There’s nothing quite like waking up to a warm, comforting dish that brings everyone to the breakfast table with smiles and hungry appetites. The Delicious Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole Recipe is exactly that kind of crowd-pleaser, blending savory sausage, fluffy eggs, melty cheddar, and hearty bread into one irresistible bake. It’s the perfect way to start any morning, whether for a busy weekday or a leisurely weekend brunch. This recipe’s simplicity and rich flavors mean you get a satisfying meal without fuss, making it a trusty go-to that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Delicious Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole Recipe means gathering a handful of simple, familiar ingredients that each play a crucial role. The sausage brings bold, savory notes, while the eggs and milk make the dish creamy and rich. Cheddar cheese adds that perfect sharpness, and bread provides the base that soaks up all the delicious juices, keeping every bite tender and flavorful.
- 1 pound breakfast sausage: Use your favorite kind—spicy or mild—to add meaty goodness and seasoning.
- 8 large eggs: These build the fluffy custard that holds the casserole together.
- 2 cups whole milk: Adds creamy texture and helps set the egg mixture perfectly.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharp, melty richness that complements the sausage.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick of warmth for balance.
- 6 slices white sandwich bread, cubed: Acts as a soft, absorbent base that soaks up all the custard and sausage juices.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional): For a fresh, colorful garnish that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Delicious Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by warming a skillet over medium heat and cooking the breakfast sausage until it’s fully browned and nicely crumbled. This step releases all those deep, savory flavors. Once cooked, drain any excess grease so your casserole isn’t greasy but remains rich and tasty. Set the sausage aside for layering later.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread Base
Next, cut your sandwich bread into cubes. This bread will soak up all the wonderful custard and sausage juices. Evenly spread these cubes into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Laying down this foundation carefully ensures every bite has that perfect balance of bread and filling.
Step 3: Layer the Sausage and Cheese
Spread the cooked sausage evenly over the bed of bread cubes. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sausage. This layer builds flavor depth and a satisfyingly gooey texture after baking. The combination of savory sausage and sharp cheddar makes the casserole irresistible.
Step 4: Mix the Egg Custard
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth custard. This mixture is the heart of the casserole, binding all the ingredients together into a creamy, fluffy bake. Make sure to blend it well for the creamiest result.
Step 5: Combine and Press
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and cheese layers. Gently press down on the casserole layers so the bread absorbs as much of the custard as possible. This helps achieve a custardy, soft texture throughout the dish once baked.
Step 6: Refrigerate Before Baking
Cover the casserole and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. This step allows the bread to soak up the liquid completely, ensuring tender, flavorful results and making the baking process more efficient and thorough.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover and bake the casserole for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the egg mixture is fully set. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges start to pull slightly away from the pan, and the center feels firm but still tender.
Step 8: Rest and Garnish
Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps everything settle and makes slicing easier. If you like, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh, colorful finish that adds a subtle herbal note.
How to Serve Delicious Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
The casserole shines on its own but garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or even a sprinkle of diced green onions amps up the presentation and adds a subtle fresh bite. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce on the side can also elevate the flavor experience wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Pairing this hearty casserole with fresh fruit salad or roasted potatoes balances the meal with sweet or crispy contrasts. A light green salad with a lemony vinaigrette can also add refreshing acidity that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your brunch guests? Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions or top with sliced avocado and a sprinkle of smoked paprika to add texture and sophisticated flair. It can even double as a delicious potluck dish that’s sure to disappear quickly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, wrap any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks during the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep the Delicious Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole Recipe for longer, freeze individual portions wrapped in foil or freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 2 months when frozen and still taste delicious once reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through. For refrigerated leftovers, simply warm slices in the microwave or oven until hot, and enjoy a freshly baked feel any time.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for this casserole?
Absolutely! While white sandwich bread works perfectly to absorb the custard, you can try whole wheat, sourdough, or even a rustic country loaf for added flavor and texture. Just be sure the bread isn’t too dense to soak up the liquid well.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, seasoned tofu, or vegetarian sausage alternatives. The cheesy, eggy custard will still provide a satisfying, savory base for a delicious meat-free meal.
How far in advance can I prepare the casserole?
You can prepare the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking. Simply assemble it, cover, and refrigerate overnight. This makes it a fantastic recipe for busy mornings or when hosting brunch guests.
Can I use low-fat milk or milk alternatives?
Whole milk creates the creamiest texture, but you can swap in 2% milk without much difference. Non-dairy milks like almond or oat milk can work too, though they might slightly change the flavor and consistency.
What should I do if my casserole isn’t fully set after baking?
If it seems a bit loose in the center, return it to the oven and bake in 5-minute increments until fully set. Make sure to avoid over-baking to keep it moist and tender rather than dry.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so special about the Delicious Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole Recipe that makes mornings brighter and gatherings warmer. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to pull out again and again for its simple prep, comforting flavors, and happy, full-tummy results. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become one of your favorite breakfast traditions too.
Print
Delicious Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes plus at least 2 hours chilling
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Delicious Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole is a savory, hearty dish perfect for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings. It features layers of browned sausage, cubed white bread, and melted cheddar cheese soaked in a rich egg and milk mixture, baked to golden perfection. Easy to prepare and make-ahead friendly, this casserole offers a comforting start to your day with flavors everyone loves.
Ingredients
Sausage and Bread Layer
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 6 slices white sandwich bread, cubed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease and set the cooked sausage aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Bread Base: Cut the white sandwich bread into cubes and layer them evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form the base of the casserole.
- Add Sausage and Cheese Layers: Spread the browned sausage evenly over the bread cubes, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, creating distinct layers.
- Mix the Eggs and Milk: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Soak: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the assembled casserole layers. Gently press down to help the bread absorb the liquid mixture.
- Refrigerate Before Baking: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and bread to soak thoroughly.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover and bake the casserole uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the egg mixture is fully set.
- Cool and Garnish: Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful finish.
Notes
- For a healthier option, you can substitute whole milk with 2% or skim milk, though it may affect the creamy texture slightly.
- Make-ahead tip: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate for an easy morning meal.
- Feel free to add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use gluten-free bread to adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
