Looking for a hearty breakfast that the whole family will love? This Sausage Breakfast Casserole is the answer! It’s the perfect combination of savory sausage, rich cheddar cheese, fluffy eggs, and tender bread, all baked together into a mouthwatering dish.
Whether you’re preparing it for a weekend brunch, a holiday morning, or just a satisfying breakfast during the week, this casserole will become your go-to recipe. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, and you can even make it the night before for an easy, stress-free morning.
The beauty of this dish is in its versatility. You can swap ingredients to suit your taste preferences, such as using turkey sausage or adding different types of cheese.
This make-ahead recipe is perfect for busy mornings or when you’re hosting guests. Let’s dive into the details so you can make this delicious casserole yourself!
Ingredients List and Required Kitchen Tools
To get started with this mouthwatering Sausage Breakfast Casserole, here’s a complete list of what you’ll need:
Ingredients
- 1 lb. bulk pork sausage – The star of the dish, providing rich, savory flavor.
- ½ cup diced onion – Adds a slight sweetness and savory depth to the casserole.
- 12 large slices white sandwich bread (crust trimmed and cubed) – The bread provides a soft base that soaks up all the flavors, creating a tender texture.
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese (grated, about 2 cups) – Sharp cheddar cheese gives the casserole a creamy, melty texture.
- 10 eggs – These help bind all the ingredients together and provide a fluffy texture.
- 3 cups whole milk – Adds creaminess and helps to create a custard-like base for the casserole.
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard – A secret ingredient that enhances the flavor with a little tang.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt – To season the dish perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper – Adds a little kick and balances the flavors.
Required Kitchen Tools
Having the right tools can make the preparation process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s a list of the essential kitchen tools you’ll need:
- Large Skillet – To brown the sausage and onions. This ensures even cooking and prevents them from sticking to the pan.
- 13 x 9-Inch Baking Dish – A deep dish that holds all the ingredients together as they bake.
- Large Bowl – For whisking together the egg and milk mixture.
- Whisk – To combine the eggs, milk, mustard, salt, and pepper into a smooth custard.
- Foil – For covering the casserole while it refrigerates and bakes.
With these ingredients and tools ready, you’re all set to start putting together this comforting dish. Now, let’s move on to the preparation!
Preparation of Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Now that you have all your ingredients and tools in place, it’s time to prepare your Sausage Breakfast Casserole. This part of the process is easy and straightforward. Here’s how to make it step by step:
1. Cook the Sausage and Onions
Start by browning the sausage and diced onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally, breaking up the sausage as it cooks, until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are tender, which should take about 7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the sausage mixture.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking. Then, arrange the bread cubes in an even layer at the bottom of the dish. Spread the sausage and onion mixture evenly on top of the bread cubes, followed by a generous sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese.
3. Make the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, kosher salt, and pepper. Make sure the mixture is fully combined and smooth, so the eggs soak into the bread evenly when poured over the casserole.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Pour the egg mixture over the layered bread, sausage, and cheese. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to ensure that all the bread cubes are soaked with the egg mixture. Cover the casserole tightly with foil and refrigerate it for 8 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the bread time to soak up the egg mixture for a fluffier texture.
Baking, Serving, and Storage Tips
Once the casserole has had time to chill and soak up the flavors, it’s time to bake it to golden perfection. Here’s how to finish the dish and enjoy it:
1. Bake the Casserole
In the morning (or when you’re ready to bake), remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit on the counter for 30-60 minutes to come to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Remove the foil from the casserole and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 60-80 minutes, or until the eggs are set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. If the casserole starts to brown too quickly on top, loosely cover it with foil halfway through the baking process. The casserole will puff up as it bakes, but don’t worry—it will deflate a bit once it cools down.
2. Let the Casserole Cool
Once the casserole is done baking, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing it into squares. This gives it time to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve.
3. Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole warm and enjoy it as-is, or top it with a dollop of sour cream, hot sauce, or fresh herbs like chives for extra flavor. This Sausage Breakfast Casserole pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad.
4. Storage Instructions
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual slices for about 1 minute or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes until heated through.
5. Freezing Tips
Want to make this dish ahead of time for an even quicker breakfast? You can freeze the casserole! After baking and cooling completely, wrap it well in foil and store it in a freezer-safe pan for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, defrost it overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes until warmed through.
Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- 13 x 9-Inch Baking Dish
- Large Bowl
- Whisk
- Foil
Ingredients
- 1 lb . bulk pork sausage – The star of the dish, providing rich, savory flavor.
- ½ cup diced onion – Adds a slight sweetness and savory depth to the casserole.
- 12 large slices white sandwich bread (crust trimmed and cubed) – The bread provides a soft base that soaks up all the flavors, creating a tender texture.
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese (grated, about 2 cups) – Sharp cheddar cheese gives the casserole a creamy, melty texture.
- 10 eggs – These help bind all the ingredients together and provide a fluffy texture.
- 3 cups whole milk – Adds creaminess and helps to create a custard-like base for the casserole.
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard – A secret ingredient that enhances the flavor with a little tang.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt – To season the dish perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper – Adds a little kick and balances the flavors.
Instructions
- Start by browning the sausage and diced onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally, breaking up the sausage as it cooks, until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are tender, which should take about 7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the sausage mixture.
- Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking. Then, arrange the bread cubes in an even layer at the bottom of the dish. Spread the sausage and onion mixture evenly on top of the bread cubes, followed by a generous sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, kosher salt, and pepper. Make sure the mixture is fully combined and smooth, so the eggs soak into the bread evenly when poured over the casserole.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layered bread, sausage, and cheese. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to ensure that all the bread cubes are soaked with the egg mixture. Cover the casserole tightly with foil and refrigerate it for 8 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the bread time to soak up the egg mixture for a fluffier texture.
Conclusion
This Sausage Breakfast Casserole is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. With its savory sausage, melty cheese, and creamy eggs, it’s sure to be a hit at breakfast or brunch. Plus, the ability to make it ahead of time makes it ideal for busy mornings. By following these simple steps, you’ll have a delicious, satisfying dish ready to serve in no time. So, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for an easy meal to enjoy over a few days, this casserole has got you covered.
