Breakfast Sausage Casserole

Start your day with a dish that’s as comforting as it is convenient. This Breakfast Sausage Casserole brings together savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and crusty bread, all baked under a blanket of bubbly cheese. It’s the perfect solution for a festive brunch, a family breakfast, or a smart make-ahead meal for busy mornings.

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The magic of this casserole lies in its layers. Cubes of day-old bread soak up a rich egg custard, creating a texture that’s part savory bread pudding, part fluffy frittata. Let’s gather the simple ingredients to bring this dish to life.

Ingredients

• Meats: 1 pound (450 g) breakfast sausage, casings removed
• Vegetables & Aromatics: 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (optional); 1/2 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
• Dairy & Eggs: 8 large eggs; 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk; 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• Bread: 6 cups (about 250 g) day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (e.g., French or sourdough)
• Seasonings: 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard powder; 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• For greasing: Butter or nonstick spray

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. If using, add onion and bell pepper; sauté until softened, 3–4 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Step 3

Spread the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with the cooked sausage (and vegetables, if used).

Step 4

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, mustard powder, and paprika until well combined.

Step 5

Stir in 1 1/2 cups (150 g) cheddar cheese and all the mozzarella.

Step 6

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and sausage in the baking dish. Gently press the bread down so it soaks up the liquid.

Step 7

Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top.

Step 8

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until golden and set in the center.

Step 9

Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For a stress-free morning, you can assemble the entire casserole the night before. Cover it and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, you may need to add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Feel free to customize this casserole. Swap the cheddar for Swiss or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile. You can also add more vegetables like chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms along with the sausage.

Serviervorschläge

Serve warm slices on their own or with a side of salsa or your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick of flavor.

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Enjoy this golden, cheesy casserole that’s sure to become a breakfast favorite in your home.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this casserole the night before?

Absolutely. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, add about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be starting from cold.

→ What type of bread works best?

Day-old French bread or sourdough works beautifully because it's sturdy enough to hold up to the egg mixture without becoming mushy. You can also use country bread, brioche for richness, or even leftover hamburger buns in a pinch.

→ Can I freeze this breakfast casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked, assemble the casserole, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Leftover baked portions also freeze well individually.

→ How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is finished when the center is set and no longer jiggles, the top is golden brown, and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).

→ What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add diced bell peppers, onions, spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or even diced hash browns. Sauté vegetables before adding to ensure they're fully cooked and to remove excess moisture.

→ Can I use turkey sausage or chicken sausage?

Definitely. Turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage crumbles work well in this dish. Keep in mind that leaner meats may produce less fat to drain, so adjust accordingly.