Sausage and egg casserole is the ultimate breakfast comfort food. Packed with savory sausage, fluffy eggs, melty cheese, and often a medley of vegetables or bread, this dish is perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or meal prepping for the week ahead. Easy to assemble and full of flavor, it satisfies both kids and adults alike.
This casserole is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite cheeses, vegetables, or even switch up the type of sausage. Once baked, it becomes a hearty, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner.
Why Sausage and Egg Casserole Is a Breakfast Favorite
Sausage and egg casserole combines convenience, flavor, and nutrition:
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Protein-Packed: Sausage and eggs provide sustained energy to kickstart your day.
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Easy to Make: Minimal prep and a one-dish bake simplifies cooking.
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Customizable: Swap in your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or bread types.
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Meal Prep Friendly: Make ahead for busy mornings or freeze for later use.
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Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults, perfect for feeding a crowd.
Equipment You’ll Need
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9×13-inch baking dish or similar
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Mixing bowl
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Whisk or fork
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Frying pan for sausage
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Cutting board and knife
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Oven mitts
Ingredients for Sausage and Egg Casserole
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1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
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8 large eggs
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1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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2 cups cubed bread (day-old bread works best)
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1 cup diced bell peppers or onions (optional)
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½ cup chopped fresh spinach (optional)
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
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Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
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Total Time: 50–60 minutes
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Servings: 6–8
How to Make Sausage and Egg Casserole
Step 1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2. Cook the Sausage
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In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula.
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Drain excess fat if necessary.
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Optional: Sauté diced onions and bell peppers in the same pan for extra flavor.
Step 3. Prepare the Egg Mixture
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
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Add 1½ cups of shredded cheese to the mixture and stir lightly.
Step 4. Assemble the Casserole
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Spread the cubed bread evenly in the greased baking dish.
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Sprinkle cooked sausage and vegetables over the bread.
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Pour the egg and cheese mixture evenly over the top, ensuring everything is soaked.
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Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese.
Pro Tip: Press down lightly to ensure the bread absorbs the egg mixture for a custardy texture.
Step 5. Bake
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Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the casserole is set and the cheese is golden brown.
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Insert a knife into the center; it should come out clean when done.
Step 6. Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
Tips for the Perfect Casserole
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Use Day-Old Bread: Absorbs egg mixture better and prevents sogginess.
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Customize Vegetables: Add spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
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Make Ahead: Assemble the night before, refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning.
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Freeze for Later: Wrap cooked casserole tightly in foil and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in oven or microwave.
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Cheese Variations: Use mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss for different flavor profiles.
Variations to Try
Southwest Casserole: Add black beans, corn, salsa, and pepper jack cheese.
Italian Style: Incorporate cooked Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella.
Vegetarian: Omit sausage, double the vegetables, and add extra cheese or tofu crumbles.
Hash Brown Layer: Replace bread with shredded hash browns for a potato-based casserole.
Serving Suggestions for Sausage and Egg Casserole
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Serve with fresh fruit or a green salad.
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Top with hot sauce, salsa, or avocado for extra flavor.
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Great with a side of toast or breakfast potatoes.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
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Calories: 300–350
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Protein: 20–22g
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Carbohydrates: 15–18g
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Fat: 20g
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Fiber: 1–2g
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Sugar: 2g
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Sodium: 600mg
Nutrition will vary depending on the type of sausage, cheese, and bread used. For a lighter version, use turkey sausage and low-fat cheese.
If you’re planning ahead for breakfast, Hot Cross Buns with Candied Fruit, Frittata Cups, or High Protein Greek Yogurt Bagels.
Sausage and Egg Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Optional: Sauté diced onions and bell peppers in the same pan for extra flavor.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Add 1½ cups of shredded cheese to the mixture and stir lightly.
- Spread the cubed bread evenly in the greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle cooked sausage and vegetables over the bread.
- Pour the egg and cheese mixture evenly over the top, ensuring everything is soaked.
- Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese.
- Pro Tip: Press down lightly to ensure the bread absorbs the egg mixture for a custardy texture.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the casserole is set and the cheese is golden brown.
- Insert a knife into the center; it should come out clean when done.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with fresh fruit or a green salad.
- Top with hot sauce, salsa, or avocado for extra flavor.
- Great with a side of toast or breakfast potatoes.
Conclusion
Sausage and egg casserole is a delicious, versatile, and protein-packed dish that elevates breakfast or brunch. Quick to prepare and fully customizable, it’s perfect for families, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. The combination of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese ensures every bite is flavorful and satisfying.
With simple ingredients and minimal effort, this casserole transforms any morning into a hearty, comforting meal. Master this recipe, and you’ll have a reliable go-to breakfast that’s both convenient and indulgent.
Recipe FAQs
1- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning.
2- Can I freeze the casserole?
Absolutely. Wrap cooked casserole tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
3- Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Yes, turkey sausage works well and reduces fat content.
4- What bread works best?
Day-old bread, brioche, or even croissants for a richer flavor and better egg absorption.
5- Can I add vegetables?
Yes, onions, bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini all pair wonderfully with this casserole.
6- How do I know when it’s fully baked?
Insert a knife into the center; it should come out clean, and the top should be lightly golden.