Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Craving a hearty and comforting breakfast? This Sausage Breakfast Casserole is the perfect make-ahead dish for busy mornings, holiday brunches, or weekend gatherings.

With savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese baked into a soft bread base, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to prepare the night before, making mornings stress-free and delicious!

Ingredients List

A well-balanced Sausage Breakfast Casserole requires a few key ingredients to achieve its rich flavor and satisfying texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

Casserole Ingredients

• 1 lb. bulk pork sausage – Adds a savory, seasoned flavor.
• ½ cup diced onion – Brings a subtle sweetness and aroma.
• 12 large slices white sandwich bread – Trimmed of crust and cubed to create a soft base.
• 8 ounces cheddar cheese (about 2 cups, grated) – Provides a rich, melty layer.
• 10 eggs – The foundation of the casserole, ensuring a fluffy texture.
• 3 cups whole milk – Keeps the casserole moist and creamy.
• ½ teaspoon dry mustard – Enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Balances the seasonings.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a touch of warmth and spice.

Required Kitchen Tools

Having the right tools makes preparation smooth and efficient. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Large Skillet – To brown the sausage and onion evenly.
2. Mixing Bowls – For whisking the eggs and milk mixture.
3. 13 x 9-inch Baking Dish – The perfect size for baking a deep, hearty casserole.
4. Whisk – Helps to combine the eggs, milk, and seasonings effortlessly.
5. Foil – Essential for covering the casserole while refrigerating overnight.

Preparing the Casserole

A well-prepared casserole starts with layering the ingredients properly to ensure even distribution of flavors. Follow these steps to assemble your Sausage Breakfast Casserole with ease:

Step 1: Cooking the Sausage and Onion

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the bulk pork sausage and diced onion, breaking up the sausage into crumbles as it cooks.
• Stir frequently until the sausage is browned and no longer pink (about 7 minutes).
• Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease and set the sausage mixture aside.

Step 2: Assembling the Casserole

• Lightly grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
• Evenly spread the cubed bread in the bottom of the dish.
• Layer the cooked sausage mixture on top of the bread cubes, distributing it evenly.
• Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the sausage layer to ensure cheesy goodness in every bite.

Step 3: Preparing the Egg Mixture

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
• Slowly pour the egg mixture over the casserole, ensuring it soaks evenly into the bread and layers below.
• Gently press down with a spatula if needed to help the bread absorb the liquid.

Chilling and Baking the Casserole

This casserole is made even better when allowed to sit overnight, allowing the flavors to meld. Here’s how to prepare it for baking and ensure a perfectly cooked casserole:

Step 4: Refrigerating the Casserole

• Cover the casserole tightly with foil to keep it fresh while it chills.
• Refrigerate the dish for 8 hours or overnight. This step helps the bread absorb the egg mixture and makes the casserole more flavorful.

Step 5: Preparing to Bake

• On the morning of serving, remove the casserole from the fridge and allow it to rest on the counter for 30-60 minutes to come to room temperature.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the casserole sits.

Step 6: Baking the Casserole

• Once the casserole has rested, remove the foil and place the dish in the preheated oven.
• Bake for 60-80 minutes, or until the eggs are set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
• To prevent the top from getting too dark, loosely cover the casserole with foil halfway through the baking process. The casserole will puff up while baking but will deflate as it cools — this is normal!

Serving and Storing the Casserole

Once baked, this hearty casserole is ready to be served and enjoyed by your family and friends. Here are some tips for serving and storing the leftovers:

Step 7: Serving the Casserole

• After baking, let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before slicing it into squares. This helps it set and makes for easier serving.
• Serve the casserole warm as the star of a cozy breakfast or brunch. It pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, crispy bacon, or a side of hashbrowns.

Suggested Toppings and Variations

To elevate the flavor of your Sausage Breakfast Casserole, try adding one of these simple toppings or variations:

• Fresh herbs, like chives or parsley, sprinkled on top for a pop of color and freshness.
• A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for added richness or spice.
• You can also substitute the cheddar cheese with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a combination of your favorites.

How to Keep the Casserole Fresh

• If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.
• Freezing the casserole is a great option for long-term storage. After baking, allow the casserole to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven until fully heated.

Conclusion

This Sausage Breakfast Casserole is the perfect make-ahead breakfast, combining savory sausage, cheesy goodness, and fluffy eggs into a satisfying dish that’s sure to impress.

Prepare it the night before for an easy morning meal or serve it fresh from the oven, and this casserole will quickly become a family favorite.

Its versatility and ease of preparation make it ideal for busy mornings, holiday gatherings, or any time you need a comforting and filling breakfast. Enjoy!