Sausage and Egg Casserole – Hearty, Cheesy, and Perfect for Any Morning

If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast or brunch recipe that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, this Sausage and Egg Casserole is exactly what you need. Packed with savory sausage, fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and a hint of herbs, it’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping for the week ahead.

This casserole is versatile enough to serve for breakfast, brunch, or even a casual dinner. It’s also make-ahead friendly, freezer-friendly, and can be customized with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or seasonings.

With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a warm, cheesy, protein-packed breakfast without the stress of cooking multiple dishes in the morning.

Why You’ll Love This Sausage and Egg Casserole

1. Quick and easy prep:
Most of the work is chopping and mixing — no complex techniques required.

2. Make-ahead friendly:
Prepare it the night before and bake in the morning, perfect for busy mornings.

3. Kid-friendly:
Cheesy, savory, and packed with flavor — even picky eaters love it.

4. Flexible ingredients:
Swap sausage types, add vegetables, or use different cheeses depending on your taste.

5. Freezer-friendly:
Assemble and freeze before baking, then cook when ready for an easy meal.

6. High-protein and filling:
Eggs and sausage make this a nutritious, satisfying breakfast or brunch option.

What You’ll Need

This casserole comes together with simple pantry staples and common breakfast ingredients.

Ingredients:

1 pound breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken sausage)
8 large eggs
1 cup milk (whole, 2%, or dairy-free alternative)
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
4 cups cubed bread (gluten-free if needed)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for extra flavor)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian herbs
Optional add-ins: diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked.
Break it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

If adding vegetables (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms), sauté them with the sausage until softened.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs.
This will be the custard that binds the casserole together.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Layer the cubed bread evenly in the greased baking dish.
Sprinkle the cooked sausage (and vegetables, if using) over the bread.
Top with 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese.

Pour the egg mixture evenly over all the ingredients. Press lightly with a spatula to ensure the egg mixture soaks into the bread.

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top for a golden, melty finish.

Step 5: Let It Sit (Optional)

For best results, let the casserole sit for 10–15 minutes before baking.
This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture, creating a custardy interior.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–45 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown.
You can check doneness by inserting a knife in the center — it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm with fresh herbs, hot sauce, or your favorite breakfast sides.

Tips for Perfect Sausage and Egg Casserole

Use day-old or slightly stale bread.
It absorbs the egg mixture better than fresh bread, creating a custardy texture.
Don’t overmix the egg custard.
Overmixing can make the casserole dense. Whisk until just combined.
Choose the right cheese.
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend melts well and adds a creamy texture. Avoid pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents for the best melt.
Grease your pan well.
Egg-based casseroles can stick easily, so a light coating of butter or cooking spray helps.
Let it rest before slicing.
This prevents the casserole from falling apart and allows it to set perfectly.

Flavor Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic casserole, you can get creative:

Savory Twists

Sausage and Spinach: Add fresh spinach or kale for a veggie boost.
Western Casserole: Include diced bell peppers, onions, and a dash of hot sauce.
Italian Style: Use Italian sausage, mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Mushroom and Swiss: Swap cheddar for Swiss cheese and add sautéed mushrooms.

Gluten-Free Options

Use gluten-free bread cubes to make this casserole entirely gluten-free. It’s also perfect for meal prepping and freezer-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs well with:

Fresh fruit (berries, melon, or sliced oranges)
Breakfast potatoes or hash browns
Toast or gluten-free bread
Hot sauce or salsa on the side
A simple green salad for brunch

It’s also a hit for holiday breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or even casual dinners when you need a hearty, easy meal.

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator:

Store cooled casserole slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.

Freezer:

Cool the casserole completely, then wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container.
Freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat from frozen:

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until heated through.

Make-Ahead Option

You can assemble the casserole the night before:

Prepare the bread, sausage, and egg mixture.
Layer everything in the baking dish.
Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.
Bake in the morning as directed — perfect for busy weekdays or brunch prep.

Troubleshooting

Casserole is too watery:

Use slightly less milk or let the bread soak for a shorter time.
Use day-old bread to absorb the liquid better.

Top browns too quickly:

Cover loosely with foil and bake until the eggs are fully set.

Casserole is dry:

Check the egg-to-milk ratio and make sure not to overbake.
Adding a bit of cream or extra cheese helps retain moisture.

Eggs not set in the center:

Bake a little longer or lower the oven temperature slightly to allow even cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use turkey or chicken sausage?
Yes, any breakfast sausage works — just adjust seasoning as needed.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives. Cream cheese can also be substituted with a plant-based version.

Can I use a different type of bread?
Any cubed bread works — whole wheat, white, or gluten-free. Slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture best.

Is this freezer-friendly?
Absolutely — it freezes well both before and after baking.

Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, or even zucchini work perfectly.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving, 1/8 casserole)

Calories: 320
Protein: 20g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g

(Nutrition values vary depending on bread, sausage, cheese, and milk used.)

Why This Recipe Works

This Sausage and Egg Casserole hits all the marks: savory, cheesy, custardy, and filling. The combination of bread, eggs, cheese, and sausage creates a layered, comforting texture with every bite.

It’s simple to prepare, customizable, and versatile enough for any occasion — breakfast, brunch, or even a casual dinner. The make-ahead and freezer-friendly options make it practical for busy mornings or entertaining guests.

Tips for Customizing Your Casserole Routine

Make it veggie-packed:
Add your favorite sautéed or fresh vegetables to sneak in extra nutrition.
Try different cheeses:
Mix cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for extra flavor.
Spice it up:
Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for a kick.
Make it low-carb:
Skip the bread and bake the egg, sausage, and cheese mixture in a greased dish for a crustless casserole.
Prep for the week:
Slice and refrigerate individual portions for quick grab-and-go breakfasts.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage and Egg Casserole is the ultimate combination of comfort, flavor, and convenience. Perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping for busy mornings, it’s hearty, cheesy, and satisfying in every bite.

With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and endless customization options, it’s a breakfast recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen.

Warm, golden, and bursting with savory goodness — this casserole proves that homemade breakfast can be both easy and impressive.