Easy Sausage Breakfast Casserole – A Perfect Make-Ahead Meal

by
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Start your mornings right with this Easy Sausage Breakfast Casserole. It’s the ultimate comfort food, combining savory sausage, fluffy eggs, gooey cheese, and hearty bread. Ideal for busy mornings, lazy weekends, or festive holiday breakfasts, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser every time.

The best part? You can prepare it the night before and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. Whether you’re serving a large family or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole is versatile, delicious, and easy to make.

Why You Will Love Making This Recipe

  1. Quick and Convenient: Minimal prep time with easy-to-find ingredients.
  2. Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it the night before for a stress-free morning.
  3. Customizable: Adapt the ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs.
  4. Family Favorite: Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers.
  5. Versatile: Great for brunch, potlucks, or even dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground breakfast sausage
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 6 cups cubed French or sourdough bread (day-old preferred)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Equipment Used

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Whisk

Prep Time and Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour

Directions & Instructions

  1. Cook the Sausage:
    • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground sausage and cook until browned and crumbled. Drain excess grease and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
  3. Assemble the Casserole:
    • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread cubed bread evenly across the bottom. Top with cooked sausage and shredded cheese. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top, ensuring the bread is soaked.
  4. Refrigerate (Optional):
    • Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
  5. Bake:
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove plastic wrap and bake the casserole uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
  6. Serve:
    • Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 3g

Variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers.
  • Different Cheeses: Try mozzarella, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for a unique twist.
  • Spicy Version: Use spicy sausage and add diced jalapeños.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Q: Can I use other types of bread?
A: Absolutely! Brioche, challah, or even whole wheat bread work well.

Q: What other proteins can I use?
A: Swap sausage with cooked bacon, diced ham, or turkey sausage.

Pro Tips By Elisa

  • Bread Texture: Use day-old bread for better absorption and texture.
  • Cheese Spread: Mix cheeses for a richer flavor profile.
  • Timing: Let the casserole sit for at least 30 minutes before baking to allow the bread to soak up the egg mixture fully.
  • Testing for Doneness: Insert a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Easy Sausage Breakfast Casserole with fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or hash browns for a complete meal. For beverages, coffee, orange juice, or a mimosa complement the savory flavors perfectly.

Easy Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Elisa
Start your mornings right with this Easy Sausage Breakfast Casserole. It’s the ultimate comfort food, combining savory sausage, fluffy eggs, gooey cheese, and hearty bread. Ideal for busy mornings, lazy weekends, or festive holiday breakfasts, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser every time.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course dinner
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground breakfast sausage
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 6 cups cubed French or sourdough bread day-old preferred
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Sausage:
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground sausage and cook until browned and crumbled. Drain excess grease and set aside.
  • Prepare the Egg Mixture:
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
  • Assemble the Casserole:
  • Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread cubed bread evenly across the bottom. Top with cooked sausage and shredded cheese. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top, ensuring the bread is soaked.
  • Refrigerate (Optional):
  • Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
  • Bake:
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove plastic wrap and bake the casserole uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
  • Serve:
  • Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Pair this Easy Sausage Breakfast Casserole with fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or hash browns for a complete meal. For beverages, coffee, orange juice, or a mimosa complement the savory flavors perfectly.
Keyword recipe ideas