This savory breakfast sausage and cheese casserole is the perfect make-ahead dish for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or holiday breakfasts. Packed with flavorful sausage, melty cheese, and fluffy eggs, this casserole is hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re serving a crowd or prepping meals for the week, this dish is sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Make it ahead and reheat for quick breakfasts.
- Customizable – Add veggies, different cheeses, or swap sausage for bacon.
- Feeds a Crowd – Great for family gatherings, brunches, or holiday mornings.
- Rich and Satisfying – A protein-packed dish that keeps you full for hours.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- Eggs
- Milk
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Bread (cubed, optional for texture)
- Onion (optional)
- Bell peppers (optional)
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Cook the Sausage – In a skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Sauté Vegetables (Optional) – If using onions or bell peppers, sauté them in the same skillet until soft.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture – In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Casserole – Spread cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. If using cubed bread, add it now.
- Pour the Egg Mixture – Evenly pour the egg mixture over the sausage and cheese.
- Bake – Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
- Cool & Serve – Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Use spicy sausage and add diced jalapeños for heat.
- Vegetarian Option – Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
- Cheese Varieties – Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss for a different flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option – Skip the bread or use gluten-free bread.
- Make It Extra Creamy – Add ½ cup of sour cream to the egg mixture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating – Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Freezing – Freeze the fully baked casserole in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning as directed.
Can I use bacon instead of sausage?
Absolutely! Cook and crumble bacon before adding it to the casserole.
Do I have to use bread in the casserole?
No, the bread is optional. It adds texture, but you can leave it out for a low-carb version.
What’s the best sausage to use?
Pork sausage adds the most flavor, but turkey or chicken sausage works well too.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes! Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini make great additions.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The center should be set and not jiggly. Insert a knife—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes, but make sure to crumble it into small pieces before adding it to the casserole.
Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?
Yes, unsweetened almond milk or another dairy-free alternative works fine.
How do I keep the casserole from being too dry?
Avoid overbaking, and add a little extra cheese or milk if needed.
Can I bake this in a smaller dish?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking time. A smaller dish will result in a thicker casserole that takes longer to cook.
Conclusion
This savory breakfast sausage and cheese casserole is an easy, delicious dish that’s perfect for busy mornings, family brunches, or meal prep. It’s customizable, filling, and packed with flavor. Whether you make it ahead or bake it fresh, it’s a breakfast everyone will love. Try it today and enjoy a warm, satisfying start to your day!
Print
Savory Breakfast Sausage and Cheese Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy breakfast casserole is loaded with savory sausage, eggs, and melty cheese, making it the perfect dish for brunch, holidays, or meal prep. Prep it the night before for a stress-free morning!
Ingredients
1 lb breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken)- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 cups cubed bread (French bread, sourdough, or Texas toast)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Cooking spray
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.- Cook the sausage – In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it into crumbles until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Prepare the egg mixture – In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley.
- Assemble the casserole – Spread the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with cooked sausage and half of the shredded cheese.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole. Press down slightly to ensure the bread soaks up the liquid.
- Add more cheese – Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and drizzle melted butter over everything.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center.
- Rest & Serve – Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm!
Notes
Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning!- Bread Choices: Slightly stale bread works best as it absorbs the egg mixture well.
- Meat Variations: Swap sausage for bacon, ham, or a vegetarian sausage alternative.
- Extra Veggies: Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach for more flavor.