Easy Breakfast Casserole Sausage

This easy breakfast casserole with sausage is my tried-and-true answer for everything from holiday mornings to lazy weekends and even bustling weekdays before school rush. Packed with eggs creamy cheese and savory sausage this hearty bake comes together with pantry staples and can be customized based on what you have on hand. Whether you use cubes of leftover bread or shredded hash browns as the foundation this casserole turns simple ingredients into pure comfort and makes feeding a group nearly effortless.

My family asks for this every time there is a sleepover or a family brunch. I have made it dozens of ways and it never fails to disappear fast sometimes before I can grab seconds.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Large eggs: Bring rich flavor and help bind everything together for a custardy texture fresh eggs make all the difference
• Breakfast sausage or turkey sausage or even chicken sausage: For robust flavor and protein look for a sausage with no added sugar and moderate seasoning
• Bread cubes or hash browns: Use day-old bread for better absorption or frozen shredded hash browns for ease and structure
• Milk: Makes everything creamy and distributes flavor whole milk adds richness but skim or dairy alternatives work too
• Shredded cheese: For gooey melt and depth cheddar or a blend delivers sharpness look for blocks of cheese to shred yourself for the best melt
• Salt and pepper: Simple but crucial to bring out savory notes use kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper if possible
• Optional diced bell peppers or onions: Bring sweetness and texture pick colorful peppers for brightness
• Optional spinach or mushrooms: For loving that veggie punch sauté mushrooms first for best texture
• Optional garlic powder or paprika: For a subtle extra kick smoked paprika is especially good for warmth
• Chopped parsley as garnish: Brings freshness and a pop of color use flat-leaf parsley for best flavor

How to Make It

Cook the Sausage:

Brown your chosen sausage in a skillet over medium heat break it up with a spoon into crumbles cook until no pink remains this step builds the foundation of the casserole's savory depth drain excess fat for a lighter texture

Whisk the Egg Mixture:

In a large mixing bowl combine the eggs with milk salt pepper and any dry seasonings whisk until the yolks and whites are fully combined and the mixture turns pale yellow this ensures even flavor throughout

Prep the Baking Dish:

Lightly grease your baking dish to prevent sticking spread your bread cubes or hash browns in an even layer this creates the supportive base for your casserole

Layer the Ingredients:

Scatter the browned sausage across the bread or potatoes distribute any desired vegetables in a balanced way so every bite includes color and flavor

Add the Egg Mixture:

Pour the beaten eggs and milk evenly over the entire dish gently press down with a spatula so all the bread or potatoes soak up the mixture and nothing is left dry

Top with Cheese:

Sprinkle shredded cheese generously across the top this forms a beautiful bubbly crust as it bakes and keeps the casserole moist

Bake to Perfection:

Move the dish to the center rack of a preheated 350 degree oven bake for thirty five to forty minutes until the center is just set and the edges are deeply golden check by inserting a knife in the middle it should come out clean

Rest and Serve:

Let the casserole sit for five to ten minutes before slicing to allow it to firm up and make serving easy sprinkle with chopped parsley for a hit of freshness serve warm and watch it disappear

My favorite ingredient has to be sharp cheddar because its creamy melt and rich taste turn ordinary eggs into something luxurious. My kids still talk about the time we made a double batch before a snow day and ended up having breakfast casserole for dinner and breakfast again the next day.

Flavor Boosters

Swap the sausage for smoked ham or crumbled bacon if you prefer. For a vegetarian twist skip the meat and double up on veggies like roasted mushrooms and spinach or even sun dried tomatoes. Dairy free cheese or oat milk can stand in for the regular ingredients without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole as the main attraction at brunch with a side of fruit salad and mugs of hot coffee. For a lighter meal pair with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon. It is also delicious with salsa or hot sauce sprinkled over the top at the table.

Creative Twists

Breakfast casseroles like this are classic in American kitchens especially for holidays like Christmas and Easter morning when you want something easy but festive. In the summer try mixing in diced tomatoes and fresh basil for seasonal flair. Come fall roasted squash or sautéed apples add an autumn twist.

Letting the casserole rest after baking helps clean slices come out. Add more or less cheese or veggies to suit your taste and fridge.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I prepare this breakfast casserole in advance?

Yes! Assemble all layers the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning for best results.

→ What is the best bread to use?

Day-old bread absorbs the egg mixture well and adds texture. You can also substitute with shredded hash browns for a different base.

→ Is it possible to freeze leftovers?

Absolutely. Cool, portion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.

→ What other ingredients can I add?

Bell peppers, onions, spinach, mushrooms, herbs, or different cheeses can be layered for extra flavor and nutrition.

→ How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

Bake until the center is set and the top turns golden brown, usually after 35–40 minutes at 350°F (175°C).