This Sausage and Egg Casserole is a hearty, savory breakfast bake that’s perfect for busy mornings or a relaxed weekend brunch. With layers of fluffy eggs, melty cheddar cheese, and golden bread cubes infused with savory sausage, every bite delivers warmth and satisfaction. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both filling and comforting.
What makes this casserole truly special is its simplicity and flexibility. It can be assembled the night before and popped into the oven the next morning, making it ideal for holiday mornings, meal prep, or feeding a hungry group. Serve it with fresh fruit, a dollop of sour cream, or a dash of hot sauce to customize it to your taste. Whether you’re hosting guests or just treating yourself, this breakfast casserole brings everyone to the table.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb breakfast sausage
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6 large eggs
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2 cups milk
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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6 slices white bread, cubed
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1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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Stir in the cubed bread and cooked sausage, allowing the bread to soak up the egg mixture.
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Fold in the shredded cheese and pour everything into the prepared baking dish.
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Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.
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Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Comforting Classic: Sausage and Egg Casserole
When it comes to breakfast or brunch that pleases a crowd and satisfies everyone’s cravings, the humble sausage and egg casserole reigns supreme. It’s hearty, cheesy, savory, and layered with flavors that bring comfort and nostalgia to every bite. Whether you’re serving it on a cozy Sunday morning, preparing it ahead for a holiday brunch, or using it to fuel a busy weekday, this dish stands out for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing charm.
There’s a reason casseroles continue to be such popular dishes, they combine all the best elements of a meal into one convenient baking dish. The sausage and egg casserole is no exception. It’s a one-dish wonder that requires minimal prep but yields maximum flavor. This dish is especially great for families or gatherings where you want to serve something warm, filling, and satisfying without spending the entire morning in the kitchen.
A Perfect Make-Ahead Breakfast
One of the greatest advantages of the sausage and egg casserole is its make-ahead potential. You can prepare the entire dish the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. In the morning, all you need to do is pop it into the oven, and within an hour, your kitchen will be filled with the mouthwatering aroma of cooked sausage, melted cheese, and baked eggs.
This make-ahead capability is ideal for:
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Holiday mornings when guests are visiting
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Meal prepping for the week ahead
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Busy parents who want a quick and hearty breakfast ready in the morning
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Brunch parties where you want a centerpiece dish that impresses but doesn’t stress
It reheats beautifully, and leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making it a great option for batch cooking.
Flavor Profile & Texture
This casserole delivers a rich and balanced flavor. The crumbled sausage adds a savory, slightly spicy note, depending on the type of sausage used. Eggs create a creamy, custard-like base that binds the ingredients together. The bread soaks up the egg mixture, puffing up beautifully as it bakes to create a light yet hearty texture. Cheddar cheese, with its sharp and tangy profile, adds a melty, golden top that makes the whole dish irresistible.
To customize the flavor, you can adjust the seasonings or mix in other ingredients:
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Add veggies like diced bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or onions for added nutrition and color.
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Swap the cheese for mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss to change up the flavor profile.
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Use different bread like sourdough, whole grain, or even croissants work well and add distinct textures and tastes.
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Make it spicy with hot sausage or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Choosing the Right Sausage
The type of sausage you use significantly impacts the final flavor of the casserole. Most people opt for classic breakfast sausage, which is usually a blend of pork and spices like sage, thyme, and black pepper. However, you can use Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or plant-based sausage alternatives depending on your dietary needs and preferences.
Here are a few tips:
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Pork breakfast sausage: Classic and flavorful, with a slightly fatty richness that adds depth to the casserole.
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Turkey sausage: Leaner but still flavorful, a good option if you want to cut down on fat and calories.
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Spicy Italian sausage: Perfect if you love a bit of heat and extra seasoning in your breakfast.
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Vegan sausage: For a meatless version, plant-based sausages work well and keep the dish entirely vegetarian.
Whatever sausage you choose, make sure to brown and drain it properly to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
A sausage and egg casserole is practically a meal on its own, but pairing it with a few side dishes elevates it to the next level.
Here are some ideas:
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Fresh fruit salad: Light and refreshing, it balances the rich and savory flavors of the casserole.
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Mixed greens salad: With a zesty vinaigrette, it adds crunch and a touch of acidity to cut through the richness.
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Toasted English muffins or croissants: Great for mopping up extra cheesy bits or enjoying alongside.
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Coffee or mimosas: Because no brunch is complete without a good drink.
You can also top individual servings with sour cream, hot sauce, or sliced avocado for a little extra flair.
Nutritional Benefits and Considerations
While this dish is definitely on the indulgent side, it also offers a good balance of macronutrients:
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Protein from the eggs and sausage
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Calcium from the cheese
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Carbs from the bread, which provides energy to start your day
If you’re looking to make it a bit lighter or healthier:
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Use whole grain bread for added fiber.
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Replace half the eggs with egg whites.
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Use low-fat cheese or reduce the amount slightly.
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Add more vegetables to boost the fiber and nutrient content.
This way, you still get the comfort and satisfaction of the dish but with a healthier twist.
Crowd Appeal and Occasions
This casserole isn’t just for family breakfast. It’s a go-to for larger events and gatherings. Think baby showers, bridal brunches, potlucks, or church breakfasts. It holds up well, stays warm for a long time, and can be cut into squares for easy serving.
Since it’s both savory and satisfying, it appeals to guests of all ages. Plus, it’s easy to double the recipe if you’re expecting a big group, just use a larger baking dish or two and adjust baking times slightly.
You can also freeze individual portions and reheat them during the week for a fast and filling breakfast that doesn’t require cooking each day. It’s a brilliant way to simplify your mornings while still enjoying a home-cooked meal.
Conclusion
The sausage and egg casserole is more than just a recipe, it’s a breakfast staple, a family favorite, and a meal prep hero. Its creamy, cheesy texture and robust flavor make it the ultimate comfort food for mornings when you need something hearty and fulfilling. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or as a convenient reheated slice, it never disappoints.
Perfect for beginners or seasoned cooks alike, this dish offers flexibility, ease, and a great base for personalization. From its make-ahead convenience to its universal appeal, it’s a recipe that belongs in every kitchen. So next time you’re planning a weekend brunch, looking for a weekday solution, or simply craving something warm and satisfying, this sausage and egg casserole is the answer.