Savory Breakfast Sausage and Cheese Casserole Recipe

This savory breakfast sausage and cheese casserole is a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing breakfast ahead of time. Packed with flavorful sausage, gooey melted cheese, and fluffy eggs all baked together in one dish, it’s a no-fuss morning meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for meal prep or make-ahead brunches
• Feeds a crowd with minimal effort
• Customizable with your favorite meats, veggies, or cheeses
• Deliciously rich and comforting
• Ideal for holidays, weekends, or busy mornings

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
• Eggs
• Milk or half-and-half
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Bread (day-old or slightly toasted, cubed)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Optional: diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
3. Prepare the egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
4. Assemble the casserole: In the greased baking dish, layer the cubed bread evenly, then top with the cooked sausage. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Pour the egg mixture evenly over everything, pressing gently so the bread absorbs the liquid.
5. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
6. Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Vegetarian option: Skip the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or other veggies.
• Spicy twist: Use spicy sausage or add a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.
• Different cheese: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss for a new flavor profile.
• Hash brown base: Replace bread with thawed frozen hash browns for a crispy potato bottom.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly and thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole the night before?

Yes, assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake the next morning as directed.

What kind of bread works best?

Day-old white, sourdough, or French bread works best. Slightly toasting the bread can help prevent sogginess.

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes, pre-cooked sausage crumbles or links (chopped) work perfectly in this recipe.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Bell peppers, onions, spinach, and mushrooms are great additions. Just sauté them before adding.

How do I know when it’s fully cooked?

The center should be set and no longer jiggly. A knife inserted into the middle should come out clean.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, checking that the eggs are fully set.

What sides go well with this casserole?

Fresh fruit, hash browns, or a green salad make excellent accompaniments.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, unsweetened almond milk or oat milk can be used, though the texture may be slightly different.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free bread and check that your sausage and cheese are also gluten-free.

How can I keep the top from getting too brown?

Cover the casserole with foil for the first part of baking, then remove it for the final 15–20 minutes.

Conclusion

Savory Breakfast Sausage and Cheese Casserole is the ultimate all-in-one breakfast dish—simple to make, full of flavor, and completely satisfying. Whether you’re hosting brunch or prepping meals for the week, this crowd-pleasing casserole is a guaranteed win. Mix it up with your favorite add-ins and enjoy a warm, hearty start to your day.

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