BREAKFAST SAUSAGE CASSEROLE

 Breakfast Sausage Casserole Recipe

There’s nothing better than waking up to the smell of a warm, savory breakfast casserole baking in the oven. This Breakfast Sausage Casserole has everything you need in one dish—fluffy eggs, savory sausage, gooey melted cheese, and pieces of bread that soak up all the flavor.

It’s easy to assemble ahead of time, making it a lifesaver for holiday mornings, overnight guests, or busy school days. Just prep it the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning for a hot breakfast with no stress.

???? Ingredients

Main Casserole

1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey, mild or spicy)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 medium bell pepper, chopped (optional)

8 slices bread, cubed (white, wheat, or sourdough)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)

2 cups milk (whole milk recommended)

8 large eggs

1 teaspoon dry mustard (optional, adds depth of flavor)

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Topping (Optional)

½ cup shredded cheese for the top

Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

. Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage Mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbled (about 7–8 minutes).

Add the onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened.

Drain excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.

2. Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the dish.

Sprinkle the cooked sausage mixture over the bread.

Top with 2 cups of shredded cheese.

3. Make the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

Pour evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese in the baking dish.

Gently press down the bread cubes with a spatula so they soak up the egg mixture.

4. Chill (Optional for Overnight Prep)

Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, making the casserole extra flavorful.

5. Bake the Casserole

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

If chilled overnight, remove casserole from fridge 20 minutes before baking.

Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set (a knife inserted should come out clean).

If the casserole browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 15 minutes.

6. Serve

Sprinkle with extra cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking for a gooey topping.

Let rest for 10 minutes before cutting into squares.

Garnish with parsley or chives and serve warm.

- Serving Suggestions

Serve with fresh fruit salad, hash browns, or buttery biscuits.

Add hot sauce, salsa, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.

Great for brunch buffets alongside sweet options like cinnamon rolls.

- Pro Tips for the Best Breakfast Sausage Casserole

Bread choice matters: Day-old bread works best because it soaks up the eggs without getting mushy. French bread or sourdough adds great texture.

Sausage variations: Try spicy sausage for a kick or use turkey sausage for a lighter option.

Make it healthier: Swap half the bread for roasted sweet potatoes or zucchini.

Add veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli make it more colorful and nutritious.

Cheese options: Use mozzarella for a mild flavor, or pepper jack for a spicy twist.

???? Variations

Southwestern Style: Add diced green chiles, salsa, and pepper jack cheese.

Italian Style: Use Italian sausage, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of oregano.

Meat Lovers: Add chopped bacon or ham along with sausage.

Veggie Lovers: Skip the meat and load up on mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini.

???? Storage & Freezing

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat in the microwave or oven at 325°F until warmed through.

Freeze baked casserole in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Or freeze the unbaked casserole: Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight before baking.

- Nutrition (per serving, 12 servings)

Calories: ~310

Protein: 17g

Fat: 20g

Carbohydrates: 15g

Sodium: 520mg

✨ This Breakfast Sausage Casserole is the ultimate all-in-one dish—hearty, cheesy, and customizable. Whether you’re making it for a holiday brunch, a meal-prep breakfast, or a lazy Sunday morning, it’s guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table.