want to serve again and again.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 pound ground breakfast sausage
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
6 slices white sandwich bread, cubed
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped chives (optional)
Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the dish)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain off excess fat and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard until fully combined.
Add the cubed bread into the egg mixture and gently toss to coat. Let sit for 5 minutes to absorb.
Stir in the cooked sausage and 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top and set in the center.
Garnish with chopped chives before serving, if desired. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 8 servings

Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole: A Hearty Morning Classic

When it comes to comforting, protein-packed breakfasts that feed a crowd and fill the kitchen with warmth, few dishes compare to the Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole. This satisfying, all-in-one meal has become a staple on brunch tables, holiday mornings, potlucks, and meal prep menus across the country and for good reason. It’s customizable, easy to make, and incredibly delicious.

This dish blends familiar, beloved ingredients, crumbled breakfast sausage, fluffy eggs, rich cheese, and bread cubes to create a soft, savory casserole with a golden top and irresistible aroma. Whether you’re serving this on Christmas morning, a lazy Sunday brunch, or making it ahead for busy weekday breakfasts, it offers both convenience and crave-worthy flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the greatest appeals of this breakfast casserole is its flexibility. You can assemble it the night before and pop it in the oven first thing in the morning, making it perfect for hosting or easing your way into the day. It’s also incredibly filling and hits all the right notes: salty, creamy, cheesy, and toasty.

Here’s what makes this recipe stand out:

Time-Saving: Prep the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
Crowd-Pleasing: Feeds a group with ease, great for holidays, brunches, or potlucks.
Customizable: Swap the sausage for bacon, veggies, or go meatless with mushrooms or spinach.
Meal-Prep Friendly: Cut into squares and refrigerate or freeze for grab-and-go breakfasts all week.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

To truly appreciate this recipe, let’s break down the magic behind its core components:

Sausage: Classic breakfast sausage brings bold, savory flavor and a hint of spice. Use pork sausage for a traditional flavor, or switch to turkey sausage for a lighter option.
Eggs: The foundation of the casserole, eggs create a custardy texture that holds everything together. They also contribute protein and richness.
Milk: Whole milk helps create a silky egg custard. For an extra decadent texture, you can substitute part of the milk with heavy cream.
Bread: Day-old white sandwich bread is ideal. It absorbs the egg mixture without becoming mushy. French bread or sourdough cubes also work well for a slightly chewier bite.
Cheese: A mix of cheddar and mozzarella offers the perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess. Feel free to try pepper jack, Swiss, or Gruyère for added flair.
Chives (Optional): These give the dish a subtle oniony freshness and a touch of color. They’re great for both flavor and presentation.

Preparation Tips

To make this casserole as seamless as possible, consider these tips:

Use Slightly Stale Bread: This allows for better absorption of the egg mixture and prevents sogginess.
Grease the Dish Well: Don’t skip this step, eggs and cheese can stick.
Let It Rest Before Baking (Optional): For best results, refrigerate the assembled dish for a few hours or overnight. This helps meld the flavors and ensures even baking.
Tent with Foil If Needed: If the top browns too quickly while baking, loosely cover with foil midway through to prevent burning.
Let It Set Before Slicing: Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before cutting into squares. This helps it firm up and slice cleanly.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

To Make Ahead:
Assemble the casserole completely (egg mixture poured over bread, sausage, and cheese), cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to let it come to room temperature, then bake as directed.

To Store Leftovers:
Store cooled casserole slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.

To Freeze:
Wrap individual portions or the entire baked casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Customization Ideas

This dish can easily adapt to different tastes, dietary needs, or what you have in your fridge:

Vegetarian Version: Omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini.
Low-Carb/Keto Option: Use cauliflower florets or omit the bread entirely for a crustless egg bake.
Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or use spicy sausage for a flavorful kick.
Southwestern Style: Mix in black beans, green chiles, cumin, and top with salsa and avocado before serving.
Herb-Infused: Fold in chopped herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill for a fresh finish.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this casserole with any of the following to create a complete breakfast or brunch spread:

Fresh Fruit Salad: The light, juicy sweetness balances the richness of the casserole.
Pastries or Muffins: Offer a variety for contrast and crowd appeal.
Avocado Slices or Guacamole: Creamy and healthy addition.
Mixed Green Salad: If serving for brunch or lunch, add a side salad with vinaigrette.
Mimosas or Coffee Bar: For holiday brunches or special occasions, round out your meal with drink options.

When to Serve This Casserole

Christmas Morning: Prep the night before and enjoy a stress-free breakfast while opening gifts.
Weekend Brunch: Impress guests with a warm, hearty main dish that doesn’t require constant attention.
Meal Prep: Make a batch Sunday night and enjoy easy reheated breakfasts all week.
Potlucks: Bake it in a disposable foil pan and bring to your next brunch or office event.
Easter or Mother’s Day: Pair it with spring produce and a floral table for a perfect seasonal meal.

Nutritional Value

The casserole is high in protein from eggs and sausage, offers calcium from the cheese, and provides energy from the bread base. While it’s certainly on the indulgent side, it can be made lighter with low-fat milk, turkey sausage, or reduced-fat cheese.

Approximate per-serving breakdown (varies based on ingredients used):

Calories: 380
Protein: 19g
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 1g

Conclusion

The Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole is more than just a breakfast dish, it’s a ritual. Whether you’re waking up to it on a holiday morning, preparing for a weekend gathering, or simply ensuring your family has a satisfying breakfast during the week, this casserole delivers comfort, flavor, and nourishment in every bite.

Its versatility, ease of preparation, and comforting taste make it a household classic. Once you make it, it’ll likely become part of your regular breakfast rotation, adaptable to whatever ingredients and occasions life throws your way.

Make it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again, for its flavor, simplicity, and the joy it brings to the table.