Sausage Egg And Cheese Breakfast Casserole

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Golden, cheesy, and packed with savory sausage, this Sausage Egg and Cheese Breakfast Casserole is the kind of dish that makes you look forward to waking up. Whether you’re cooking for a weekend brunch, feeding a holiday crowd, or prepping breakfast for the week ahead, this casserole delivers warm comfort in every bite. It’s a hearty, protein-rich meal that satisfies morning cravings and keeps you full for hours.

Made with simple ingredients like ground sausage, fluffy eggs, shredded cheese, and a base that soaks up all that flavor—this casserole is as easy to assemble as it is delicious. The layers melt together beautifully in the oven, forming a golden top and tender interior. It’s the perfect make-ahead option for busy mornings or special gatherings where you want to serve something homemade without the stress.

Why You’ll Love This Sausage Egg And Cheese Breakfast Casserole

• It’s ideal for feeding a crowd with minimal effort.
• Fully customizable with your favorite add-ins like veggies or spices.
• Reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
• Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly.
• It delivers a balanced breakfast of protein and fats to start your day right.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this breakfast casserole smoothly, having the right tools on hand is essential:

• 9×13 Baking Dish: This is the perfect size to hold the casserole layers without overflow. Glass or ceramic is ideal for even cooking.
• Mixing Bowls: One large bowl for whisking eggs and another for combining other ingredients.
• Whisk: For beating the eggs until fluffy and well mixed.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Helps mix ingredients and spread them evenly in the dish.
• Skillet: Needed to brown the sausage and drain excess grease before assembling the casserole.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure you get the ingredient proportions right.

Each of these tools plays a key role in ensuring even cooking, proper layering, and the ultimate creamy, cheesy texture.

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Preparation Tips

For the best results, always cook the sausage ahead of time and drain the excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole. When whisking the eggs, add a splash of milk or cream for an extra fluffy texture. If you’re making the dish ahead, assemble everything the night before and cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap—this allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to ensure even cooking. Lastly, don’t be shy with the cheese! Use sharp cheddar or a cheese blend for a deeper, richer flavor.

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Ingredients for this Sausage Egg And Cheese Breakfast Casserole

• 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 4 cups day-old bread, cubed (French bread or sandwich bread works well)
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard or paprika for flavor
• Optional add-ins: chopped bell peppers, green onions, spinach, or mushrooms

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Step 1: Cook the Sausage

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once done, drain off excess grease and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.

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Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and fully combined. This mixture will be the creamy base that binds everything together.

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Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread the cubed bread evenly over the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the bread. Then add your optional veggies if using. Finally, sprinkle 1.5 cups of the shredded cheese over the sausage layer.

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Step 4: Pour the Egg Mixture

Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish. Press the top gently with a spatula to ensure all the bread cubes absorb the liquid.

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Step 5: Add the Final Cheese Layer

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top. This will melt and form a beautiful golden crust during baking.

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Step 6: Let It Rest or Bake Immediately

If you’re making this ahead, cover the dish tightly and refrigerate it overnight. If you’re baking right away, let it sit for 20 minutes at room temperature to let the bread fully absorb the egg mixture.

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Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. You can test doneness by inserting a knife in the middle—it should come out clean.

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Step 8: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh herbs or a dash of hot sauce if desired.

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Notes

This breakfast casserole is incredibly versatile. You can switch out the sausage for bacon, ham, or a vegetarian alternative like plant-based crumbles. If using vegetables with high water content (like mushrooms or spinach), sauté them first to prevent sogginess. The bread can be anything from sandwich slices to baguette pieces—just make sure it’s a bit stale so it absorbs the egg mixture properly. This dish also freezes well; just bake it fully, cool, and freeze in slices for easy reheating.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using fresh bread: It won’t soak up the egg mixture properly and can lead to a mushy texture.
• Not cooking the sausage fully: Undercooked meat will compromise both flavor and safety.
• Skipping the resting step: Whether pre-baking or post-baking, resting is crucial for proper texture.
• Overbaking: This can dry out the eggs; always check for a slightly firm center that isn’t rubbery.
• Too many wet ingredients: If you overload the dish with watery veggies or too much milk, it won’t set correctly.

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Storage Instructions

Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave slices on medium power or warm them in the oven at 300°F until heated through. You can also freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in foil and placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – 1/8 of casserole)

• Calories: 370
• Protein: 21g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 250mg
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes, this dish is perfect for overnight prep. Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake the next morning as directed.

Can I freeze the casserole before baking it?

It’s best to bake first, then freeze. Freezing raw eggs with milk can lead to a separation in texture.

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is the classic choice, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend work great too.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, unsweetened almond or oat milk can be substituted. Make sure it’s plain and unflavored.

How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The center should be set and a knife inserted should come out clean. The top should be golden.

Is it gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can use gluten-free bread for an easy adaptation.

What can I serve with this casserole?

Fresh fruit, hash browns, or a light green salad all pair nicely.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for about 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, depending on your model.

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Conclusion

The Sausage Egg and Cheese Breakfast Casserole is your go-to solution for a hearty, comforting breakfast that’s easy to make and impossible to mess up. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it fits right into busy mornings, special occasions, or anytime you want something satisfying. Whether you’re feeding family, guests, or yourself for the week ahead, this casserole checks all the boxes for a perfect morning meal.

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