Hi, I’m Laura Jennings, a 38-year-old home cook from Asheville, North Carolina. My love for cooking began beside my grandmother, covered in flour, learning how food connects people. These days, I share easy, heartwarming dishes for home cooks who crave comfort without fuss.
This classic sausage and egg breakfast casserole has been a weekend staple in my kitchen for years savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheese baked together into cozy perfection. Whether it’s Christmas morning or a lazy Sunday, it’s the kind of breakfast that feels like a hug on a plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients.
- Customizable with your favorite add-ins.
- Feeds a crowd with minimal effort.
- Freezer-friendly for busy mornings.
- Always bakes up golden, fluffy, and satisfying.
Preparation and Cooking Time
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 40 minutes |
| Total Time | 55 minutes |
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 6 slices white or sourdough bread, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mix with mozzarella)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped chives or green onions (optional garnish)
Optional Swaps: Use turkey sausage for a lighter option, or swap bread with hash browns for texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Arrange cubed bread evenly in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle cooked sausage and cheese over the bread.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight (or let sit 15 minutes before baking).
- Bake uncovered for 40 minutes or until golden and set in the center.
- Cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chives and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of fresh fruit, orange juice, or crispy hash browns. For brunch, pair with mimosas or coffee. Add hot sauce for a little kick!
Quick Tips or Variations
- Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for color.
- Substitute croissants or French bread for a richer texture.
- Double the recipe for large gatherings or meal prep.
FAQs
1. What is the best way to make a classic sausage and egg breakfast casserole ahead of time?
Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning for fresh flavor without morning prep.
2. Can I use different types of sausage in a breakfast casserole?
Yes! Try spicy Italian, turkey, or chicken sausage. Each adds a unique flavor twist.
3. How do I keep my egg casserole from being watery?
Avoid overmixing and use day-old bread. Ensure sausage is fully drained before layering.
4. Can I freeze sausage and egg breakfast casserole for later?
Absolutely. Wrap cooled portions tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Conclusion
This classic sausage and egg breakfast casserole is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. Bake it fresh, make it ahead, or freeze it — either way, it brings warmth and flavor to your table every time.
Print
Classic Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This classic sausage and egg breakfast casserole is a warm, cheesy, make-ahead dish perfect for brunches or busy mornings.
Ingredients
1 lb breakfast sausage
8 large eggs
2 cups milk
6 slices bread, cubed
1 cup cheddar cheese
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp chives
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook sausage until browned; drain fat.
3. Layer bread, sausage, and cheese in a 9×13 dish.
4. Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour evenly over casserole.
6. Rest 15 minutes or overnight.
7. Bake 40 minutes until golden.
8. Cool 5 minutes, garnish with chives, and serve.
Notes
Refrigerate overnight for make-ahead convenience.
Freeze up to 2 months.
Add vegetables for extra flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 230mg




