When it comes to breakfast, nothing beats a warm, hearty casserole that can feed a crowd and satisfy every appetite. The Sausage Egg & Cheese Breakfast Casserole is one of those all-time favorites — a delicious, make-ahead dish loaded with savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and gooey melted cheese. It’s a comforting way to start the day, whether for a weekend brunch, holiday gathering, or an easy breakfast meal prep.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes this breakfast casserole so popular, walk you through a step-by-step recipe, and share tips to customize it to your liking.
Why Choose a Sausage Egg & Cheese Breakfast Casserole?
- Feeds a crowd: Perfect for family gatherings, holiday brunches, or potlucks.
- Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
- Balanced flavors: The savory sausage pairs perfectly with fluffy eggs and creamy cheese.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with vegetables, different cheeses, or bread types.
- Comfort food: Warm, cheesy, and filling — everything you want in a breakfast dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
- 3 cups bread cubes (day-old bread like French or sandwich bread works well)
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup diced onion (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
How to Make Sausage Egg & Cheese Breakfast Casserole
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. If you’re using onion and bell peppers, add them to the skillet in the last few minutes of cooking to soften. Drain excess grease and set aside.
3. Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until fully combined and slightly frothy.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Spread the bread cubes evenly in the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked sausage (and vegetables if used) over the bread. Add 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese on top. Pour the egg mixture evenly over all the ingredients, pressing down lightly so the bread absorbs the egg.
5. Add Remaining Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top of the casserole. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
6. Let it Cool and Serve
Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Serve warm for a satisfying breakfast.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with fresh fruit or fruit salad for a balanced breakfast.
- Serve alongside crispy bacon or sausage links for meat lovers.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or salsa for extra flavor.
- Offer coffee, orange juice, or mimosas for a complete brunch experience.
Tips for the Best Breakfast Casserole
- Use day-old bread: It soaks up the egg mixture better without getting too soggy.
- Don’t overcook the eggs: Remove from oven as soon as the center is set to avoid dryness.
- Customize your cheese: Mix cheddar with mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss for different flavors.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or your favorite veggies.
- Meal prep friendly: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate, then bake fresh in the morning.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Sausage Casserole: Use spicy Italian sausage and add jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Western Breakfast Casserole: Add ham, bell peppers, onions, and cheddar cheese.
- Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole: Layer frozen hashbrowns instead of bread cubes.
- Low-carb version: Replace bread cubes with cauliflower rice or omit bread entirely.
Final Thoughts
The Sausage Egg & Cheese Breakfast Casserole is a crowd-pleasing, comforting dish that makes mornings easier and tastier. Its flexibility to be prepared ahead of time and customized to your preferences makes it a breakfast staple for busy families and entertaining alike.
Give this recipe a try for your next brunch or breakfast and enjoy the hearty, cheesy goodness with every bite.