Classic Breakfast Sausage And Egg Casserole Recipe

Flavorful Classic Breakfast Sausage And Egg Casserole Recipe

Whipping up a classic breakfast sausage and egg casserole promises comfort and nostalgia in every delightful bite.

Morning meals become extraordinary with this hearty dish that blends savory ingredients seamlessly.

Layers of golden eggs, crispy sausage, and melted cheese create a symphony of flavors guaranteed to wake up sleepy taste buds.

Rich and satisfying, this casserole brings warmth to kitchen tables across the country.

Simple ingredients combine into something magical that feels like a weekend celebration.

Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, you’ll want to invite everyone to enjoy this crowd-pleasing morning feast.

Grab a fork and prepare for a breakfast experience that makes memories deliciously unforgettable.

FAQs

  • How do I prevent the bread from becoming soggy in the casserole?

Use day-old or slightly stale bread, as it absorbs the egg mixture better without turning mushy. Cut the bread into uniform cubes and ensure they are evenly distributed in the baking dish.

  • Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

  • What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Breakfast sausage or mild Italian sausage are ideal. Choose a high-quality, flavorful sausage that isn’t too spicy to complement the other ingredients.

Classic Breakfast Sausage and Egg Casserole Highlights

Kickstart Your Morning: Quick and Satisfying Breakfast Solution

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Prepare everything in one baking dish, minimizing kitchen cleanup and reducing morning stress with a single-pan cooking approach.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with savory sausage, melted cheese, and hearty bread, this casserole delivers rich flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family gatherings or weekend brunches.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like different cheeses, meats, or bread types to match your taste preferences, creating a versatile dish that adapts to your kitchen inventory and dietary needs.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning, providing a stress-free breakfast option for busy households or when hosting overnight guests.

Ingredients for Classic Breakfast Sausage and Egg Casserole

Protein Base:
  • Ground Sausage: A flavorful meat that provides a savory foundation for the breakfast casserole.
  • Eggs: The primary binding ingredient that creates a rich and creamy texture.
Dairy Components:
  • Milk, Heavy Cream: These liquids help create a smooth and custard-like consistency in the egg mixture.
  • Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Cheeses that add a melty, golden topping with delicious flavor.
Bread and Seasoning Group:
  • Bread Cubes: The base that soaks up the egg mixture and provides a hearty structure to the casserole.
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
Optional Garnish:
  • Green Onions: A fresh herb that adds a light, crisp flavor and visual appeal to the finished casserole.
Additional Preparation Ingredients:
  • Butter or Non-Stick Spray, Aluminum Foil: Essential items for preparing and baking the casserole.

How to Make Classic Breakfast Sausage and Egg Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium flame and cook the sausage until it’s completely golden and crispy. Break the meat into small crumbles while cooking.

Once done, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Blend

Whisk together in a spacious mixing bowl:
  • Eggs
  • Whole milk
  • Heavy cream
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and consistent.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole Base

Grab your baking dish and generously coat with non-stick spray. Spread the bread cubes evenly across the bottom, creating a solid foundation.

Scatter the cooked sausage pieces over the bread layer.

Step 4: Pour and Cover

Slowly drizzle the egg mixture across the entire dish, ensuring every bread cube gets soaked.

Sprinkle generously with:
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide into a preheated 350°F oven. Bake for 30 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until the top turns golden and the center sets firmly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes.

Garnish with freshly chopped green onions. Slice and serve while warm, perfect for a weekend family breakfast.

Pro Tips for Breakfast Sausage and Egg Casserole

  • Pat cooked sausage with paper towels to remove extra grease, preventing a soggy casserole texture.
  • Use day-old or slightly stale bread cubes to help absorb egg mixture without becoming mushy during baking.
  • Distribute sausage and cheese evenly across bread to ensure consistent flavor in every bite.
  • Adjust garlic and onion powder quantities to match personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
  • Insert a knife near the center to verify the casserole is fully set without overcooking and drying out the eggs.

Flavor Variations for Classic Breakfast Casserole

  • Vegetarian Protein Powerhouse: Replace sausage with crumbled firm tofu or plant-based sausage, adding extra herbs like thyme and rosemary for depth of flavor.
  • Low-Carb Keto Friendly: Swap bread cubes with cauliflower florets or almond flour-based bread, using full-fat cream and additional cheese to boost nutritional content.
  • Gluten-Free Breakfast Option: Use gluten-free bread or replace bread with sweet potato cubes, ensuring all seasonings are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Mediterranean Style Remix: Incorporate spinach, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes instead of traditional cheddar, adding oregano and basil for a Mediterranean-inspired breakfast casserole.

Pairing Ideas with Breakfast Sausage and Egg Casserole

Pair with robust Guatemalan medium-roast coffee for a rich, smooth morning boost.

Serve alongside fresh orange juice to cut through the casserole’s richness and add bright citrus notes.

Add a light mixed berry compote on the side to introduce sweet-tart contrast against the savory sausage and cheese.

Garnish with crisp arugula salad dressed in light vinaigrette to provide fresh, peppery counterpoint to the heavy casserole.

Storage Guidelines for Classic Breakfast Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the casserole completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Bake at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
  • Cut a portion and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop heating when the casserole is steaming hot throughout.
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Classic Breakfast Sausage And Egg Casserole Recipe

Classic Breakfast Sausage And Egg Casserole Recipe


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4.5 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Hearty Sausage and Egg Casserole brings comfort to morning tables with layers of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese. Morning gatherings become memorable when you share this crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies hungry guests with its rich, wholesome flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 8 large eggs

Dairy:

  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 6 cups (about 250 grams) cubed bread (day-old or slightly toasted)
  • 1/4 cup (15 grams) chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cooking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray, then set the oven temperature to 350F (175C) for preheating.
  2. Transform the sausage into crispy, browned morsels by cooking in a large skillet over medium heat, ensuring complete cooking. Eliminate excess grease by draining thoroughly.
  3. Craft a silky egg mixture by vigorously whisking eggs with milk, heavy cream, and seasonings until perfectly integrated and smooth.
  4. Create a layered foundation in the baking dish by evenly distributing bread cubes as the base, followed by a generous scattering of cooked sausage pieces.
  5. Cascade the egg mixture across the bread and sausage, guaranteeing complete saturation of every bread cube. Generously crown the surface with a harmonious blend of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
  6. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and immerse in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, creating a controlled cooking environment.
  7. Unveil the casserole by removing the foil, then continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the center solidifies and the top transforms into a golden, bubbling landscape.
  8. Allow the casserole a brief 5-minute resting period to stabilize, then slice and serve. Optional: Sprinkle chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant garnish.

Notes

  • Prep Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld beautifully overnight for an even more delicious breakfast.
  • Bread Selection Matters: Use day-old slightly stale bread for better absorption of the egg mixture, creating a more cohesive and satisfying texture.
  • Dietary Flexibility: Swap regular sausage with turkey or plant-based sausage for lighter versions, and use gluten-free bread to accommodate different dietary needs.
  • Spice It Up: Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary, or add diced bell peppers and jalapeños for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 365 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 210 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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