Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

I absolutely love this Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe because it’s one of those cozy dishes that feels like a warm hug first thing in the morning. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weekend or prepping a special brunch for friends, this casserole hits all the right notes with its fluffy eggs, savory sausage, and melty cheese. I remember the first time I made it—I was blown away by how simple it was, yet so comforting and flavorful.

The beauty of this sausage breakfast casserole is that you can make it ahead of time, which totally saves the morning chaos. You mix everything the night before, refrigerate it, and then pop it in the oven when you’re ready—that’s a game-changer for busy days. Plus, the bread soaks up all that custardy goodness, making every bite perfectly tender and satisfying. You’ll find that this recipe quickly becomes a trusted favorite in your brunch lineup.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this sausage breakfast casserole recipe is in how these straightforward ingredients come together to create something truly delicious. I always recommend using good quality sausage and fresh eggs to get the best flavor and texture.

• Olive oil: Adds a nice subtle richness when cooking the sausage and helps prevent sticking.
• Pork breakfast sausage: Choose a flavorful, uncooked variety—removing casings helps it cook evenly.
• Cooking spray or olive oil: To grease your baking dish so the casserole doesn’t stick.
• Large eggs: Fresh eggs make the custard base rich and fluffy.
• Half-and-half: Brings creaminess without being too heavy; whole milk can be used as a substitute.
• Dry mustard: A secret ingredient that amps up the savory depth without overpowering.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Shredded, preferably white cheddar for tang and meltiness.
• Hearty white sandwich bread: Cubed bread soaks up the custard perfectly—avoid overly soft or squishy varieties.

Variations

I love how forgiving this sausage breakfast casserole recipe is when it comes to tweaks—you can easily tailor it to fit what you have on hand or adjust it for different dietary needs. Over time, I’ve played around with a bunch of variations, and it’s fun to make it your own!

• Add veggies: I often sneak in diced bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition, which my family barely notices but totally enjoys.
• Use turkey sausage: For a leaner option, turkey sausage works well and still keeps that savory punch.
• Gluten-free bread: Swap out the white sandwich bread for a gluten-free variety to make this recipe safe for gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy kick: When I want a little heat, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.

How to Make Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Cook the sausage until perfectly browned

Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. While waiting for the oil to shimmer, remove the sausage casings if needed—that makes breaking it up so much easier. Add the sausage to the pan, then break it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 4 to 7 minutes until it’s cooked through and starting to brown, which brings out the best flavor. Once done, remove from heat and let it cool slightly; you don’t want hot sausage cooking the eggs later.

Step 2: Whisk together the custard base

While your sausage cools, grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to keep the casserole from sticking. Next, grab a large bowl and whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, dry mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. I love using a whisk here because it gets everything nice and fluffy, which makes the casserole airy and light when baked.

Step 3: Combine bread, cheese, and sausage with the egg mixture

Grate the sharp cheddar cheese and cut or tear your bread into 1-inch pieces. Add half of the cheese and all the bread into the egg mixture. Using a slotted spoon, gently fold the cooked sausage into the mix, being careful not to squish the bread too much—it should absorb the custard without turning soggy. This is the part that makes this casserole so special: every bite gets a perfect balance of egg, cheese, sausage, and soft bread.

Step 4: Refrigerate or bake right away

Pour everything into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. You have two options here: cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours (or up to 24) to let the flavors meld and the bread fully soak up the custard, or bake it immediately if you’re short on time. If you bake right away, just let it sit while the oven heats so the bread can absorb some moisture first.

Step 5: Bake to golden perfection

Arrange an oven rack in the center and preheat to 350ºF. If your casserole has been chilled, let it sit at room temperature while the oven warms up to avoid cold spots inside. Bake uncovered until the top is gloriously golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean—usually between 50 to 55 minutes. After baking, let it rest about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set up, so your portions hold nicely.

How to Serve Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my slices with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives—it adds a pop of color and a bit of freshness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I add a bit of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream if we want a little extra zing. These garnishes are simple but really elevate the dish and make it feel special.

Side Dishes

To round out brunch, I usually pair the casserole with fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad to balance the richness. Crispy breakfast potatoes or roasted veggies also complement it beautifully. If you want something lighter, a side of yogurt with honey and granola works nicely too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive brunch gathering, I like to bake the casserole in individual ramekins so everyone gets their own perfectly golden portion. Another fun idea is layering the casserole filling in a clear glass baking dish so you can see all the textures and colors—a real crowd-pleaser on the table. For holiday mornings, adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs or edible flowers on top makes it feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover sausage breakfast casserole keeps really well covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. I store mine in an airtight container and try to reheat only what I plan to eat to maintain freshness. It’s great for quick breakfast or snack options during busy weekdays.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing the casserole either before or after baking. When freezing unbaked, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual. For freezing baked pieces, wrap individual slices in foil or place in freezer-safe containers—just thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat leftover casserole, I prefer warming it in a 350ºF oven for about 15-20 minutes to keep the bread from getting soggy and help the cheese melt back nicely. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make it a bit rubbery or dry, so if you have time, the oven is best.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This sausage breakfast casserole recipe has become my go-to for stress-free mornings and relaxed weekend brunches. It’s the kind of dish that feels impressive but actually comes together effortlessly, which I love to share with friends and family. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do—it’s a warm, hearty way to start any day, and I promise it’ll quickly become one of your favorites too!

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