Are you looking for an easy, flavorful breakfast that will feed the whole family and keep them satisfied? My sausage breakfast casserole is just the thing! Packed with cooked sausage, fluffy eggs, hearty bread, and sharp cheddar, it’s a perfect make-ahead recipe that bakes up golden and crispy, yet soft and savory inside. The best part? You can prep it the night before for a stress-free morning meal.
Let’s dive into this comforting, cheesy recipe that’s bound to become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get started, make sure to gather these simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 14 to 16 ounces uncooked pork breakfast sausage (casings removed if necessary)
- Cooking spray or olive oil (to grease the dish)
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups half-and-half (for extra creaminess)
- 2 teaspoons dry mustard (adds a subtle but necessary flavor kick)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (around 2 cups, use white cheddar if possible)
- 6 slices of hearty white sandwich bread (8 to 9 ounces, torn into bite-size pieces)
Sounds yummy already, right? Now, let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Cook the Sausage
First things first — let’s get the sausage cooked. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering and ready for action. If your 14 to 16 ounces of pork breakfast sausage have casings, remove them first. Once ready, add the sausage to the pan.
Use a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. After 4 to 7 minutes, the sausage should be fully cooked through and starting to brown nicely. Once done, remove the pan from the heat. Set the sausage aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Egg Mixture
While the sausage cools down, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish . Coat it generously with cooking spray or olive oil . This is essential for easy serving later! In a large bowl, whisk together 12 large eggs , 2 cups of half-and-half , 2 teaspoons of dry mustard , 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt , and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper . This savory custard base is what gives our casserole its rich flavor and fluffy texture.
3. Prep the Bread and Cheese
Now for the cheesy part! Grate 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese on the large holes of a box grater; this should give you about 2 cups. Set aside 1 cup of the cheese for sprinkling on top later.
Next, take your 6 slices of hearty white sandwich bread and tear or cut them into approx. 1-inch pieces. You’ll end up with about 6 cups of pieces to absorb all that cheesy, eggy goodness.
4. Combine the Ingredients
Now that your bread and cheese are prepped, it’s time to bring everything together. Add half of the shredded cheese (about 1 cup) and all of the bread pieces to the egg mixture. Stir gently so that the bread soaks up that flavorful egg custard but doesn’t get too mushy.
Next, using a slotted spoon , transfer the sausage from the pan into the egg mixture. We use a slotted spoon to ensure we don’t carry any extra oil from the pan that could make the casserole greasy. Gently fold everything together until all ingredients are evenly combined.
5. Assemble in the Baking Dish
Once mixed, pour the entire sausage-egg-bread-cheese mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish . Spread everything out in an even layer so that it bakes uniformly. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top—because you can never have too much cheese, right?
Now, you have two options:
Option 1: Make-Ahead
Cover the casserole with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours. This is a great option if you’re making it for a special breakfast and want to save time in the morning.
Option 2: Bake It Right Away
If you can’t wait to dig in (who could blame you?), let the casserole sit at room temperature while the oven preheats. This allows the bread to soak up the custard for a few minutes before hitting the oven.
6. Time to Bake
Preheat the Oven
Arrange a rack in the middle of your oven and preheat it to 350ºF . If you’ve refrigerated the casserole, take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats up. This helps it bake more evenly.
Bake the Casserole
Now comes the easy part! Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake it for 50 to 55 minutes . You’re looking for the top to be golden-brown , and a knife inserted into the center should come out clean—which means the eggs are fully cooked.
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes . This cooling time helps prevent it from crumbling when sliced, so resist the urge to dig in right away!
7. Slice and Serve
After the short cooling period, slice your sausage breakfast casserole into squares and serve. It’s perfect as-is, but you can also add a little flair with hot sauce, ketchup, or fresh herbs like parsley or scallions on top. Serve with a side of fresh fruit or toast for a complete breakfast that’s sure to fuel your day.
Storing Leftovers (If There Are Any!)
If you happen to have leftovers, lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days . To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or warm it in the oven at 300ºF for around 10 minutes until heated through. This casserole also freezes well for up to a month—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready for a quick breakfast.
Conclusion
This sausage breakfast casserole is the epitome of comfort food. It’s ideal for family gatherings, brunch parties, or even meal prepping ahead for busy mornings. With simple ingredients, minimal effort, and a cheesy, savory outcome, it’s the kind of recipe that will win you rave reviews. Whether you make it ahead or bake it right away, every bite is full of rich flavor and fluffy, creamy texture.
So next time you’re craving a hearty, cheesy breakfast dish that feeds a crowd, remember this sausage breakfast casserole—it’s sure to become a breakfast staple at your table.
Now, grab a fork and enjoy!
