If you’re searching for a comforting and flavorful dish that makes busy mornings a breeze, this Sausage Breakfast Casserole is your new best friend. Combining savory sausage, fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and hearty bread, this casserole brings all the classic breakfast favorites together in one easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re preparing a Sunday brunch for guests or feeding a hungry family on a weekday, this Sausage Breakfast Casserole will quickly become a staple thanks to its unbeatable taste and simple preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple preparation: Minimal ingredients and easy steps mean you can have a delicious meal with little fuss.
- Make-ahead magic: Perfect for prepping the night before, saving you precious morning time.
- Family favorite: Packed with flavors everyone loves, making it a hit for all ages.
- Versatile flavors: Customizable with veggies, cheeses, or spices to suit any taste preference.
- Hearty and filling: A satisfying meal that keeps you energized through the morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sausage Breakfast Casserole relies on simple but essential ingredients, each playing a specific role in creating rich flavors, ideal textures, and a visually inviting dish. From the savory sausage to the fluffy eggs, every component matters.
- Breakfast sausage: Choose quality pork sausage for juicy, flavorful bites throughout the casserole.
- Eggs: The binding agent that holds everything together while adding richness and protein.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and moisture for a tender casserole texture.
- Shredded cheese: A blend of cheddar or mozzarella melts perfectly, adding gooey deliciousness.
- Bread cubes: Stale or day-old bread works best to soak up the custard without getting mushy.
- Onion and bell pepper: Optional veggies that boost flavor and add a pop of color.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the ingredients’ natural flavors.
- Butter or oil: Used for sautéing sausage and veggies to develop deep, savory notes.
Variations for Sausage Breakfast Casserole
This recipe is wonderfully forgiving and lends itself to customization. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to suit your dietary needs or seasonal produce.
- Vegetarian version: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives.
- Spicy twist: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne for a little heat.
- Cheese swap: Try pepper jack, feta, or gouda for different flavor profiles.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute bread cubes with gluten-free bread or hash browns.
- Veggie-packed: Incorporate spinach, tomatoes, or zucchini to boost nutrition and freshness.
How to Make Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Cook the sausage and vegetables
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausage and sauté diced onions and bell peppers in the pan until tender, adding a touch of butter or oil if needed. Combining these ingredients early intensifies the savory flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the egg custard
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until fully combined and slightly frothy. This custard will soak into the bread cubes and sausage, creating a creamy texture after baking.
Step 3: Assemble the casserole
In a greased baking dish, layer the bread cubes evenly. Sprinkle the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and shredded cheese over the bread. Pour the egg mixture evenly on top, pressing lightly to ensure all bread pieces absorb the custard.
Step 4: Bake until golden and set
Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-45 minutes until the top is golden and the eggs are fully set. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to help the casserole firm up.
Pro Tips for Making Sausage Breakfast Casserole
- Use day-old bread: Prevent sogginess by allowing the bread to absorb the egg custard without dissolving.
- Mix cheeses: Combining sharp and mild cheeses adds depth to the flavor profile.
- Don’t skip seasoning: Properly salt and pepper each component to avoid a bland casserole.
- Prep ahead: Assemble the night before and refrigerate to save time in the morning.
- Let it rest: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to make slicing easier.
How to Serve Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Garnishes
Finish your Sausage Breakfast Casserole with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and fresh flavor that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs well with crisp fruit salads, fresh orange slices, or light green salads to balance the richness and add freshness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in small ramekins for a charming presentation, or cut the casserole into squares to create handheld bites ideal for brunch parties or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve moisture and flavor.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in foil or freezer-friendly containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or heat the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, maintaining texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great leaner alternative that works well without sacrificing flavor.
What bread is best for a breakfast casserole?
Day-old or slightly stale bread such as French bread, sourdough, or even sandwich bread works perfectly because it soaks up the egg mixture without becoming mushy.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives to keep it creamy and flavorful.
Is it possible to add vegetables to my Sausage Breakfast Casserole?
Definitely! Diced vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms add nutrition and brighten the dish.
How long should I let the casserole sit before baking?
It’s best to let it sit for at least 15-30 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the egg mixture, but you can also prepare it the night before for even better results.
Final Thoughts
With its irresistible flavors, easy prep, and comforting heartiness, this Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a must-try recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your breakfast lineup. Don’t wait for a special occasion — whip it up today and enjoy a satisfying start to your day!
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Sausage Breakfast Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free bread substitute)
Description
This Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that combines savory sausage, fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and hearty bread. Perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches, this casserole is customizable, make-ahead friendly, and loved by families of all ages.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend)
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil (for sautéing)
Produce
- 1/2 cup diced onion (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (optional)
Bakery
- 6 cups bread cubes (day-old or slightly stale bread such as French bread, sourdough, or sandwich bread)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the sausage and vegetables: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked. Remove sausage from pan. In the same skillet, sauté diced onions and bell peppers in butter or oil until tender, about 3-5 minutes. This step intensifies the savory flavors.
- Prepare the egg custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until fully combined and slightly frothy. This custard will soak into the bread cubes and sausage to create a creamy texture after baking.
- Assemble the casserole: Grease a baking dish and evenly layer the bread cubes inside. Sprinkle the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables over the bread. Then evenly distribute the shredded cheese. Pour the egg mixture over the top, pressing lightly to ensure the bread absorbs the custard.
- Bake until golden and set: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled casserole for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden and the eggs are fully set. Let cool for a few minutes to allow the casserole to firm up before serving.
Notes
- Use day-old bread to prevent sogginess and achieve perfect custard absorption.
- Mix sharp and mild cheeses for a deeper flavor profile.
- Season each component adequately with salt and pepper to avoid blandness.
- Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate to save morning prep time.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking to make slicing easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of casserole)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
