The Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a warm, cheesy, and protein-packed dish that brings together rustic bread, melty cheddar, savory sausage, and fluffy eggs in every satisfying bite. It’s the perfect centerpiece for any brunch gathering, whether you’re serving family on a cozy weekend morning or hosting a holiday crowd.
What makes this casserole truly special is its make-ahead convenience. You can prep it the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and enjoy the delicious aroma as it bakes to golden perfection. Whether served solo or alongside fresh fruit and pastries, this dish is guaranteed to impress and comfort all at once.
Full Recipe:
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1 pound Italian pork sausage
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10 large eggs, beaten
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4 cups whole milk
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1 teaspoon dry mustard
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1/4 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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5 cups cubed day-old rustic bread (French or Italian loaf)
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2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
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1/2 cup chopped tomatoes (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
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Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles. Once cooked, drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, dry mustard, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish and layer in the bread cubes.
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Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the bread. Add the mushrooms and tomatoes, if using.
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Distribute the browned sausage evenly over the top.
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Pour the egg and milk mixture over everything, ensuring it saturates the bread.
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Let sit for 10 minutes or cover and refrigerate overnight.
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Bake uncovered for about 1 hour, or until set and golden. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
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Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Kcal: 666 kcal | Servings: 6–8 servings
A Comforting Classic: The Sausage Breakfast Casserole
The Sausage Breakfast Casserole has earned its place as a beloved classic on breakfast and brunch tables around the world. Whether you’re planning a cozy family gathering, hosting a weekend brunch, or prepping meals ahead for the week, this hearty and satisfying dish delivers flavor, warmth, and comfort in every bite. With a foundation of fluffy eggs, savory sausage, melted cheese, and rustic bread, this casserole is as easy to customize as it is to prepare. But its true appeal lies in its convenience, versatility, and nostalgic charm.
Why This Casserole Works So Well
One of the best things about this dish is its balance. The protein-rich eggs and sausage provide long-lasting energy, while the bread creates structure and soaks up all the rich, creamy flavor. Cheddar cheese adds a punch of sharpness and that melty, gooey texture we all love. It’s a complete meal in one pan—simple to make, easy to store, and universally loved.
From the busy weekday parent to the holiday host planning breakfast for a dozen guests, this casserole fits into virtually any kitchen scenario. It’s no surprise that this recipe is a mainstay in many family traditions—especially on special mornings like Christmas, Easter, or long weekends with loved ones.
The Origins and Evolution of the Recipe
This casserole has humble beginnings, inspired by mid-20th-century American home cooking and the rise of pre-cooked breakfast meats. The version most people know today is closely related to a recipe first popularized through Jimmy Dean sausage advertisements from decades ago. The appeal was straightforward: combine pantry staples like eggs, milk, bread, and breakfast meat into a single dish that can be made ahead of time and baked fresh in the morning.
Over the years, countless variations have emerged. While sausage remains the traditional protein, cooks have swapped it out for ham, turkey, chicken, bacon, or even plant-based alternatives. The vegetables and cheese are equally adaptable, making it easy to turn the base recipe into a reflection of personal taste or seasonal availability.
Perfect for Holidays and Entertaining
If you’ve ever hosted a house full of family during the holidays, you know how tricky breakfast can be. No one wants to cook an elaborate meal at 7 AM while guests are still waking up. That’s where this dish shines. You can assemble it the night before, refrigerate it overnight, and pop it in the oven while coffee is brewing and the house slowly comes to life.
It serves a crowd, fills your kitchen with an incredible aroma, and pairs well with other brunch dishes like fruit salads, muffins, yogurt parfaits, and breakfast pastries. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just want something hearty for your own family, it helps take the stress out of busy mornings.
Make-Ahead Convenience
One of the standout features of this dish is how well it lends itself to advance preparation. The bread needs time to soak in the egg mixture, which makes overnight refrigeration ideal. This not only improves the texture but allows you to work ahead, freeing up time in the morning.
If you’re in a rush, letting the mixture sit for just 10–15 minutes before baking can still yield great results. But for best texture and flavor, the overnight method ensures each cube of bread absorbs the custard fully, creating a light and fluffy consistency with golden brown edges.
How to Customize It to Your Taste
There are endless ways to make this recipe your own. Don’t eat pork? Use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even ground beef. Want to sneak in some veggies? Add sautéed spinach, kale, mushrooms, zucchini, tomatoes, or bell peppers. Craving extra richness? Swap in cream for some of the milk or use different cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack.
Gluten-free versions are simple too. Just use cubed gluten-free bread—preferably a heartier loaf to avoid sogginess. Vegetarian versions can be just as delicious, focusing on vegetables, cheeses, and meat substitutes like plant-based crumbles or seasoned tofu.
The versatility of this casserole means it can cater to dietary needs, picky eaters, or whatever ingredients you already have on hand. It’s the ultimate fridge-cleaning, zero-waste breakfast solution.
Tips for Success
While the recipe is forgiving, a few pro tips can help guarantee the best results. Use day-old or slightly dried bread, as fresh bread can become too soft and soggy. If you’re working with fresh bread, you can dry it in the oven for about 10 minutes at 200°F to improve texture.
Make sure to grease your baking dish generously, especially if using cheese, which tends to stick. And don’t skip the cooling time after baking—letting it rest for 10 minutes helps the casserole firm up for easier slicing.
Finally, if you’re adding lots of extra ingredients, like additional vegetables or meats, keep in mind that this can increase the baking time. Always test doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center—if it comes out clean, your casserole is ready.
Storing and Reheating
Another advantage of this casserole is how well it stores. Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5–6 days and reheated in the microwave or oven. It’s a great solution for meal-prepping, busy school mornings, or feeding a hungry crowd without fuss.
You can also freeze individual portions or the whole casserole. For freezing, bake it first, then let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly and storing it in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through (about 20–30 minutes for slices, longer for whole casseroles).
What to Serve with It
While this casserole is a complete meal on its own, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Fresh fruit balances the richness and adds brightness to the plate. Try berries, melon, or citrus. Pastries or muffins add a sweet note to your spread, while coffee and juice round out the meal perfectly.
For larger gatherings, consider adding a green salad or roasted potatoes, especially if you’re turning brunch into a full-blown celebration. Yogurt parfaits, breakfast smoothies, or even mimosas make lovely accompaniments as well.
A Family Favorite for Generations
There’s something about this dish that feels nostalgic. It’s the kind of meal that appears at special family occasions and brings back memories of holidays, laughter, and lazy weekends. Every family has their own version, their own twist, and their own traditions around this recipe. That’s what makes it so enduring and beloved.
Kids love the cheesy, eggy goodness. Adults appreciate the ease and heartiness. And everyone looks forward to the aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes to perfection.
Conclusion
The Sausage Breakfast Casserole is more than just a recipe—it’s a tradition, a time-saver, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients, effortless prep, and countless ways to customize it, this dish has earned its place in breakfast history. Whether it’s your first time making it or it’s been passed down in your family for generations, this casserole promises to satisfy and simplify.
From weekday meal-preppers to holiday hosts, this dish delivers comfort and convenience every time. Keep it classic or make it your own—either way, it’s sure to become a staple on your breakfast or brunch menu.
