Okay, grab a mug of coffee and pull up a chair! Let’s talk about my absolute go-to breakfast dish: an easy sausage breakfast casserole. I remember the first time I made this…it was a chaotic Christmas morning, my in-laws were visiting, and I was desperately trying to pull together something that would feed a crowd and actually taste good. I stumbled across a basic recipe and, let’s just say, the initial attempt was… not pretty.
The bread was soggy, the cheese was clumpy, and the sausage was… well, let’s just say it wasn’t the star of the show. I nearly threw the whole thing out. But, fueled by caffeine and sheer determination (plus the impending arrival of hungry relatives!), I tweaked and adjusted until I landed on what is now our family’s favorite easy sausage breakfast casserole.
Now, every holiday or special occasion, it’s the first thing everyone requests. The smell alone – savory sausage mingling with cheesy goodness – fills the house with warmth. There’s just something so comforting about a warm slice of this easy sausage breakfast casserole on a chilly morning. It’s become such a staple in our home, a true symbol of togetherness and delicious, easy meals. My kids even ask for it on random Sundays now! It’s not just a breakfast; it’s a memory in the making.
And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make, even if, like me, you have those days where you feel like you can barely boil water. We’ve all been there! Over the years, I’ve perfected little tricks and shortcuts that make it even simpler, because let’s be honest, who has tons of time in the mornings? This easy sausage breakfast casserole is so forgiving and endlessly adaptable; you can change it up to fit your own family’s preferences and what you have on hand. Trust me, once you try this easy sausage breakfast casserole, you’ll be hooked too! It’s about to become your new favorite breakfast (or brunch…or even dinner!) staple.
INGREDIENTS:
Here are all the ingredients you’ll need to make this amazing breakfast casserole. Getting high-quality ingredients will greatly enhance the flavor of your dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheeses or sausages to create your own unique twist!
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled (I always use the Jimmy Dean regular flavor for my easy sausage breakfast casserole. It has the perfect amount of seasoning without being overpowering.) You can check out USDA FoodData Central – Pork Sausage to get more information.
- 6 large eggs (The American Egg Board – All About Eggs is a great resource for egg facts!)
- 1 cup milk (I prefer whole milk for richness, but 2% works just fine in this easy sausage breakfast casserole.)
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard (This adds a little tang and depth of flavor.)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (Adjust to your liking.)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 slices bread, cubed (I usually use a day-old French bread or sourdough. But even regular white bread works in a pinch for this easy sausage breakfast casserole.)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (Sharp cheddar is my favorite for the flavor, but mild cheddar or a cheddar blend works great too!)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped green onions or chives (Adds a nice freshness and color)
- Optional: 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (I like to use red or green for a little extra flavor and color in this easy sausage breakfast casserole.)
When making easy sausage breakfast casserole, you can find day-old bread at most grocery store bakeries, usually at a discounted price. This is a great way to save a little money and reduce food waste!
Here’s a easy sausage breakfast casserole trick I learned from my mom: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked sausage crumbles. It’s a huge time-saver, especially on busy weekday mornings. I also like to prep the bread cubes the night before and store them in an airtight container. That way, everything is ready to go in the morning! Leftover ingredients for your easy sausage breakfast casserole should be stored in airtight containers or zipper lock bags. The shredded cheese keeps fresh longer when you squeeze the air out of the bag. The crumbled cooked sausage will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
HOW TO MAKE – STEP-BY-STEP:
Ready to get started? Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to create a breakfast casserole that will impress your family and friends. Each step is designed to be easy to follow, ensuring a perfect result every time.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use a little cooking spray to make sure nothing sticks. I learned the hard way with easy sausage breakfast casserole that not greasing the dish enough leads to a frustrating cleanup!
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Don’t worry if your easy sausage breakfast casserole mixture looks a little thin – the bread will soak it all up!
- Add the cubed bread, cooked sausage, and shredded cheese to the egg mixture. If you’re using green onions or bell peppers, add them now too. Gently stir everything together until the bread is evenly coated. I learned the hard way with easy sausage breakfast casserole that you should use a wooden spoon for this, because it helps not to mash the bread.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. In my kitchen, easy sausage breakfast casserole usually takes about 45-50 minutes to bake, but oven times can vary.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set. The center should be firm to the touch. Your easy sausage breakfast casserole should smell like savory sausage and melted cheese – pure comfort food! If the top starts to get too brown, you can loosely tent it with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Let the easy sausage breakfast casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This helps it to set up a little better and makes it easier to cut.
While the easy sausage breakfast casserole is cooking, I usually tidy up the kitchen or get the coffee brewing. It’s also a good time to prep any side dishes you want to serve with it. I love to serve the sausage egg casserole with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad. This is a great recipe to make as a make ahead breakfast casserole. I often assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning for a super easy breakfast! I also love using a different type of bread or cheese to customize it. It’s a very forgiving recipe!
SERVING:
Serving is an art! Here are some delightful ways to present and enjoy your breakfast casserole, turning it into a memorable culinary experience.
My family absolutely devours this easy sausage breakfast casserole! The kids love our easy sausage breakfast casserole when I cut it into squares and serve it with a side of ketchup for dipping (I know, I know…don’t judge!). My husband enjoys it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of hot sauce. I personally love it just as it is, warm and cheesy.
For side dishes, I often serve this easy sausage breakfast casserole with fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad. Sometimes, I’ll even whip up a batch of pancakes or waffles for a truly decadent breakfast spread. A lighter option is serving the cheesy sausage casserole with a side of fresh cut tomatoes and avocado.
This easy sausage breakfast casserole is perfect for holiday brunches, potlucks, or even a simple weekend breakfast. It’s also great for feeding a crowd. I make sure to keep this recipe close for every holiday breakfast casserole, and I’ve also made it for potlucks and family gatherings.
For presentation, I like to sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese and some chopped green onions on top before serving. It adds a nice pop of color and makes it look extra appealing.
If you have extra easy sausage breakfast casserole, it reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven. You can also cut it into individual portions and freeze them for quick and easy breakfasts on busy mornings. It will last for 2-3 months in the freezer, so it’s the perfect sausage and cheese breakfast bake to make ahead!
Sometimes, I’ll make a seasonal variation by adding cooked sweet potatoes and chopped pecans in the fall. In the summer, I like to add diced tomatoes and fresh basil. My friends always ask for this easy sausage breakfast casserole recipe whenever I make it for brunch. It’s always a hit!
FAQs:
Got questions? You’re not alone! Here are some of the most common questions I receive about this recipe, along with my detailed answers to help you succeed.
- Can I make this easy sausage breakfast casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it. Assemble the casserole as directed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature slightly. Then, bake as directed.
- Can I use a different type of sausage in my easy sausage breakfast casserole? Of course! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of sausage, such as Italian sausage, chorizo, or even turkey sausage. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the casserole. You know what I do when my easy sausage breakfast casserole is too greasy? I drain it on a paper towel before adding it in!
- Can I use different bread for my easy sausage breakfast casserole? Yes! I’ve used everything from French bread to sourdough to croissants in this casserole. You can even use gluten-free bread if you have dietary restrictions. Just make sure to adjust the amount of bread depending on its density.
- Can I freeze easy sausage breakfast casserole? Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole as directed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then with foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed. To freeze after baking, let the casserole cool completely, then cut it into individual portions, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
- My easy sausage breakfast casserole is getting too brown on top. What should I do? If your casserole is browning too quickly, loosely tent it with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This will help to prevent it from burning.
- Can I add vegetables to this easy sausage breakfast casserole? Absolutely! I often add diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach to this casserole. Just make sure to sauté them lightly before adding them to the mixture. My family prefers their easy sausage breakfast casserole with peppers and onions, but my youngest is picky so I have to put it on the side!
- My easy sausage breakfast casserole is too dry. What did I do wrong? You may have used too much bread or not enough liquid. Make sure to measure the ingredients accurately and don’t overbake the casserole. Next time, try adding a little more milk or an extra egg to the mixture. Some readers even add a small amount of cream cheese to the mixture for added creaminess!
My Final Thoughts:
This recipe is more than just a set of instructions; it’s an invitation to create something special. Here are my final thoughts and some extra tips to ensure your breakfast casserole is a resounding success.
This easy sausage breakfast casserole is more than just a recipe to me; it’s a tradition, a memory-maker, and a surefire way to start the day off right. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, fills the house with warmth and delicious aromas, and creates lasting memories. Plus, it’s the perfect vessel for using up whatever odds and ends I have lurking in my fridge!
Here are my easy sausage breakfast casserole Pro Tips:
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a little pepper jack can add a unique twist.
- For extra flavor, try browning the sausage with a little garlic and onion before adding it to the casserole.
- If you’re short on time, use store-bought croissants instead of bread. It adds a buttery, flaky texture that’s absolutely divine.
Some easy sausage breakfast casserole variations I’ve tried include a spicy chorizo version with jalapenos and pepper jack cheese, a vegetarian version with mushrooms, spinach, and feta cheese, and a sweet version with apples, cinnamon, and maple syrup. My husband loves the chorizo version, while my kids prefer the classic cheesy sausage casserole.
I truly hope you try this easy sausage breakfast casserole recipe and make it your own. Add your favorite ingredients, tweak the seasonings, and create a breakfast masterpiece that your family will love for years to come.
So go ahead, give it a try! I’m confident that you’ll find this easy sausage breakfast casserole to be a delicious, easy, and comforting addition to your recipe repertoire. Happy cooking!
Easy Sausage Breakfast Casserole
This easy sausage breakfast casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd. Made with simple ingredients and ready in under an hour!
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 6
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 slices bread, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Brown sausage in a skillet over medium heat; drain excess grease.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in sausage, bread cubes, and cheddar cheese.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until set.
Notes
For a spicier casserole, use hot breakfast sausage. You can also add vegetables like onions, peppers, or mushrooms.