The Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, satisfying dish made with layers of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, melty cheese, and bread — all baked into one delicious, make-ahead meal. It’s a favorite across American households, especially during holidays, brunch gatherings, or busy mornings.

Why I Love This Recipe

It’s make-ahead friendly, perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
The cheesy, savory, fluffy texture is irresistible.

It’s a complete meal in one dish: protein, carbs, dairy — all covered!
Versatile and endlessly customizable.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Ideal for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or potlucks.

Crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Makes breakfast feel comforting, warm, and homemade.
Delicious served hot or reheated for later!

Preparation & Cooking Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 5 minutes

Servings: 8
Calories: ~375–450 kcal per serving (varies by sausage and cheese)

Ingredients:

1 lb (450g) breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)

6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk (or 1½ cups milk + ½ cup cream)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)

6 cups cubed bread (French bread or sandwich bread, slightly stale preferred)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
¼ tsp onion powder (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Directions & Step-by-Step Method:

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbled (7–8 minutes).
Drain excess fat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Layer the bread cubes evenly in the greased dish.
Sprinkle cooked sausage over the bread.

Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top.

Step 4: Make the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings.

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage, bread, and cheese.

Step 5: Let It Soak (Optional for Best Texture)

For a fluffier casserole, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or overnight.

If you’re short on time, you can bake it immediately too.

Step 6: Bake

Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set and top is golden brown.

Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve

Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or chives.
Pair with:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Hash browns or roasted potatoes
- Hot sauce or salsa
- A cup of coffee or fresh orange juice

Additional Recipe Tips & Variations:

Tips:

Use day-old bread or toast the bread cubes lightly — it helps prevent sogginess.

Don’t skip resting the casserole after baking — it makes slicing easier.
For extra creaminess, add ½ cup of cream cheese bits into the egg mix.

Variations:

Veggie-packed: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions.
Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
Low-carb: Skip the bread and use roasted cauliflower florets or cooked hash browns.

Cheese swap: Use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for different flavors.

Freezing & Storage

Storage:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes.

Freezing:

Bake and cool the casserole completely.

Freeze whole or in portions wrapped tightly.
To reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes or until hot.

Special Equipment Needed

9×13 inch casserole dish

Whisk for eggs
Large skillet for sausage
Mixing bowls

Spatula or ladle

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I make this casserole the night before?

A: Yes! It’s ideal for overnight prep. Cover and refrigerate, then bake in the morning.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked sausage or bacon?

A: Absolutely. Pre-cooked sausage crumbles or cooked bacon work well — just distribute evenly over the bread.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?

A: Use non-dairy milk (like almond or oat) and dairy-free cheese. Make sure your bread is dairy-free too.

Q: Why is my casserole soggy?

A: The bread might be too soft or fresh. Use stale bread or reduce the milk slightly.

Conclusion

The Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that brings everyone to the table — whether for a cozy weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or a meal-prep-friendly week. It’s warm, rich, cheesy, and filling — everything you want in a breakfast favorite.

It’s a go-to recipe for both beginner cooks and experienced hosts. Once you try it, it’ll likely become a regular on your breakfast rotation.