There’s something undeniably comforting about waking up to the aroma of a warm, savory breakfast baking in the oven. This Sausage & Egg Breakfast Casserole is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary morning into something special. Loaded with hearty breakfast sausage, fluffy eggs, cubes of day-old bread, and melty cheddar cheese, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing brunch centerpiece.

Whether you’re feeding a holiday crowd, hosting a weekend brunch, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a cozy family breakfast, this easy breakfast casserole delivers every single time. It’s simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for making ahead.

Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your breakfast rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Sausage & Egg Breakfast Casserole

This casserole is more than just a recipe—it’s a solution. A delicious one.

✔ Perfect for Busy Mornings

You can prep it in advance and simply bake in the morning.

✔ Feeds a Crowd

A single 9×13-inch dish yields generous portions, making it ideal for gatherings.

✔ Budget-Friendly Ingredients

Made with simple pantry staples like eggs, milk, bread, and cheese.

✔ Customizable

Swap cheeses, add vegetables, use different sausages—the possibilities are endless.

✔ Comfort Food at Its Finest

Savory sausage, creamy eggs, and melted cheddar create a perfectly balanced bite.

Who This Recipe Is Perfect For

This breakfast casserole is ideal for:

• Busy parents needing a hearty, no-fuss breakfast
• Meal preppers looking for grab-and-go morning options
• Holiday hosts preparing Christmas or Easter brunch
• College students wanting easy reheatable meals
• Anyone who loves savory breakfast flavors

If you enjoy recipes that are dependable, comforting, and easy to adapt, this one is absolutely for you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to make this irresistible breakfast bake:

• 1 lb (450 g) breakfast sausage
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 3 cups cubed bread (day-old preferred)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Ingredient Notes & Tips

Breakfast Sausage:
You can use mild, spicy, maple, or even turkey sausage depending on your preference.

Eggs:
Large eggs provide the ideal structure and richness.

Milk:
Whole milk gives the creamiest texture, but 2% works beautifully too.

Bread:
Day-old bread is key. Slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture without becoming mushy.

Cheddar Cheese:
Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, but feel free to experiment (more on that below).

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this breakfast casserole, you’ll need:

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Oven

Optional but helpful:

• Cheese grater (if shredding fresh cheese)
• Aluminum foil (if covering while baking)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked. Break it apart into crumbles as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess grease and set aside.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, let the sausage develop a bit of browning before stirring.

2. Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• 6 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder (if using)

Whisk until fully combined and slightly frothy.

Tip: Don’t over-whisk. Just blend until smooth.

3. Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

1. Spread cubed bread evenly across the bottom.
2. Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the bread.
3. Add shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
4. Pour the egg mixture over everything.
5. Gently press down so the bread absorbs the liquid.

This layering method ensures even flavor in every bite.

4. Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until:

• The center is set
• The top is lightly golden
• A knife inserted in the center comes out clean

If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.

5. Rest & Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set properly and makes cutting easier.

Serve warm and enjoy!

Make-Ahead Instructions

One of the best features of this sausage breakfast casserole is its make-ahead capability.

Overnight Method:

1. Assemble the casserole as directed.
2. Cover tightly with plastic wrap.
3. Refrigerate overnight.
4. Remove from fridge 20 minutes before baking.
5. Bake as instructed (may require an additional 5 minutes).

This makes holiday mornings effortless.

Flavor Variations & Swaps

This casserole is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ideas:

Cheese Swaps

• Pepper Jack for heat
• Mozzarella for a milder profile
• Swiss for nutty depth
• Gruyère for gourmet flair

Add Vegetables

• Diced bell peppers
• Spinach
• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Broccoli

Sauté vegetables before adding to prevent excess moisture.

Try Different Meats

• Turkey sausage
• Chicken sausage
• Crumbled bacon
• Diced ham

Make It Spicy

• Add red pepper flakes
• Use spicy sausage
• Mix in diced jalapeños

Low-Carb Version

Replace bread with sautéed cauliflower or omit entirely for a crustless casserole.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Texture

• Use day-old bread for best absorption.
• Don’t skip draining the sausage grease.
• Let it rest before slicing.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.
• Avoid overbaking—dry eggs become rubbery.

What to Serve with Sausage & Egg Breakfast Casserole

This casserole pairs beautifully with both sweet and fresh sides.

Sweet Pairings

• Fresh fruit salad
• Cinnamon rolls
• Pancakes or waffles
• Yogurt with granola

Savory Pairings

• Roasted potatoes
• Avocado slices
• Simple green salad

Drink Pairings

• Freshly brewed coffee
• Orange juice
• Mimosas
• Iced tea

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

Refrigerator:

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:

Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating:

• Microwave individual slices for 60–90 seconds.
• Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.

Nutritional Overview (Approximate Per Serving)

• Protein-packed from eggs and sausage
• Rich in calcium from cheese
• Carbohydrates from bread for energy

For a lighter option, reduce cheese or use turkey sausage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole without bread?

Yes! You can make a crustless version. The texture will be more like a baked frittata.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Absolutely. Unsweetened almond milk or oat milk works well.

How do I know when it’s done?

The center should be firm and not jiggle. A knife inserted should come out clean.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but use two baking dishes rather than one deeper dish to ensure even cooking.

Can I prepare it and freeze before baking?

Yes. Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight before baking.

Why is my casserole watery?

This often happens if vegetables weren’t pre-cooked or sausage grease wasn’t drained.

Why This Recipe Works Every Time

The balance of ingredients in this casserole creates the perfect structure:

• Eggs provide structure
• Milk ensures creaminess
• Bread absorbs moisture
• Cheese adds richness
• Sausage brings savory depth

It’s simple culinary chemistry at its finest.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage & Egg Breakfast Casserole is everything a breakfast dish should be: hearty, comforting, easy, and endlessly adaptable. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite after just one bite.

Whether you’re hosting brunch, meal prepping for the week, or enjoying a quiet Sunday morning, this casserole delivers satisfying flavor with minimal effort.

If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family! And don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more delicious, easy-to-follow recipes delivered straight to your inbox. Happy cooking!