Few breakfasts can rival the comforting aroma of a bubbling Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Eggs, and Cheese fresh from the oven. This hearty dish combines savory sausage, fluffy eggs, melty cheese, and tender bread or potatoes into one irresistible bake. It’s the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and satisfaction — a one-pan meal that feels like home.

Ideal for weekends, holidays, or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is effortless to assemble and feeds a crowd. It’s the kind of dish that invites everyone to gather around the table for a warm, filling breakfast that starts the day on the best possible note.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s comfort food made simple. Every bite has layers of goodness — the smoky, savory sausage, creamy eggs, and gooey cheese meld together into a dish that’s both nostalgic and indulgent.

It’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients — toss in veggies, switch up the cheese, or use your preferred sausage.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This casserole is a must-try because it checks all the boxes: flavor, convenience, and comfort. It’s hearty enough to feed a large family or brunch crowd and can be adapted to suit any palate.

Unlike typical breakfast dishes that require juggling multiple pans, this all-in-one bake simplifies the process while delivering a restaurant-quality taste.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Calories: ~380 kcal per serving
• Course: Breakfast / Brunch
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and Monterey Jack)
• 4 cups cubed bread (day-old white or sourdough, or use hash browns for a potato version)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the dish)

Optional Add-ins

• ½ cup diced bell peppers
• ½ cup chopped onions
• ½ cup spinach or kale, chopped
• ¼ cup chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)

Cooking Directions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

• In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned and fully cooked (about 6–8 minutes).
• Drain excess fat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• Spread the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
• Add the cooked sausage on top, followed by any optional vegetables.
• Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly.
• Pour the egg mixture over everything, pressing lightly with a spoon to ensure all the bread soaks up the liquid.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

• Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

• Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
• Garnish with chopped green onions or herbs.

Step-by-Step Preparation Summary

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook sausage until browned and crumbly.
3. Whisk eggs and milk with seasonings.
4. Layer bread, sausage, and cheese in the baking dish.
5. Pour egg mixture evenly over the top.
6. Bake covered, then uncover to finish baking.
7. Cool, slice, and serve warm.

How to Serve

Serve this casserole warm, straight from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with:

• Fresh fruit salad or sliced melon
• Toast or croissants
• A dollop of sour cream or hot sauce on the side
• A cup of coffee or fresh orange juice for a complete breakfast

For brunch gatherings, serve with a side of roasted potatoes or a green salad for balance.

Recipe Tips

• Use day-old bread: It absorbs the egg mixture better and gives a great texture.
• Add veggies: Peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach make it more nutritious.
• Make ahead: Assemble the night before, cover, refrigerate, and bake in the morning.
• Cheese matters: Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor, or mix in pepper jack for spice.
• Check doneness: The casserole is ready when the center is firm and a knife comes out clean.

Variations

• Potato-Based Casserole: Replace bread with 4 cups of frozen shredded hash browns (thawed).
• Vegetarian Version: Skip sausage and add roasted vegetables or plant-based sausage.
• Spicy Sausage Casserole: Use hot Italian sausage or add diced jalapeños.
• Tex-Mex Style: Add salsa, black beans, and pepper jack cheese; top with avocado and cilantro.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip bread entirely and add more eggs and veggies for a crustless bake.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing (Unbaked): Assemble, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
• Freezing (Baked): Let cool, slice into portions, and freeze individually for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven or microwave before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Frying pan
• Spatula
• Aluminum foil

FAQ

Q: Can I use precooked sausage?
A: Yes! Precooked sausage works perfectly — just slice or crumble before layering.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Q: How do I prevent soggy casserole?
A: Use slightly stale bread and avoid over-saturating with egg mixture.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! Assemble it the night before and refrigerate; bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.

Q: What if I don’t eat pork?
A: Use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or a plant-based sausage substitute.

Conclusion

The Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Eggs, and Cheese is a timeless comfort dish — hearty, satisfying, and incredibly versatile. It’s everything you love about breakfast, baked into one golden, cheesy creation. Whether served for Sunday brunch, holiday mornings, or a meal-prep favorite, it never fails to delight.

Warm, flavorful, and protein-packed, this casserole is a dish you’ll come back to again and again — proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special.