If you’re searching for a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together the savory goodness of breakfast sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheddar cheese baked perfectly over crisp cubes of bread. Whether you’re feeding family on a slow weekend morning or prepping ahead for a busy holiday brunch, this casserole promises layers of flavor and satisfying texture all in one dish. It’s approachable to make, endlessly customizable, and will quickly become one of your favorite breakfast traditions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples, each playing a key role in creating a balanced, flavorful casserole. From the hearty sausage to the creamy eggs and cheese, every element combines to deliver a textural delight and a burst of rich taste.
- White bread, 6 slices cubed and dried: Acts as the perfect base to soak up custardy eggs while adding a subtle crunch.
- Ground breakfast sausage, 1 pound: Brings savory depth and a juicy, meaty texture.
- Large eggs, 6: The heart of the custard that binds the casserole together with fluffy richness.
- Whole milk, 2 cups: Adds creaminess, making the dish silky and soft.
- Salt, ½ teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors beautifully without overpowering.
- Black pepper, ¼ teaspoon: Offers a gentle spicy kick to balance the richness.
- Dried mustard powder, ¼ teaspoon: A secret boost that adds a subtle tang and complexity to the custard.
- Shredded cheddar cheese, 2 cups divided: Gives gooey, melty pockets of sharp, savory flair.
- Chopped green onions or chives, ¼ cup: Provides fresh color and a mild oniony brightness that keeps the flavor lively.
How to Make Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by cutting your white bread into cubes and letting them dry out a bit. This extra step helps the bread absorb the egg mixture without turning soggy, giving the casserole a perfect, tender bite with a hint of crustiness around the edges.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Brown the ground breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks into delicious crumbles. This step infuses the entire casserole with those wonderfully savory and juicy flavors that every bite will celebrate.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, and dried mustard powder until smooth and frothy. This custard is what transforms the bread and sausage into that rich, satisfying casserole everyone will love.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
In a greased baking dish, layer the dried bread cubes evenly. Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage over the bread, then add half of the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions. Pour half of the egg mixture over the layers and repeat with the remaining sausage, cheese, onions, and custard. This layering ensures every slice bursts with flavor and gooey cheese.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set
Bake your casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown, the cheese is bubbly, and the custard has set into a tender, sliceable perfection.
How to Serve Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or additional green onions gives a pop of vibrant color and a bright, fresh contrast to the rich casserole. A dash of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream on top can also add extra excitement and creaminess if you like a little heat or tang.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple mixed greens salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Fresh fruit salad or roasted breakfast potatoes also complement the savory meat and cheesy eggs perfectly for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this casserole straight from the baking dish family-style for a warm, homey feeling. Or for a more festive occasion, cut it into neat squares and plate each with a small garnish for individual servings. You can also make mini versions using muffin tins to create handheld portions great for brunch parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover casserole tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It maintains its creamy texture and flavors well, making it a convenient next-day breakfast or snack.
Freezing
This Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Cool the baked casserole completely, then cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through, or place the whole casserole in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 20-25 minutes. Reheating gently helps keep the eggs fluffy and cheese melty without drying out the bread.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for this casserole?
Absolutely! While white bread works wonderfully for fluffiness and soaking up the custard, you can also experiment with whole wheat or sourdough for a nuttier flavor and heartier texture.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the breakfast sausage for plant-based sausage crumbles or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Definitely. Assemble the casserole, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven to bake. This is perfect for busy mornings or holiday brunches.
What kind of cheese works best besides cheddar?
Cheddar is a classic choice thanks to its sharpness and meltability, but feel free to use Monterey Jack, Swiss, or even a spicy pepper jack for a different twist on flavor and creaminess.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
For sure! Adding sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms can enhance the dish with extra nutrients and flavor. Just be mindful of moisture content so the casserole doesn’t get soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe has all the charm of a classic breakfast with none of the fuss. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again whether for family meals, brunch guests, or freezer-friendly prepping. Dive in, enjoy the comforting layers of sausage, cheese, and eggs, and make this delightful casserole your new go-to morning favorite!
Print
Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe
This Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole is a hearty and comforting breakfast dish perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. It features a savory blend of ground breakfast sausage, cubed white bread, eggs, and cheddar cheese baked to golden perfection. The addition of green onions adds a fresh, subtle bite, making it a satisfying dish the whole family will enjoy.
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 6 slices white bread, cubed and dried
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried mustard powder
Cheese and Garnish
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ¼ cup chopped green onions or chives
Instructions
- Prepare Bread Cubes: Cube the white bread slices into bite-sized pieces and dry them out, either by leaving them out to air dry or lightly toasting in the oven. This helps absorb the custard mixture without becoming soggy.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
- Mix Egg Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, and dried mustard powder until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: In a greased casserole dish, layer the dried bread cubes and cooked sausage. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over everything. Gently press down to ensure the bread soaks in the custard.
- Refrigerate (Optional): For best results, cover and refrigerate the casserole for at least 30 minutes or overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
- Add Remaining Cheese and Garnish: Remove casserole from oven, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped green onions or chives over the top. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use slightly stale bread or dry out fresh bread cubes to prevent the casserole from becoming too soggy.
- You can substitute whole milk with 2% or skim milk for a lighter version.
- Optional: Refrigerate the assembled casserole overnight to enhance flavors and texture.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for variation.
- Make sure to drain excess sausage grease to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
