Short Description:
If you’re looking for the perfect make-ahead breakfast that’s both hearty and delicious, this Breakfast Casserole is your answer. Loaded with eggs, sausage, cheese, and a touch of spice, it’s the kind of dish that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for holiday mornings or lazy weekends, it’s simple, comforting, and full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate breakfast-to-brunch comfort food. Not only is it packed with all the ingredients we love—eggs, sausage, cheese, and savory spices—but it’s also so easy to prepare ahead of time. Simply assemble it the night before, refrigerate it overnight, and bake it in the morning. It’s a great dish to feed a crowd, or if you’re just looking for a quick, satisfying start to your day. The best part? It’s customizable! You can add your favorite veggies or swap the sausage for bacon. It’s one of those recipes you’ll make again and again.
Ingredients:
For this hearty casserole, you’ll need a handful of basic ingredients:
- Breakfast sausage (or bacon, if you prefer)
- Eggs
- Milk
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Bread (cubed)
- Salt and pepper
- Ground mustard
- Onion powder
(Full list and exact measurements can be found below.)
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Once it’s done, drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside to cool a bit.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
While the sausage is cooking, cube your bread into small pieces. If you have some older bread lying around, that’s actually perfect for this casserole—stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better. Once the bread is cubed, spread it out evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 3: Mix the Egg Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, onion powder, and ground mustard. This will be the creamy base of your casserole. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cubed bread, making sure every piece is soaked. You’ll want to press down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
Step 4: Add the Sausage and Cheese
Evenly distribute the cooked sausage over the bread and egg mixture. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. The cheese will melt beautifully into the eggs and sausage as it bakes, creating that perfect cheesy, savory top layer we all love.
Step 5: Chill and Bake
If you have time, cover the casserole and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the bread to soak up all the egg mixture, making the casserole even more flavorful. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole, uncovered, for 45–50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. You can check if it’s done by inserting a knife in the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. It’s delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, try using spicy sausage or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture.
- Make-ahead magic: As mentioned, this casserole is perfect for prepping ahead of time. Prepare it the night before and let it chill in the fridge overnight, so all you have to do in the morning is pop it in the oven.
- Bread options: You can use a variety of bread—everything from regular white or whole wheat bread to sourdough or even croissants. Just make sure the bread is cut into cubes for better absorption.
- Add veggies: Feel free to sneak in some vegetables! Diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms would be great additions to add flavor and color to the dish.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Meat substitutions: Swap the breakfast sausage for cooked bacon or ham, or make it vegetarian by using veggie sausage or skipping the meat altogether.
- Dairy-free version: You can substitute the milk with almond milk or another dairy-free option. You could also use a dairy-free cheese if needed.
- Add some heat: If you love a spicy kick, add a chopped jalapeño to the egg mixture or sprinkle some hot sauce over the top after baking.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Breakfast Casserole is rich and hearty on its own, but here are a few ways you can serve it for the perfect meal:
- Fresh fruit: A bowl of mixed berries, sliced oranges, or pineapple pairs wonderfully with the richness of the casserole.
- Breakfast potatoes: Serve with crispy hashbrowns or roasted breakfast potatoes for a complete brunch spread.
- Coffee or mimosa: For a more celebratory brunch, pair the casserole with a cup of coffee or a refreshing mimosa.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes really well! Once it’s cooled, cover it tightly and freeze it for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or microwave individual servings until hot. If you froze it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
4 FAQs
- Can I make this casserole without meat?
Yes! Just leave out the sausage or bacon, or use a veggie-based sausage. You can even add more veggies like bell peppers or spinach for a delicious vegetarian version. - Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses if you prefer. Just be sure it melts well! - Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Try adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or even diced tomatoes for a more colorful and flavorful casserole. - Can I make this casserole the night before?
Yes, this casserole is perfect for make-ahead preparation. Simply assemble it the night before, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Then, bake it in the morning for a no-fuss breakfast.
Conclusion
This Breakfast Casserole is one of those recipes you’ll come back to time and time again. It’s easy to prepare, feeds a crowd, and can be made ahead of time, which is always a win in my book. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday brunch, weekend breakfast, or just a family get-together, this casserole is sure to be a hit. With its savory sausage, gooey cheese, and eggy goodness, it’s the perfect comfort food to start your day off right.
Recipe Tin Project: Breakfast Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (If preparing ahead, include overnight refrigeration)
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty and delicious Breakfast Casserole, filled with eggs, sausage, cheese, and spices, is the perfect make-ahead dish. It’s simple to prepare and great for busy mornings, holiday breakfasts, or brunch gatherings. Make it the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and enjoy a comforting, flavorful start to the day.
Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (or bacon, if preferred)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 cups cubed bread (preferably stale or day-old)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp ground mustard
- 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small crumbles. Drain excess fat and set the sausage aside.
- Prepare the Bread: Cube the bread into small pieces. Spread evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, onion powder, and ground mustard. Pour the mixture evenly over the cubed bread and press down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
- Add Sausage and Cheese: Evenly distribute the cooked sausage over the bread. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Chill and Bake: Cover and refrigerate overnight (optional). Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy it with a side of fruit or sour cream if desired.
Notes
- Make it spicy: Use spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for an extra kick.
- Bread options: Sourdough, whole wheat, or even croissants work great in this casserole.
- Make-ahead magic: Prepare the casserole the night before for an easy, stress-free morning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 230mg