Hearty Breakfast Sausage and Cheese Casserole Recipe

Cozy Morning Bliss: Hearty Breakfast Sausage and Cheese Casserole Recipe

Lazy weekend mornings call for a delicious breakfast sausage and cheese casserole that promises pure comfort.

Packed with savory flavors and warm, cheesy goodness, this dish brings everyone to the table with its irresistible aroma.

Golden-brown edges and a creamy center make this casserole a morning showstopper that transforms simple ingredients into something spectacular.

Layers of fluffy eggs, crisp sausage, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering combination no one can resist.

Fresh herbs sprinkled on top add a bright, aromatic touch that elevates this classic breakfast favorite.

Each forkful delivers a perfect blend of textures and rich, satisfying flavors that will energize you for the day ahead.

Prepare to start your morning on a delicious note with this irresistible morning masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients for Savory Breakfast Sausage and Cheese Casserole

For Meat Base:
  • Breakfast Sausage: Delivers rich, savory flavor and protein punch; choose fresh ground sausage with balanced fat content for best texture.
  • Butter: Adds golden richness and helps create crispy top layer; select unsalted butter for precise seasoning control.
For Binding and Texture:
  • Eggs: Provides structure and creamy consistency; use fresh, room temperature eggs for smooth blending.
  • Milk: Creates silky custard foundation; whole milk ensures maximum richness.
  • Heavy Cream: Boosts luxurious texture and depth; opt for high-quality cream without additives.
  • White Bread: Absorbs egg mixture and creates soft interior; day-old bread works best for ideal absorption.
For Seasoning and Enhancement:
  • Salt: Balances and elevates overall flavor profile; use fine sea salt for even distribution.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity; freshly ground provides most vibrant taste.
  • Garlic Powder: Introduces gentle aromatic warmth; choose pure, high-quality powder without fillers.
  • Onion Powder: Contributes sweet, mild undertone; select fine-ground version for seamless integration.
  • Dried Parsley: Brings subtle herbaceous note and visual appeal; ensure herbs are fresh and fragrant.
  • Shredded Cheese: Delivers creamy, melty element; sharp cheddar offers most robust flavor.
  • Cooking Spray: Ensures easy casserole release and prevents sticking.

Tools for Building a Perfect Breakfast Sausage Casserole

  • Large skillet: Perfect for browning sausage and creating delicious crumbles.
  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for assembling and baking the entire casserole.
  • Whisk: Great for mixing eggs and creating a smooth, creamy egg mixture.
  • Large mixing bowl: Needed for combining eggs, milk, and seasonings.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Cooking spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy dish removal.
  • Sharp knife: Useful for cutting bread into cubes.
  • Cheese grater: Ideal if using block cheese that needs shredding.

How to Bake a Hearty Sausage and Cheese Casserole

  • Warm Up Your Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and give your baking dish a quick spray of cooking love to prevent sticking.

  • Sizzle the Sausage

Toss those sausage crumbles into a skillet and cook them until they’re beautifully browned, making sure to drain any extra grease.

  • Create Magic Egg Mixture

Whisk eggs, milk, cream, and seasonings together in a big bowl until they dance with flavor and become perfectly blended.

  • Build Your Breakfast Layer

Spread bread cubes across the baking dish, then shower them with cooked sausage and a generous sprinkle of cheese.

  • Pour and Soak

Drench the entire creation with your egg mixture, gently pressing down to help bread absorb all those delicious flavors.

  • Crown With Cheese

Dust the top with remaining cheese and drizzle melted butter for an extra touch of deliciousness.

  • Bake to Perfection

Send your casserole into the oven and let it transform for 35-40 minutes until it’s golden and set in the center.

  • Rest and Devour

Allow your masterpiece to cool briefly, then slice and enjoy the mouthwatering breakfast you’ve created.

Flavor Tweaks and Toppings for Morning Casserole Fans

  • Prepare the entire casserole the night before, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Simply pop it in the oven in the morning for a stress-free breakfast that tastes freshly made.
  • Swap traditional pork sausage with turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a leaner protein option that doesn't compromise on flavor.
  • Replace regular bread cubes with gluten-free bread or cauliflower chunks to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers for a delicious meat-free version that's packed with vegetables and nutrients.
  • Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for those who love a little extra kick in their breakfast casserole.

Ways to Serve Breakfast Casserole for a Full Crowd

  • Weekend Family Brunch Centerpiece: Serve this hearty casserole as the star attraction during weekend family gatherings, creating a warm and inviting breakfast experience that brings everyone together.
  • Morning Meal Companion: Pair the casserole with fresh fruit salad, crispy hash browns, or a light mixed green salad to balance the rich and savory flavors of the dish.
  • Garnish and Enhance: Top with chopped fresh chives, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream to add extra texture and a burst of freshness that complements the casserole's robust taste.
  • Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh in the morning for a convenient and stress-free breakfast that saves time and preserves delicious flavors.

Storage Tips for Breakfast Casserole You Can Rely On

  • Slice and portion the casserole into individual servings before refrigerating, making grab-and-go breakfasts super easy throughout the week.
  • Store covered in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention for quick reheating.
  • Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 weeks – perfect for busy mornings or unexpected guests.
  • Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat in a preheated 350F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy on top.
Print
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Hearty Breakfast Sausage and Cheese Casserole Recipe

Hearty Breakfast Sausage and Cheese Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Hearty “savory breakfast sausage and cheese casserole” brings comforting morning magic to kitchen tables across America. Layers of rich flavors and golden-brown edges create a satisfying meal that promises to delight you at first bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 cups cubed bread (French bread, sourdough, or Texas toast)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsps butter, melted
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried parsley (optional)
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray for optimal non-stick performance.
  2. Sausage Cooking: Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into fine crumbles and carefully draining any excess fat to ensure a crisp texture.
  3. Egg Mixture Creation: Whisk eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined and smooth.
  4. Layering Foundation: Distribute bread cubes evenly across the prepared baking dish, then layer with cooked sausage and sprinkle half the shredded cheese for initial flavor development.
  5. Liquid Integration: Gently pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients, softly pressing to help bread absorb the liquid and create a cohesive texture.
  6. Final Cheese Topping: Generously scatter remaining cheese across the surface and drizzle melted butter to enhance richness and promote golden browning.
  7. Baking Process: Place uncovered dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until the casserole turns golden brown and the center sets completely.
  8. Serving Preparation: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, which helps stabilize the structure, then slice and serve while warm for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

  • Choose day-old or slightly stale bread for better absorption of egg mixture, preventing soggy texture and ensuring a more structured casserole.
  • Thoroughly drain sausage after cooking to prevent excess oil pooling, which can make the dish heavy and less appetizing.
  • Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking to allow eggs to set completely and achieve perfect slice-ability without falling apart.
  • Swap regular sausage with turkey or plant-based alternatives, use gluten-free bread, and select low-fat cheese for lighter, diet-friendly versions without compromising flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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