Table of Contents
Ever found yourself staring at an empty oven on Sunday morning, desperate for easy breakfast ideas that impress without stress? I’ve been there, trust me. That’s why I fell head over heels for this breakfast casserole—it solves the “what’s for brunch?” dilemma, doubles as a brunch casserole superstar, and even thrives as a Breakfast Casserole Make Ahead gem. IMO, nothing screams cozy like a golden, cheesy bake filled with savory breakfast goodness. FYI, it ranks top on my list of Breakfast Ideas For A Crowd when my family swarms my kitchen 🙂
I still remember the first time my bold experiment turned a kitchen full of yawns into mmm’s and cheers. This original version combines smoky sausage, fluffy eggs, day-old bread cubes, and melty cheese into one show-stopping pan. Ever wondered why breakfast casseroles steal the show? They let you prep the night before—just like an Overnight Breakfast Casserole With Hashbrowns—slide it into the oven the next day, and voilà: brunch is served without breaking a sweat.
You’ll love the versatility here. Craving a Healthy Breakfast Casserole? Swap turkey sausage and toss in fresh spinach. Feeling like a twist on a Tortilla Quiche Bake? Layer tortillas instead of bread. Heck, you can even pull an Egg Frittata move and toss in extra veggies. This base recipe adapts to Breakfast Casserole Ideas from mini quiche recipes to savory breakfast loafs.
By the end of this post, you’ll have the full rundown on ingredients, step-by-step instructions, plus creative variations. Ready to make breakfast feel like a celebration? Let’s dive in and whip up the ultimate comfort in a pan!
Ingredients
Before you get started, gather these simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients. You’ll need breakfast sausage, eggs, dairy, day-old bread, and some basic seasonings. This recipe shines when you use quality bread and cheese, so feel free to grab that artisan loaf and your favorite sharp cheddar for an extra punch of flavor.
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, casing removed
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 6 cups day-old bread cubes (French or sourdough work great)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
Prep, assemble, and bake in six simple steps—no stress, all reward.
- Cook the sausage: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Crumble in the sausage and cook until browned (about 6–7 minutes). Drain excess grease. I like to reserve a tablespoon of that rendered fat for extra flavor when sautéing the aromatics—trust me, you won’t regret it.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same pan, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent. The onions add a subtle sweetness that cuts through the richness.
- Mix eggs and milk: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until fully combined. Whisk vigorously for about a minute so the mixture froths slightly—this helps create a custard-like texture.
- Layer the casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or spray. Spread half of the bread cubes in an even layer, sprinkle half of the cheese, then add the sausage-onion mixture. Top with remaining bread cubes and cheese. This layering ensures each bite has a balanced ratio of bread, cheese, and meat.
- Pour and soak: Slowly pour the egg-milk mixture over the layers, ensuring all bread sits beneath the liquid. Press down gently so it absorbs evenly—this trick avoids dry pockets.
- Bake and rest: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until the top turns golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Resting gives the casserole time to set, making clean slices without messy oozing.
Variations
Ready to mix things up week after week? Here are three killer Breakfast Casserole Ideas:
1) Healthy Breakfast Casserole: Swap out regular pork sausage for lean turkey or chicken sausage and stir in a heaping cup of fresh spinach, diced bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms. The veggies add color, nutrients, and texture without killing the flavor profile.
2) Overnight Breakfast Casserole With Hashbrowns: Ditch the bread cubes and use 4 cups of frozen shredded hashbrowns for a crispy, potato-packed twist. Assemble in your dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, pop it into the oven for a golden, hearty brunch.
3) Tortilla Quiche Bake: Layer corn or flour tortillas instead of bread cubes, add black beans, chopped green chiles, and pepper jack cheese. Top with jalapeños and cilantro for a Tex-Mex spin that doubles as an omlet breakfast idea.
Serving & Tips
Serve slices piping hot for maximum cozy vibes. Nestle them in a decorative Breakfast Basket filled with unsweetened yogurt parfaits, fresh berries, and warm pastries. If you’re aiming for a balanced plate, add a side of mixed greens lightly tossed in citrus vinaigrette or a chilled fruit salad.
Leftovers? No problem. Wrap individual servings in parchment paper and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For freezer storage, double-wrap slices in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, preheat your oven or toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10–12 minutes, or microwave on medium power for 1–2 minutes for a quicker fix.
Hosting a Brunch Potluck? Transfer your casserole to a disposable foil pan and keep it warm on a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F). For a seasonal twist, stir in a pinch of smoked paprika or nutmeg, or throw in some roasted squash when fall vibes hit.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love that this Classic Sausage & Egg Breakfast Casserole feels like a hug in food form—warm, comforting, and totally satisfying. When I first brought it to my family’s annual holiday brunch, someone joked that they could skip Christmas dinner if we just did this every year (sarcasm intended, of course). From casual weekend breakfasts to impressive Brunch Casserole spreads, this recipe adapts effortlessly.
The real magic lies in how forgiving it is: stale bread? Perfect. Random veggies in the fridge? Chop ’em up and toss ’em in. Leftover cheese? You bet—extra melty goodness. Plus, when you nail the timing and flavor, bragging rights are all yours. So, whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting your feet wet with savory breakfast bakes, this casserole will fast become your go-to. Go ahead—make it, share it, and watch it disappear in record time!
Classic Sausage & Egg Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Crumble in the sausage and cook until browned, about 6–7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- In the same pan, sauté diced onion and minced garlic for 2–3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper until frothy.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the bread cubes, half of the cheese, and the sausage-onion mixture. Repeat with remaining bread and cheese.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers. Press gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until golden and set. Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs
Can I make this breakfast casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead of time. After you layer the bread, cheese, sausage, and pour over the egg mixture, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When your guests arrive or your alarm goes off, simply pull the covered casserole from the fridge and bake it straight into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). This make-ahead approach ensures you’re not stuck in the kitchen when you could be mingling or sipping coffee. It’s a real game-changer for any Breakfast Ideas For A Crowd lineup.
Can I swap the sausage for another protein?
Yes, you can swap the sausage for nearly any protein you prefer. Crisp bacon bits, chopped ham, or ground turkey sausage all work beautifully. If you’re vegetarian or just want to lighten things up, omit the meat entirely and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers instead. Some folks even blend in cooked lentils for a plant-based protein boost. This flexibility makes the recipe a versatile entry in your rotation of Egg Casserole Recipes and Omlet Breakfast Ideas.
How long will leftovers keep?
Leftovers keep really well in the fridge and the freezer. For fridge storage, place cooled slices in an airtight container or food-safe bag and eat within 3–4 days. If you want that casserole to last longer, wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in the freezer for up to two months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes. Microwaving on medium power for 1–2 minutes also works for speedy meals.
Can I make this into mini quiche recipes?
Definitely! Turning this casserole into Mini Quiche versions works like a charm. Simply grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin and divide the sausage-egg-bread mixture evenly among the cups. Depending on your pan size, you might fill 12–15 muffins. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers set. These portable bites make ideal on-the-go breakfasts, party appetizers, or a fun way to sample different Brunch Casserole flavors all at once.
Follow me on Pinterest for more breakfast casserole recipes! Stay tuned for more savory breakfast basket inspiration and brunch casserole tips.
