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There is nothing quite like waking up to the aroma of a Southern-style savory breakfast bake wafting through the house. This Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory pork, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese into a single dish. It is a crowd-pleasing holiday morning dish that originated from the need to feed large families quickly without spending hours by the stove. Whether you are hosting Christmas brunch or simply need a hearty meal for a lazy Sunday, this recipe delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and convenience. It is the perfect make-ahead brunch bake, allowing you to assemble everything the night before and simply pop it in the oven when you wake up. This high-protein breakfast casserole keeps you full until lunch and can easily be adapted for dietary needs. If you are looking for a gluten-free sausage egg casserole, simple swaps make it accessible for everyone. It is a stress-free, one-pan sausage egg casserole that simplifies your morning routine while maximizing flavor.
Recipe Key Information
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Resting Time | 8 hours (Optional) |
| Servings | 8-10 people |
| Cost | Affordable |
Ingredients
To recreate this breakfast casserole with sausage, you will need the following ingredients. We focus on fresh, accessible items found in any US grocery store.
- 1 lb (450g) Breakfast sausage (ground pork, bulk style)
- 6-8 slices White bread, cubed (day-old bread works best) OR 1 can of refrigerated biscuits for an overnight egg and biscuit casserole style
- 2 cups (200g) Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 large Eggs
- 2 ½ cups (600ml) Whole milk
- 1 tsp Dry mustard powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Black pepper
- ½ tsp Garlic powder
- Optional: 1/2 cup diced bell peppers or onions for added crunch
Equipment Required
Having the right tools ensures this Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole comes out perfectly cooked and easy to serve.
- 9×13 inch Baking Dish: Essential for even cooking.
- Large Skillet: For browning the sausage.
- Large Mixing Bowl: To whisk the egg mixture.
- Whisk: To ensure the custard base is smooth.
- Serrated Knife: For cutting the bread or biscuits.
Preparation Steps
Follow these detailed instructions to master this make-ahead brunch bake.
- Prepare the Meat: Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breakfast sausage and cook until browned and crumbled, ensuring no pink remains. Drain the excess grease thoroughly to prevent the casserole from becoming oily. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Base: Grease your 9×13 baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Spread the cubed bread (or cut biscuits) evenly across the bottom of the dish. If you prefer a potato base, you can substitute the bread with thawed frozen hash browns for a cheesy hash brown egg bake.
- Layer the Ingredients: Scatter the cooked, drained sausage over the bread layer. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the meat. This layering ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
- Create the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Beat until the mixture is uniform and slightly frothy.
- Combine: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure all the bread absorbs the liquid.
- Rest (Optional but Recommended): Cover the dish with foil. For the best results, refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. This step allows the bread to soak up the custard, resulting in a fluffy, soufflé-like texture.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and take off the foil. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.
Chef’s Tips and Variations
Here are some expert tricks to ensure your Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole is a success every time, along with variations to suit your needs.
- Make it Gluten-Free: To create a gluten-free sausage egg casserole, simply swap the standard bread for your favorite dense gluten-free loaf or use cubed potatoes.
- The Vegetable Twist: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peppers to the sausage mixture for extra nutrients. If you enjoy veggie-heavy dishes, you might also like our Crack Green Beans Recipe as a side.
- Spice it Up: Use hot Italian sausage or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture for a kick.
- Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers from a holiday dinner, you can substitute the sausage. For example, chopped turkey from our Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast works beautifully.
- Storage: This is a freezer-friendly breakfast casserole. You can bake it, let it cool completely, and freeze individual squares for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for a quick breakfast.
Serving Suggestions
Wondering what to pair with this rich dish?
- Beverages: A warm cup of coffee is standard, but for a festive touch, try our Sweet Potato Vegan Eggnog.
- Sweet Treats: Balance the savory flavors with a light dessert like the No Bake Greek Yogurt Jello Cheesecake or the fun Chocolate Pinecone Hack Dessert.
- Appetizers: If serving this as part of a larger brunch spread, Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels and Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms make excellent companions.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate per serving and can vary based on the specific brands of sausage and cheese used.
FAQ
Can I make this a cheesy hash brown egg bake instead of using bread?
Absolutely. Replace the bread cubes with a 30oz bag of frozen shredded hash browns (thawed and squeezed dry). This variation is delicious and naturally gluten-free if you check the potato packaging.
Is this a freezer-friendly breakfast casserole?
Yes. You can freeze the unbaked casserole (without eggs) or, preferably, bake it fully, let it cool, and freeze portions wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
How do I make an overnight egg and biscuit casserole version?
Instead of bread slices, use a tube of refrigerated biscuit dough. Cut each biscuit into quarters and use them as the base. The result is a fluffier, more buttery texture similar to dumplings.
Can I use turkey sausage for a healthier option?
Yes, turkey sausage is a great lower-fat alternative. If you are looking for other high-protein meal ideas, check out our Grilled Steak Bowl with Creamy Sauce.
What if I don’t have time to let it sit overnight?
While overnight is best for texture, you can bake it immediately after assembly. Just ensure you press the bread down well into the egg mixture so it absorbs as much liquid as possible before hitting the oven.
Conclusion
This Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole is more than just a recipe; it is a time-saver that brings the family together. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it is truly the best easy sausage and egg casserole recipe for busy mornings and festive holidays alike.
Please leave a comment below if you have tried the recipe or if you have any questions! We love seeing your recreations. Don’t forget to share this pin on Pinterest and explore our other savory treats like the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls for more inspiration.
Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious ideas: https://pinterest.com/HanaEats2/
PrintEasy Sausage and Egg Casserole
A savory Southern-style breakfast bake combining fluffy eggs, savory sausage, and melted cheese. Perfect for holiday mornings.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 65
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 lb Breakfast sausage (ground pork)
6–8 slices White bread, cubed
2 cups Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
8 large Eggs
2 ½ cups Whole milk
1 tsp Dry mustard powder
1 tsp Salt
½ tsp Black pepper
½ tsp Garlic powder
Optional: 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
Instructions
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook sausage until browned; drain excess grease.
2. Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Spread cubed bread evenly across the bottom.
3. Scatter cooked sausage over bread, then sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
5. Pour egg mixture over the casserole. Press down gently to soak bread.
6. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight (optional).
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove cover and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
8. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Make it Gluten-Free: Use GF bread or hash browns.
Storage: Freeze baked squares for up to 3 months.
Variations: Add spinach or mushrooms for a vegetable twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Protein: 22
Keywords: Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole, breakfast casserole with sausage, make-ahead brunch bake
