There’s something undeniably comforting about a hot, bubbling breakfast casserole straight out of the oven—and this Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole hits all the right notes. It’s loaded with classic breakfast staples like sausage, eggs, bread, and cheese, all baked together into one golden, satisfying dish. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday brunch or just need an easy weekday breakfast that feeds the whole family, this casserole delivers both convenience and flavor in every bite.
Its make-ahead potential is a lifesaver—assemble it the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning. The combination of savory sausage, creamy eggs, and gooey melted cheese creates a rich, hearty flavor that’s balanced by the soft, fluffy texture of soaked bread cubes. It’s also extremely versatile—you can swap in your favorite cheeses, use spicy or maple sausage for variety, or even toss in chopped veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb breakfast sausage
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6 large eggs
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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2 cups milk
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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6 slices of white bread, cubed
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Optional: 1/2 tsp garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
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In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and optional spices.
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Spread bread cubes evenly in the baking dish.
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Layer the cooked sausage over the bread.
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Pour egg mixture over the sausage and bread, ensuring all pieces are coated.
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Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top.
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Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden.
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Let rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
When it comes to warm, satisfying breakfast dishes that bring people together, few recipes rival the timeless appeal of a Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole. With layers of hearty sausage, fluffy eggs, melty cheddar cheese, and pillowy bread cubes all baked to golden perfection, this dish has become a staple in households across the world, especially during weekends, holidays, and family gatherings. But this recipe is more than just a delicious casserole—it’s a versatile, make-ahead, crowd-pleasing meal that checks all the boxes of convenience, flavor, and comfort.
A Classic American Comfort Dish
The breakfast casserole as we know it rose in popularity in American kitchens during the mid-20th century, when families sought quick, wholesome meals that could be prepped in advance and feed a crowd. This sausage and egg version became a go-to for its simplicity and nutritional balance—protein from the eggs and sausage, dairy from the cheese, and carbs from the bread make it a complete meal in one dish. Over time, it became a holiday favorite, particularly for Christmas morning, Easter brunch, and Mother’s Day, where hosts need a low-effort dish that allows more time with family.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole earns its place as the best version of the classic for several reasons:
1. Incredible Flavor Balance: The savory, well-seasoned sausage pairs beautifully with the richness of the eggs and cheese, while the bread soaks up all the flavors and gives it a soft, custardy base. Optional spices like garlic powder or onion powder can enhance the depth of flavor without complicating the recipe.
2. Make-Ahead Friendly: One of the top benefits of this casserole is that you can assemble it the night before, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, all you need to do is pop it in the oven. This makes it ideal for busy households, holiday mornings, or when hosting overnight guests.
3. Adaptable Ingredients: While the base recipe is a classic, it’s highly customizable. Swap out regular sausage for spicy chorizo, turkey sausage, or even vegetarian alternatives. Mix in vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition. Prefer a different cheese? Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a twist.
4. Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully and can be portioned into containers for a week’s worth of breakfasts. It holds up well in the fridge and can even be frozen for longer storage.
5. One-Pan Convenience: With everything baked in a single dish, there’s minimal cleanup involved, making it ideal for anyone who values simplicity in the kitchen.
Health and Nutrition Benefits
While it is certainly a comfort food, this casserole still delivers important nutrients. Eggs provide high-quality protein, choline, and B vitamins, while sausage contributes iron and zinc. The cheese adds calcium and rich flavor. If you opt to add vegetables, you’ll also increase the fiber and vitamin content, turning this into a more balanced and nutrient-dense meal. You can also lighten the recipe with leaner meat, reduced-fat cheese, or whole grain bread for a healthier spin.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This recipe is more than just breakfast—it can work as brunch, lunch, or even dinner. It’s ideal for:
- Holiday mornings when cooking time is limited
- Bridal or baby showers where buffet-style dining is preferred
- Potlucks where you want to bring a hearty, universally loved dish
- Weekend family brunches where you want a warm, satisfying meal
- Meal prep for the week, saving you time each morning
Tips for Making the Best Breakfast Casserole
- Use day-old bread or toast fresh bread cubes for better absorption of the egg mixture without becoming soggy.
- Let it rest for at least 5 minutes after baking—this makes it easier to slice and helps the custard finish setting.
- Cover with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking to prevent the top from over-browning, then uncover to finish.
- Add flavor boosters like a pinch of nutmeg, hot sauce, or chopped fresh herbs for more dimension.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesy casserole with a light side like a fresh fruit salad, roasted breakfast potatoes, or a simple green salad for brunch. It pairs well with orange juice, coffee, or a light mimosa if you’re feeling festive. For a cozy dinner twist, serve with a side of roasted vegetables and a crisp white wine.
What Readers Love Most
What makes this dish so beloved is its reliability it’s nearly foolproof. Even novice cooks can pull off this breakfast casserole with ease. It delivers rich, homey flavors, satisfies the hungriest eaters, and can be stretched to feed a crowd. Readers love that they can make it ahead, bake it when ready, and enjoy something that feels homemade and hearty with minimal effort. It also earns rave reviews from both kids and adults, making it a go-to for picky eaters and big family meals.
Conclusion
The Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole isn’t just another egg bake, it’s a testament to how a few simple, quality ingredients can come together to create something truly comforting, delicious, and memorable. It’s no surprise this casserole continues to hold a place of honor at breakfast tables everywhere. Whether you’re planning your next brunch, feeding a crowd, or just looking for a cozy breakfast-for-dinner idea, this dish delivers flavor, ease, and satisfaction in every bite. Add it to your recipe box, it’s a keeper.
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