Mornings are better when you don’t have to stress about cooking. The Best Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Recipe is the gold standard for easy, hearty breakfasts that feed a crowd. Whether it is Christmas morning, a family reunion, or just a lazy Sunday, this casserole delivers pure comfort. It combines savory crumbled sausage, cubes of day old bread, and plenty of sharp cheddar cheese, all bound together by a rich, seasoned egg custard.
This dish is a classic “strata,” where the bread soaks up the egg mixture overnight, resulting in a soufflé like texture that is fluffy on the inside and golden crisp on top. It is the ultimate make ahead meal. You do the work the night before, and the oven does the work in the morning. It fills the house with the mouthwatering aroma of baking sausage and eggs, waking everyone up with an appetite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Make Ahead Magic
The true beauty of this recipe is that it requires rest time. Assembling it the night before allows the flavors to meld and the bread to fully hydrate. This means you can wake up, pop it in the oven, and enjoy your coffee while breakfast cooks itself.
Versatile & Hearty
This is a “kitchen sink” friendly recipe. While sausage is the star, you can easily add veggies, different cheeses, or even bacon. It is a substantial meal that keeps everyone full for hours. If you are looking for other variations of this morning staple, check out this Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe for Mom which offers another delicious take on the overnight bake method.
Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 6 cups bread cubes (French or sourdough)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 large eggs
- 2.5 cups milk
- 1 tsp dry mustard powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Brown sausage in a skillet and drain fat.
- Layer half the bread cubes, half the sausage, and half the cheese in the dish. Repeat layers.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour mixture over the casserole. Press bread down slightly to submerge.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for 20 mins, then uncovered for 30-40 mins until set.
- Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
Breakfast sausage (pork or turkey) provides the primary savory flavor. You’ll need a sturdy bread—French bread, sourdough, or even bagels work well; avoid soft white sandwich bread as it can turn to mush. Sharp cheddar cheese adds a necessary bite to cut through the richness. Eggs and milk (or half and half) form the custard base. Dry mustard is a secret ingredient that enhances the cheese flavor without making the dish taste like mustard.
Smart Substitutions
For a spicy kick, use hot Italian sausage or Chorizo. If you want more veggies, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach are excellent additions. You can substitute the bread for frozen hash browns for a gluten free option (similar to the “Crack Casserole” style). Swiss or Gruyere cheese can replace cheddar for a nuttier flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cut your bread into 1 inch cubes. If the bread is very fresh, toast the cubes in the oven for 10 minutes to dry them out slightly; this prevents sogginess. Brown the sausage in a skillet, breaking it into small crumbles, then drain the grease. Whisk your eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and dry mustard in a large bowl until frothy.
Cooking Phase
Scatter half of the bread cubes in the bottom of the baking dish. Top with half the sausage and half the cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the entire casserole, pressing down slightly with a spoon to ensure all the bread is submerged. Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 30 to 40 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
The “press down” technique is vital. You want every piece of bread to absorb the egg liquid. If you have dry spots of bread on top, they will burn before the inside cooks. Also, let the casserole sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before putting it in the oven; this prevents the ceramic dish from cracking due to thermal shock and helps it cook more evenly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using bread that is too soft is the number one mistake. You need structure. Also, do not skimp on the salt. Bread, eggs, and milk are bland on their own, so the seasoning in the custard is important, even with the salty sausage.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before slicing into squares. This ensures clean cuts. Serve on colorful plates garnished with chopped parsley or scallions.
Pairing Suggestions
Since this is a heavy dish, serve it with a light fruit salad or a citrus based salad. Mimosas or a Bloody Mary bar make for a festive brunch accompaniment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1? How long does it keep?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave.
Q2? Can I freeze it?
Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Q3? Can I use almond milk?
Yes, unflavored almond milk works, but the custard will be slightly less creamy than if using cow’s milk.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Total Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 190mg |
| Sodium | 850mg |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 20g |
Conclusion
The Best Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Recipe is a timeless classic that brings families together. Its ease of preparation and comforting flavors make it a staple for any home cook who wants to win at breakfast.
