Breakfast Casserole With Bread: Easy Breakfast Casserole

Hosting a brunch or need a hearty breakfast for a special morning? This Easy Breakfast Casserole with Bread is your answer. It is a savory, cheesy, egg-based dish that can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning. Loaded with sausage, cheese, and cubes of bread, it is a complete breakfast in one pan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make-Ahead Magic

The beauty of this casserole lies in its convenience. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture completely, resulting in a soufflé-like texture that is fluffy and delicious.

Versatile & Customizable

Think of this recipe as a blank canvas. While sausage and cheddar are classic, you can easily swap in bacon, ham, or a variety of vegetables like peppers, onions, and spinach to suit your taste preferences or use up leftovers.

A classic Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole featuring savory sausage, eggs, cheese, and bread cubes. The perfect stress-free breakfast for holidays and weekends.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 minute min

Course Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb Breakfast sausage, ground
• 6 slices White bread, cubed
• 8 large Eggs
• 2 cups Milk
• 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tsp Dry mustard
• 0.5 tsp Salt

Instructions

 

• Brown sausage in a skillet; drain.
• Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Place bread cubes in the bottom.
• Top bread with sausage and cheese.
• Whisk eggs, milk, and spices; pour over the casserole.
• Cover and refrigerate (optional) or bake immediately at 350°F for 45 mins.

Keyword Breakfast Casserole, Make Ahead Breakfast, Sausage and Egg Casserole

Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions

Essential Ingredients

The base requires stale bread (cubed), eggs, milk, ground breakfast sausage, and plenty of shredded cheddar cheese. Dry mustard powder is a key seasoning that enhances the cheesy flavor without being overpowering.

Smart Substitutions

Sourdough or French bread works best for the structure, but even regular sandwich bread can be used in a pinch. For a lighter version, use turkey sausage and skim milk, though whole milk or half-and-half yields the richest custard.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Phase

Brown your sausage in a skillet and drain the fat. Cube your bread into 1-inch pieces. Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Whisk the eggs, milk, and seasonings together in a large bowl.

Cooking Phase

Spread the bread cubes in the baking dish. Top evenly with the cooked sausage and shredded cheese. Pour the egg mixture over everything, ensuring all the bread is soaked. If making ahead, refrigerate now. When ready, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-50 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden brown.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Technique Secrets

Letting the casserole sit for at least 15 minutes before baking (even if not doing it overnight) is crucial. This resting time ensures the bread absorbs the custard rather than just floating in it, preventing a watery bottom layer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t cover the casserole with foil for the entire baking time, or the top won’t get crispy. If you find the top is browning too fast, tent it with foil only for the last 10 minutes. Also, let it rest for 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven to set before cutting.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

Presentation & Plating

Cut the casserole into squares and serve warm. A garnish of chopped chives or green onions adds a fresh bite. Hot sauce or salsa on the side is a popular addition for those who like a kick.

Pairing Suggestions

Serve this hearty main with a fresh fruit salad or yogurt to balance the richness. If you love savory, one-pan sausage dishes, you might also enjoy these Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Smoked Sausage for a similarly satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1? Can I use frozen hash browns instead of bread?
Yes, you can substitute the bread for thawed frozen hash browns or tater tots for a gluten-free potato variation.

Q2? How long does it keep in the fridge?
Baked leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a quick weekday breakfast.

Q3? Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Omit the sausage and load it up with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, and onions.

Conclusion

This Easy Breakfast Casserole with Bread takes the stress out of morning cooking. It feeds a crowd effortlessly and delivers a warm, comforting start to the day. Whether it’s Christmas morning or just a Sunday brunch, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.