Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe

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Sausage and Egg Casserole is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast that’s hearty, cheesy, and perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s a comforting combination of fluffy eggs, savory sausage, melty cheese, and tender bread, all baked together into a golden, satisfying dish.

This casserole is incredibly versatile—it’s perfect for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or meal prepping breakfast for the week. The sausage provides bold, savory flavor, the eggs give it a light, custardy texture, and the cheese brings the creamy, melty goodness that ties it all together.

Whether you’re hosting a big family brunch, prepping a no-stress holiday breakfast, or simply craving something warm and satisfying, Sausage and Egg Casserole is a classic you’ll come back to over and over again.

Why You’ll Love Sausage and Egg Casserole

This dish is hearty, simple, and endlessly versatile.

  • Perfect for making ahead—ideal for holidays or busy mornings.
  • Feeds a crowd with minimal effort.
  • Full of comforting, savory flavors from sausage, cheese, and eggs.
  • Easily customizable with different meats, cheeses, or vegetables.
  • Can be prepped the night before and baked in the morning.

It’s the kind of easy, reliable breakfast that everyone loves.

Choosing the Best Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

Using fresh, quality ingredients makes this casserole shine.

Sausage

  • Ground breakfast sausage
    Adds a savory, slightly spicy flavor.
  • Pork sausage or turkey sausage
    Both work well depending on your preference.
  • Pre-cooked sausage links, chopped
    Can be used in a pinch.

Eggs

  • Large, fresh eggs
    They create a light, custardy texture.

Cheese

  • Sharp cheddar cheese
    Melts beautifully and gives a rich, tangy flavor.
  • Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper Jack
    Can be added for extra creaminess or spice.

Bread

  • Day-old French bread or sourdough
    Holds up well and absorbs the egg mixture without becoming mushy.
  • White sandwich bread
    Works if you don’t have a crustier loaf.

Milk and Cream

  • Whole milk or half-and-half
    Makes the egg base rich and creamy.

Seasonings

  • Salt and pepper
    Essential for bringing out the flavors.
  • Garlic powder, mustard powder, or Italian seasoning
    Optional but adds depth.

Recommended Equipment for This Recipe

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
    Perfect size for a hearty casserole.
  • Large skillet
    For browning sausage.
  • Mixing bowls
    For assembling the egg mixture.
  • Whisk
    To ensure smooth, well-combined eggs.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

1. Casserole too soggy

  • Use crusty bread that can absorb the custard without breaking down.
  • Let the casserole sit at least 30 minutes (or overnight) before baking to allow the bread to soak properly.

2. Casserole too dry

  • Use enough milk or cream in the egg mixture.
  • Cover loosely with foil if the top is browning too quickly.

3. Uneven cooking

  • Spread sausage and cheese evenly throughout the casserole.
  • Let the dish rest after baking to help the custard fully set.

4. Over-seasoning

  • Sausage can be salty—taste the cooked sausage before seasoning the egg mixture.

Flavor Enhancements and Creative Variations

  • Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach
    For a veggie-packed version.
  • Use spicy Italian sausage or chorizo
    For a kick of heat.
  • Top with crumbled bacon or crispy hash browns
    For extra texture.
  • Add herbs like parsley, thyme, or green onions
    For a fresh finish.
  • Use Swiss or Gruyère cheese
    For a richer, nutty flavor.

Smart Preparation Strategies

  • Assemble the night before
    Perfect for stress-free mornings.
  • Double the recipe
    Easily scaled for larger gatherings.
  • Portion leftovers into meal prep containers
    Makes for easy grab-and-go breakfasts.

Substitution Guide for Dietary Needs

  • Gluten-free:
    Use gluten-free bread.
  • Dairy-free:
    Substitute with plant-based milk and cheese.
  • Low-carb:
    Omit bread and add sautéed vegetables for a crustless version.
  • Vegetarian:
    Use plant-based sausage or substitute with extra vegetables.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

  • 1 pound ground breakfast sausage
  • 8 cups cubed day-old French bread (about 1 loaf)
  • 10 large eggs
  • 2 ½ cups whole milk or half-and-half
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder or mustard powder

Optional Add-Ins

  • ½ cup sautéed bell peppers or onions
  • ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or green onions

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread Base

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread cubed bread evenly across the bottom.

Sprinkle cooked sausage evenly over the bread.

Add optional sautéed vegetables or bacon if using.

Step 3: Make the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings.

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and sausage in the baking dish.

Top with shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 4: Rest

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best texture).

Step 5: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden.

If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 10-15 minutes.

Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with fresh fruit, a green salad, or roasted potatoes.
  • Pair with coffee, orange juice, or a breakfast mimosa.
  • Add a drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
  • Serve alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage links for a full brunch spread.

Troubleshooting

  • Casserole soggy in the center:
    Let it rest before slicing to allow the custard to finish setting.
  • Top browning too quickly:
    Tent loosely with foil during baking.
  • Uneven texture:
    Make sure the sausage and bread are evenly distributed and that the egg mixture is poured carefully to saturate all areas.
  • Eggs overcooked:
    Check doneness at 45 minutes. The center should be just set but still tender.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigeration:
    Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing:
    Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating:
    Warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. Add a splash of milk if needed to refresh texture.

Variations: Sausage and Egg Casserole vs. Strata vs. Crustless Quiche

  • Sausage and Egg Casserole:
    Bread-based, hearty, perfect for make-ahead.
  • Strata:
    Similar to a casserole but typically soaked overnight and more custardy.
  • Crustless Quiche:
    No bread, lighter texture, more like a baked omelet.

Sausage and Egg Casserole is a comforting, reliable classic that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy. Whether for busy mornings, weekend brunch, or holiday breakfasts, this casserole is always a crowd-pleaser.

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