Basic Breakfast Egg Casserole With Sausage
An all-in-one breakfast like this sausage breakfast casserole is a fabulous dish for holiday and weekend mornings.
A classic breakfast casserole is one of the most reliable—and most appreciated—recipes you can make for a relaxed morning. This version brings together seasoned sausage, fluffy eggs, hearty bread, and sharp cheddar cheese to create an all-in-one dish that feels both comforting and substantial. It’s the kind of casserole that fills the kitchen with warmth and makes the table feel inviting before anyone even sits down.
What makes this recipe appealing is how effortlessly it fits into busy schedules and special occasions. Everything is assembled the night before, giving the bread time to soak up the custard so the finished casserole bakes up tender and cohesive. Whether you’re hosting brunch, feeding overnight guests, or preparing a no-rush weekend breakfast for your family, this casserole offers convenience without sacrificing flavor.
And because the ingredients are familiar and customizable, it’s a dish everyone enjoys. Serve it as the centerpiece of a breakfast spread, pair it with fruit salad or pastries, or simply let it shine on its own. It’s hearty, comforting, and truly made for mornings when you want something both easy and satisfying.
What You’ll Like About This Recipe
Overnight convenience. Assemble the entire casserole the night before and simply bake it in the morning. The rest in the refrigerator allows the bread to absorb the custard, giving the casserole its classic soft, cohesive texture.
Balanced, comforting flavors. Savory sausage, mild spices, and sharp cheddar create a well-rounded combination that appeals to both adults and kids. The seasonings aren’t overpowering, making this a great “everyone will eat it” kind of breakfast.
A complete meal in one dish. With protein, dairy, and bread built right in, this casserole feels hearty enough to stand alone. It’s ideal for mornings when you don’t want multiple pans on the stove.
Easy to customize. Swap cheeses, add vegetables, or use different meats to make the casserole fit your preferences or match what you have on hand. The basic structure adapts easily.
Perfect for gatherings. Because it bakes in a single dish and serves several people, this casserole is a go-to for holidays, brunch buffets, showers, and weekend entertaining.
Ingredient Notes
- Pork sausage: Bulk breakfast sausage adds savory richness and protein. Choose mild or hot depending on your preferred flavor and spice level.
- Eggs: The base of the casserole, creating the custard that binds the ingredients. Fresh, large eggs give the best texture.
- Milk: Helps form the custard and softens the bread. Whole milk produces the richest texture, but 2% works well too.
- Ground mustard: Enhances the overall flavor without tasting like mustard. It brightens the cheese and sausage.
- Salt and black pepper: Season the custard and balance the richness of the sausage and cheese.
- Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and a subtle color to the casserole.
- Nutmeg: A classic seasoning in custard-based dishes; just a dash deepens the flavor.
- Bread: Italian or homemade bread works beautifully. The cubes soak up the custard and give the casserole body.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds tangy richness and melts into the casserole. Sharp cheddar holds its flavor well during baking.
How to Make It
- Brown the sausage in a skillet and drain it well.
- Whisk the eggs, milk, and seasonings together in a large mixing bowl.
- Stir in the sausage, bread cubes, and cheese until evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
- Let the casserole sit briefly at room temperature before baking.
- Bake until the custard is fully set and the top is lightly golden.
Pro Tips
- Use day-old or lightly dried bread for the best texture. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard more evenly without becoming mushy.
- Cut the bread into uniform cubes so the casserole bakes evenly and the texture stays consistent throughout.
- For deeper flavor, lightly toast the bread cubes before mixing them into the custard. This adds a subtle nuttiness and helps them hold their shape.
- Letting the casserole sit at room temperature before baking helps it cook evenly and prevents a rubbery texture in the center.
- If you prefer a browned top, uncover the casserole for the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking.
Recipe Variations
- Make a veggie version.
Omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or spinach. The custard and cheese still hold everything together for a hearty vegetarian casserole. - Use a different cheese.
Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, Swiss, or Gruyère. Each adds a unique flavor and melting quality. - Try turkey or chicken sausage.
A lighter alternative that still brings plenty of flavor. Season as needed since poultry sausage tends to be milder. - Add potatoes for extra heartiness.
Fold in small diced, cooked potatoes or thawed hash browns for a more substantial breakfast. - Make it spicy.
Use hot sausage, add red pepper flakes, or include diced jalapeños for a casserole with more kick.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve a green salad with mixed greens and grape tomatoes for a fresh, colorful contrast that lightens the richness of the casserole.
- Add sliced avocado or guacamole for a creamy texture and a mild flavor that complements the savory sausage and eggs.
- Pair with hash browns or home fries to bring crispiness and a comforting potato side that makes the meal feel more complete.
- Choose pastries or bread—toast, muffins, quick bread, English muffins, croissants, or bagels—for an easy, familiar addition to a brunch spread.
- Serve with hot sauce or salsa for a bright, tangy, or spicy accent that gives the casserole a fun Southwestern twist.
- Add fresh fruit such as melon, berries, or sliced seasonal fruit to balance the warm casserole with cooling sweetness.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Cool leftovers completely, then store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The casserole reheats well and maintains its structure.
Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly or store the entire casserole in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Warm slices in the microwave in short intervals or reheat in the oven at a low temperature until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Basic Breakfast Egg Casserole With Sausage
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork sausage, bulk, not links
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground mustard
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- dash nutmeg
- 3 slices Italian bread, or homemade bread
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, sharp
Instructions
- Crumble the sausage into a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Cook the sausage until no longer pink, stirring frequently. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk, ground mustard, salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg. Add the drained sausage, bread cubes, and shredded cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart baking dish. Cover the baking dish and refrigerate overnight.
- Remove the casserole from the refrigerator about 1/2 hour before baking.
- Preheat the oven to 325 F.
- Bake for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until the casserole is set. A knife inserted into the center of the custard should come out clean.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
