Hearty Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Cozy Morning Magic: Hearty Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Breakfast mornings spark to life with this hearty sausage breakfast casserole that promises comfort in every single bite.

Layers of savory sausage, eggs, and cheese meld together into a delectable morning masterpiece.

The golden-brown top hints at the deliciousness waiting beneath its crisp surface.

Weekends deserve something special, and this casserole delivers warmth and satisfaction straight from the oven.

Robust flavors dance across the palate, creating a memorable meal that brings everyone to the table.

Packed with protein and pure deliciousness, this casserole stands ready to become your new weekend breakfast tradition.

Prepare to fall in love with a breakfast dish that turns ordinary mornings into extraordinary moments.

Sausage Breakfast Casserole Ingredients

For Protein Base:
  • Sausage: Provides hearty, savory flavor and protein punch; look for fresh, high-quality ground sausage with balanced spice blend.
For Binding and Moisture:
  • Eggs: Creates fluffy texture and holds casserole together; choose fresh, large eggs with bright yellow yolks.
  • Milk: Adds creamy richness and helps eggs blend smoothly; whole milk works best for maximum flavor.
For Structure and Texture:
  • Bread: Offers delightful base and absorbs egg mixture; day-old bread works perfectly for better absorption.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, tangy flavor; select aged variety for deeper taste.
  • Monterey Jack Cheese: Provides creamy, mild melting quality; opt for freshly grated block cheese.
For Seasoning and Aroma:
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile; use kosher or sea salt for balanced seasoning.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth; freshly ground provides more intense taste.
  • Garlic Powder: Introduces aromatic undertone; choose high-quality, pure ground garlic.
  • Onion Powder: Contributes sweet, savory background note; select finely ground version.
For Garnish:
  • Green Onions: Offers fresh, bright finishing touch; select crisp, vibrant green stalks.

Tools That Make Breakfast Casseroles Easy

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for whisking eggs and combining ingredients smoothly.
  • Skillet: Perfect for browning and cooking sausage evenly.
  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Crucial for assembling and baking the entire casserole.
  • Whisk: Great for blending eggs and seasonings without lumps.
  • Sharp knife: Helpful for cubing bread and chopping green onions.
  • Cutting board: Provides clean surface for food preparation.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

How to Layer and Bake the Sausage Casserole

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

  • Brown the Meat

Toss sausage into a sizzling skillet. Cook until it’s perfectly crispy and no longer pink. Drain away extra grease for a lighter dish.

  • Create the Base Layer

Spread bread chunks across the bottom of your greased baking dish. Scatter the cooked sausage generously over the bread.

  • Mix the Flavor Bomb

Whisk eggs with milk and a sprinkle of seasonings. This creamy mixture will transform your casserole from basic to brilliant.

  • Shower with Cheese

Rain down shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack over the top. The more cheese, the merrier!

  • Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the dish into the oven and let it dance for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for a golden top and set eggs.

  • Serve and Celebrate

Let the casserole rest for a quick 5 minutes. Scatter some green onions on top if you’re feeling fancy. Dig in while it’s hot!

Brunch-Time Tweaks & Toppings

  • Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare the entire casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Simply pop it in the oven in the morning for a stress-free breakfast that saves precious morning time.
  • Protein Power Boost: Swap regular sausage with turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a leaner protein option that keeps the dish light and nutritious without compromising flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace traditional bread cubes with gluten-free bread or cauliflower pieces to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities while maintaining the casserole's delicious texture.
  • Vegetable Remix: Sneak in extra nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the casserole. These colorful additions provide extra vitamins and create a more complex flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.
  • Spice It Up: Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a subtle kick. Hot sauce on the side allows each person to customize their heat level.

Serve Breakfast Casserole Piping Hot

  • Brunch Brilliance: Serve this hearty casserole alongside fresh fruit salad for a balanced morning meal.
  • Cozy Companion Dishes: Add crispy hash browns or a light mixed green salad to complement the rich, savory flavors of the casserole.
  • Weekend Gathering Delight: Pair with mimosas or fresh orange juice for a festive breakfast spread that will impress family and friends.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning for an effortless, crowd-pleasing breakfast.

Stash & Warm Up Casserole Leftovers

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
  • Quick Reheating Technique: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire casserole in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese before reheating to boost moisture and flavor.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 3 months by wrapping securely in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the original cooking time.
  • Portion Control Hack: Cut the casserole into individual servings before storing, making grab-and-go breakfasts easier throughout the week. Use meal prep containers with tight-fitting lids to keep each portion fresh and easily accessible for quick morning meals.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 445 kcal

Servings: 6

Print
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Hearty Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Hearty Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty sausage breakfast casserole delivers comfort on cold mornings with layers of savory ingredients. Cheesy eggs, crisp bread, and seasoned sausage combine for a satisfying meal you can enjoy with family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (50 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 6 slices white or whole wheat bread, cubed
  • ¼ cup (30 g) chopped green onions
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Coat a rectangular baking dish with non-stick spray and preheat the oven to 375°F, creating an ideal baking environment.
  2. Protein Processing: In a skillet, brown the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it into fine crumbles until fully cooked and developing a rich caramel color. Drain excess fat meticulously.
  3. Foundation Layer: Spread bread cubes evenly across the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform base. Distribute the cooked sausage over the bread, ensuring complete coverage.
  4. Liquid Fusion: Whisk eggs, milk, mustard, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and bread layer, ensuring thorough saturation.
  5. Cheese Crowning: Sprinkle cheese generously across the surface, allowing for complete distribution and maximum flavor potential.
  6. Thermal Transformation: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Monitor for a firm egg structure and golden-brown surface coloration indicating perfect doneness.
  7. Resting and Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, enabling internal temperature stabilization and structural setting. Optionally garnish with chopped chives for an aromatic and visual flourish. Serve piping hot, showcasing the layered textures and flavors.

Notes

  • Choose Quality Sausage: Select high-grade breakfast sausage with balanced fat content for maximum flavor and consistent texture during cooking.
  • Bread Selection Matters: Use day-old or slightly stale bread cubes to absorb liquid effectively without becoming overly soggy or losing structural integrity.
  • Control Moisture Carefully: Drain sausage thoroughly to prevent excess grease from making the casserole heavy or greasy, ensuring a light and fluffy final result.
  • Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or gruyere to elevate flavor profile and add personal culinary signature.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 392
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 837 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 205 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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