Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe – Perfect Make-Ahead Breakfast for Crowds!
Make-ahead sausage and egg casserole perfect for breakfast crowds! Easy overnight prep, feeds 8-10 people. Cheesy, hearty, and absolutely delicious brunch recipe.
Introduction
This easy sausage and egg casserole is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast solution that’s perfect for feeding a crowd! Whether you’re hosting holiday guests, planning a weekend brunch, or need a hearty breakfast casserole for meal prep, this recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal morning effort. The combination of savory breakfast sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese creates a satisfying breakfast bake that everyone will love.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (plus overnight chilling)
Servings: 8-10 people
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Casserole Base:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 8 slices white bread, cubed (day-old preferred)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh chives for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the breakfast sausage until fully browned and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes). Drain excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread Base
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Arrange cubed bread evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish, creating a sturdy base for your breakfast casserole.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the bread cubes. Add any optional vegetables if using. Top with 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the remaining cheese for later.
Step 4: Make the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until well combined and slightly frothy. This egg mixture will bind everything together beautifully.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese layers. Gently press down with a fork to ensure all bread pieces are soaked with the egg mixture.
Step 6: Overnight Preparation
Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours). This allows the bread to absorb the flavors and creates the perfect texture.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove plastic wrap and sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake for 40-45 minutes until center is set and top is golden brown.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Let the breakfast casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting. Garnish with fresh chives if desired and serve warm.
Nutritional Benefits
This hearty sausage and egg casserole provides excellent nutritional value for starting your day:
High-Quality Protein: Eggs and sausage deliver complete proteins essential for muscle maintenance and sustained energy throughout the morning.
Calcium and Vitamin D: Cheese and milk provide bone-strengthening calcium and vitamin D for optimal bone health.
B-Vitamins: Eggs are rich in B12, folate, and choline, supporting brain function and energy metabolism.
Sustained Energy: The combination of protein, fats, and complex carbohydrates provides long-lasting energy without morning crashes.
Customizable Nutrition: Add vegetables to increase fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants while maintaining the delicious flavor profile.
Pro Tips and Variations
Pro Tips for Perfect Breakfast Casserole:
- Bread Choice: Use day-old bread for better absorption and texture
- Sausage Selection: Choose quality breakfast sausage for the best flavor
- Even Distribution: Make sure egg mixture reaches all corners of the dish
- Temperature Check: Internal temperature should reach 160°F when done
- Make-Ahead Magic: This overnight breakfast casserole actually tastes better after resting
- Serving Size: Cut into squares for easy portion control
Delicious Variations:
Gluten-Free Version: Replace bread with gluten-free bread cubes or hash browns
Dairy-Free Option: Use unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives
Vegetarian Style: Substitute sausage with plant-based breakfast sausage or extra vegetables
Tex-Mex Twist: Add diced jalapeños, Mexican cheese blend, and serve with salsa
Mediterranean Inspired: Use turkey sausage, feta cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes
Healthy Lighter Version: Use turkey sausage, low-fat cheese, and substitute some eggs with egg whites
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover breakfast casserole covered for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Freezer Storage: Wrap cooled casserole tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Make-Ahead Strategy: Assemble the entire casserole up to 2 days in advance. Keep covered in refrigerator until ready to bake.
Portion Control: Cut into individual squares and wrap for grab-and-go breakfast options throughout the week.
Reheating Tips: For best results, reheat in 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for quick meals.
Holiday Planning: Double the recipe in two dishes for large holiday gatherings or potluck brunches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this breakfast casserole without refrigerating overnight? A: While overnight chilling creates the best texture, you can bake immediately after assembly. The casserole may be slightly less cohesive but still delicious.
Q: What’s the best bread to use for egg casserole? A: Day-old white bread works perfectly, but brioche, challah, or even croissants create an extra-rich breakfast bake.
Q: Can I substitute the breakfast sausage? A: Absolutely! Try bacon, ham, turkey sausage, or even plant-based alternatives for different flavor profiles.
Q: How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked? A: The center should be set (not jiggly) and a knife inserted in the middle should come out clean. Internal temperature should reach 160°F.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this recipe? A: Yes! Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and onions all work wonderfully. Sauté them briefly before adding to remove excess moisture.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? A: Perfect for meal prep! Cut into portions and store in containers for up to 4 days of easy breakfast options.
Recipe Variations for Special Diets
Low-Carb/Keto Version:
- Replace bread with cauliflower rice or omit entirely
- Increase cheese and eggs proportionally
- Use full-fat ingredients for optimal keto macros
Whole30 Compliant:
- Use compliant breakfast sausage (check labels)
- Replace milk with coconut milk
- Omit cheese and bread, add more vegetables
High-Protein Version:
- Add extra eggs (up to 12 total)
- Include Greek yogurt in the egg mixture
- Use protein-rich turkey or chicken sausage
Perfect Occasions for This Breakfast Casserole
This versatile sausage and egg casserole recipe is ideal for numerous occasions:
Holiday Mornings: Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving breakfast without morning stress Weekend Brunches: Impressive dish that feeds a crowd with minimal effort Overnight Guests: Perfect make-ahead option for hosting visitors Potluck Events: Always a crowd-pleaser that travels well Meal Prep Sundays: Prepare for the entire week’s breakfast needs Special Celebrations: Birthday breakfasts, Mother’s Day, or family gatherings
Conclusion
This easy sausage and egg casserole proves that impressive breakfast dishes don’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and make-ahead convenience, you’ll have a hearty, satisfying breakfast casserole that feeds a crowd and tastes absolutely incredible. The overnight preparation makes mornings stress-free, while the combination of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese creates the perfect comfort food experience.
Whether you’re feeding holiday guests, meal prepping for the week, or just want a delicious brunch option, this breakfast bake delivers every time. Try the variations to customize it to your family’s preferences, and enjoy the convenience of having breakfast ready with minimal morning effort!
