Description
This hearty Sausage Breakfast Casserole combines savory breakfast sausage, fluffy eggs, melted cheddar cheese, and cubed day-old bread to create a delicious, comforting dish perfect for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings. Baked to golden perfection, it’s easy to prepare ahead and sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage Mixture
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
Egg Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Layer the Bread: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the cubed day-old bread evenly across the bottom of the dish, creating an even layer.
- Add Sausage and Cheese: Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the bread layer, then distribute the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the sausage.
- Pour Egg Mixture: Slowly pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients, pressing gently down to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid fully.
- Preheat Oven and Bake Covered: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow the casserole to set.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is fully set.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped chives on top for a fresh finish if desired. Serve the casserole warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Using day-old bread helps the casserole soak up the egg mixture better without becoming too soggy.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with your preferred cheese such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Cooked sausage can be substituted with cooked bacon or ham if preferred.
- Make this casserole a day ahead by assembling it the night before and refrigerating. Bake as directed without foil initially, increasing baking time by about 10 minutes.
- For a lower-fat version, use turkey sausage and reduced-fat milk and cheese.
