Start your morning with something warm, cheesy, and totally comforting: a Sausage and Egg Casserole that bakes up golden on top, tender and custardy inside, with pockets of savory sausage and melty cheddar in every bite. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels special without a lot of fuss—perfect for busy weekdays, slow weekend brunches, or feeding a crowd. This recipe is simple, forgiving, and easy to customize, so whether you want classic comfort or a lighter, plant-forward twist, you’ll find ideas here to make it your new go-to family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Sausage and Egg Casserole

A quick sentence about why this casserole earns a spot in your breakfast rotation.

Quick and Easy: Prep typically takes 15–20 minutes and the oven does the rest—great for busy mornings or last-minute guests.
- Why it matters: Minimal hands-on time means you can focus on coffee, packing lunches, or getting kids ready while it bakes.
Feeds a Crowd: One casserole (about a 9×13-inch dish) serves 6–8 people depending on portion size.
- Why it matters: Ideal for brunches, potlucks, or meal-prep for the week.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the night before and bake in the morning, or bake, cool, and refrigerate for easy reheating.
- Why it matters: Saves time and reduces morning stress—wake up to a nearly finished breakfast.
Customizable and Economical: Swap proteins, cheeses, or veggies to use what’s on hand.
- Why it matters: Keeps costs down and reduces food waste; this basic formula adapts well to diets and preferences.
Comforting and Satisfying: Fluffy eggs, melty cheddar, and savory sausage create a balanced, hearty dish that’s always a hit.
- Why it matters: It satisfies hunger and tastes like home—great for kids and adults alike.

The Necessary Ingredients

A simple list of what you’ll need to make this casserole.

6 eggs
1 cup milk
1 pound breakfast sausage
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup diced bell pepper
1 cup diced onion
Salt and pepper to taste
1 loaf of bread, cubed

Notes and Substitutions on Ingredients:

Eggs: Eggs provide structure and that custardy texture when baked. If you’re low on eggs, you can increase milk slightly and add 1/2 cup of a thickening ingredient like ricotta or cottage cheese to help hold the custard—results will be a bit creamier. For an egg-free alternative, see the variations section for plant-based swaps.
Bread: The bread acts like a sponge to absorb the egg mixture and give body to the casserole. Day-old or slightly stale bread works best because it soaks evenly without turning gummy. Use sandwich bread, French bread, or even cubed croissants for a richer result. For gluten-free needs, replace with your favorite gluten-free loaf.
Breakfast sausage: This is the main savory flavor. Pork sausage is classic, but turkey or chicken sausage lighten the dish. For a vegetarian or vegan option, try a plant-based sausage and dairy-free cheese—there are many good choices available, and you can browse meat-free breakfast sausage options and other vegetable-forward swaps to find the right fit.

How to Prepare the Sausage and Egg Casserole step by step

Follow these steps for a reliable, tasty result.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Why: Preheating ensures the entire baking dish begins cooking immediately and evenly, which helps the eggs set properly and the top brown without drying out.
- Pro Tip: Preheat your oven for at least 15 minutes and place the rack in the center position for even heat distribution.
In a skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Why: Browning the sausage creates flavor through caramelization. Draining excess fat prevents the casserole from becoming greasy while keeping enough sausage juices for flavor.
- Pro Tip: Break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks so it distributes evenly through the casserole. If your sausage is very lean, leave a little fat; if very fatty, drain into a bowl and blot with a paper towel.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
- Why: Whisking the eggs and milk thoroughly creates the custard base that binds the casserole. Milk adds richness and makes the texture tender; seasoning early ensures salt and pepper distribute evenly.
- Pro Tip: Use whole milk for richest flavor; 2% works fine too. Taste a tiny amount of the beaten eggs (if safe for you) and adjust seasoning—remember the cheese and sausage add salt, so go light on added salt at first.
Add cooked sausage, cheese, bell pepper, onion, and bread cubes to the egg mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Why: Combining ingredients lets the bread soak up the egg mixture and ensures even distribution of sausage, veggies, and cheese so every bite has balanced flavor and texture.
- Pro Tip: If you like a slightly denser casserole, press down gently on the bread cubes after stirring to help them absorb more liquid. For a lighter, airier texture, fold gently without compacting.
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Why: Greasing the dish prevents sticking and makes serving easier. Use a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish for the quantities listed—if you use a smaller dish, the casserole will be thicker and may need extra baking time.
- Pro Tip: Grease with butter or nonstick spray, and for easier serving, line the dish with parchment paper leaving an overhang so you can lift out the casserole in neat slices.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden.
- Why: The bake time allows the custard to set and the top to develop a pleasing golden color. “Set” means the center is no longer liquid; a toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean with a little moistness possible.
- Pro Tip: If the top is browning too fast, tent loosely with foil during the last 10–15 minutes. For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—watch carefully to avoid burning.
Let cool slightly before serving.
- Why: Resting for 5–10 minutes lets the custard finish setting and makes it easier to slice and serve without falling apart. It also allows flavors to settle.
- Pro Tip: If serving later, cool completely and refrigerate; reheat gently to preserve texture (see Storage and Reheating Tips).

Serving Suggestions

Ideas to make your casserole a complete meal or a crowd-pleasing centerpiece.

Perfect Pairings:

Drinks: Freshly brewed coffee, a bright mimosa (orange juice and champagne), or a lightly dressed fruit smoothie complement the richness.
Side Dishes: Simple mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette, roasted potatoes or hash browns, and fresh fruit salad balance the savory casserole.
Condiments: Hot sauce, salsa, or a dollop of sour cream can brighten each bite.

Occasions:

Weekend Brunch: Feed a crowd with a full spread—serve the casserole with fruit, muffins, and coffee.
Weeknight Dinner: Pair it with a simple green salad for an easy one-pan family meal.
Meal Prep/Make-Ahead: Bake on Sunday and slice for grab-and-go breakfasts during the week.

Serving Tips:

Portioning: Let the casserole rest 10 minutes, then cut into squares. A 9×13 pan typically yields 8 generous portions.
Garnish: Add chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or green onion) before serving for color and freshness.
Lighten Up: Serve smaller portions with a big side salad for a lighter meal.

Also consider adding seasonal roasted vegetables on the side—browse ideas and plant-based sides at vegetable-forward recipe inspiration to pair with this savory dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Keep leftovers tasty and safe with these storage guidelines.

Refrigerated:

Duration: Store in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil for up to 3–4 days.
Container: Use shallow airtight containers for faster, safer cooling.

Freezer:

Is it freezable? Yes. Cool completely, then cut into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in freezer-safe containers.
Duration: Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Defrosting: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating:

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place portions in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to retain moisture, and heat for 15–20 minutes (longer if thawing from frozen). Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
Microwave: Reheat individual portions on medium power for 60–90 seconds, checking and stirring or rotating if necessary. Microwave heats unevenly, so cover and let sit 1 minute before checking.
Stovetop: Rewarm in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of milk to keep it moist; cover until heated through.

Guaranteed Success Tips

Follow these golden rules to avoid common mistakes and ensure a reliably delicious casserole.

Don’t over-salt early: Sausage and cheddar add plenty of salt. Season the egg mixture lightly and adjust after mixing if needed.
Use day-old or slightly stale bread: Fresh bread can become gummy; slightly stale bread absorbs custard more evenly for better texture.
Brown the sausage well: Proper browning adds depth of flavor—don’t rush this step.
don’t overbake: Remove the casserole when the center is set but still slightly jiggly; it will finish setting as it cools.
Let it rest: Cutting too soon leads to a messy dish—5–10 minutes of rest helps slices hold together.

Recipe Variations

Try these twists to change the flavor profile while keeping the same simple method.

Spicy Breakfast Casserole:
- Add 1–2 finely chopped jalapeños (seeds removed for milder heat) and swap half the cheddar for pepper jack cheese. You can also stir in 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or 1/4–1/2 teaspoon cayenne for more heat.
Vegetable-Forward (Lower Meat) Version:
- Reduce sausage to 1/2 pound and add 1–2 cups of sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. This boosts veggies without losing savory depth.
Vegetarian / Vegan-Friendly:
- Replace the sausage with your fav plant-based sausage crumbles and use a chickpea flour “egg” mixture (1 1/2 cups chickpea flour whisked with 1 1/2 cups water and 1/4 teaspoon baking powder) or a commercial egg replacer plus unsweetened plant milk. Swap cheddar for a vegan shredded cheese. For ideas on plant-based swaps and ingredient inspiration, check a selection of veggie-forward recipes and alternatives.
Cheesy Herb Casserole:
- Add 1 teaspoon dried thyme and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan with the cheddar. Finish with fresh chopped chives on top before serving.
Breakfast Sandwich Casserole:
- Use croissants or brioche instead of plain bread and add a layer of sliced ham or Canadian bacon for a richer, brunch-style bake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

My casserole is watery in the middle — what went wrong?
- Likely causes: underbaking or too much liquid relative to bread. Make sure you use day-old bread (it soaks better), bake until the center is set (toothpick should come out mostly clean), and avoid adding excess milk. If using high-moisture vegetables (like fresh tomatoes or zucchini), sauté them first to remove excess water.
Can I assemble the casserole the night before and bake in the morning?
- Yes. Assemble and cover tightly in the fridge overnight. Bake from cold; it may need an extra 5–10 minutes in the oven. This is great for stress-free morning preparation.
What size baking dish should I use?
- A 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) pan works well with the ingredient amounts listed. If you use a smaller pan, the casserole will be thicker and will require longer baking time; use a larger pan for a thinner casserole and slightly shorter bake time.
Can I make this gluten-free?
- Absolutely. Use your favorite gluten-free bread and confirm all other ingredients (like sausage and seasonings) are labeled gluten-free. Texture may vary slightly depending on the bread.
How do I keep the casserole from getting greasy?
- Drain excess fat after cooking the sausage. Use leaner sausage options if desired, or blot cooked sausage with paper towels to remove extra oil. Also, avoid adding too much cheese—2 cups is enough for flavor without excess grease.
Can I swap the cheddar for another cheese?
- Yes. Cheddar gives classic flavor, but Swiss, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a blend will work. Strong-flavored cheeses (like sharp cheddar) pair well with sausage; milder cheeses keep it subtle. For dairy-free needs, use a firm-textured plant-based cheese and expect a slightly different melt.
How do I reheat it without drying it out?
- Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry. For microwaving, cover and reheat on medium power in short intervals to avoid overcooking; let sit a minute after microwaving to allow residual heat to distribute.

Enjoy this easy, satisfying Sausage and Egg Casserole for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy weeknight meal. With a few smart swaps you can tailor it to your family’s tastes and dietary needs—turn it into a meal that works for you, whether classic or creative.

Sausage and Egg Casserole

Start your morning with a warm and cheesy Sausage and Egg Casserole that bakes up golden on top, tender and custardy inside, perfect for busy weekdays or feeding a crowd.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 35

Total Time 55

Course Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine American

Servings servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

6 large eggs Provide structure and custardy texture.
1 cup milk Whole milk recommended for richness.
1 pound breakfast sausage Pork sausage is classic, but turkey or chicken can be used.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Classic choice, can substitute with other cheeses.
1 cup diced bell pepper Add flavor and color.
1 cup diced onion Adds depth of flavor.
1 loaf bread, cubed Use day-old bread for best absorption.
to taste salt and pepper Season according to preference.

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
Add cooked sausage, cheese, bell pepper, onion, and bread cubes to the egg mixture. Stir until well combined.
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden.
Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Assemble the casserole night before for easy baking in the morning. Customize by switching meats or adding veggies.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

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