Perfect Sausage Egg Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe

A sausage egg and cheese breakfast casserole is a hearty, make-ahead dish combining cooked sausage, whisked eggs, cheese, and often bread or potatoes in a single baking dish. The standard preparation involves layering ingredients, pouring egg mixture over them, refrigerating overnight, and baking at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes until the eggs are fully set with a golden top. This classic brunch recipe typically serves 6-8 people and can be customized with various meats, cheeses, and vegetables.

Creating the perfect sausage egg and cheese breakfast casserole requires understanding the balance of ingredients and proper preparation techniques. This beloved brunch staple combines protein-rich sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese into a single dish that's ideal for feeding crowds or meal prepping for the week. When prepared correctly, you'll achieve a casserole with a custardy interior, crispy edges, and perfectly integrated flavors.

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
20 minutes	50 minutes	1 hour 10 minutes	8
Difficulty	Cost	Best Served	Storage
Easy	Moderate	Hot	3-4 days refrigerated

Essential Ingredients for Success

The foundation of an exceptional sausage egg and cheese breakfast casserole recipe starts with quality ingredients. For the classic version, you'll need:

• 1 pound bulk breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 cups cubed day-old bread (French or sourdough works best)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Follow these professional kitchen-tested steps for a flawless sausage egg cheese breakfast casserole every time:

1. Prepare ingredients: Brown sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking into small pieces. Drain excess fat and set aside to cool slightly. Sauté onions and peppers until softened.
2. Layer components: In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, evenly distribute bread cubes, cooked sausage, and sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle 1½ cups cheese over the top layer.
3. Create egg mixture: Whisk eggs, milk, and seasonings until fully combined and slightly frothy. Pour evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.
4. Refrigerate: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This crucial step allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture.
5. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from refrigerator while oven heats. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes until center is set and top is golden brown. Add remaining ½ cup cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking.
6. Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set properly for clean serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Breakfast Casserole

Professional chefs and experienced home cooks recommend these techniques for elevating your sausage egg and cheese breakfast casserole:

• Bread selection matters: Use slightly stale bread for better absorption. Fresh bread becomes too mushy, while overly dry bread won't bind properly.
• Temperature control: Let cooked sausage cool before adding to prevent premature cooking of eggs when assembling.
• Don't skip the resting time: Cutting too soon causes the casserole to fall apart. The 10-15 minute rest allows structure to set.
• Test for doneness: Insert a knife near the center; it should come out clean. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
• Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. The longer refrigeration time improves flavor development and texture.

Customization Options and Variations

One reason this hearty breakfast casserole for brunch remains popular is its versatility. Consider these adaptations:

• Meat variations: Substitute sausage with cooked bacon, ham, or turkey sausage for different flavor profiles in your make-ahead breakfast casserole.
• Cheese choices: Try Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a blend for more complex flavors in your sausage egg cheese breakfast bake.
• Vegetable additions: Incorporate spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes for added nutrition in your easy breakfast casserole recipe.
• Dietary modifications: Use dairy-free cheese and almond milk for lactose-intolerant guests, or egg substitutes for cholesterol concerns.
• Spice it up: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper for a spicy sausage egg cheese breakfast casserole variation.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Proper storage ensures your sausage egg and cheese breakfast casserole maintains quality:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Individual portions keep well for quick weekday breakfasts.
• Freezing: Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Properly stored, it maintains quality for 2-3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake refrigerated portions at 325°F (163°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Reviving texture: Sprinkle a few drops of water over the casserole before reheating to prevent drying. Cover with foil during oven reheating to maintain moisture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced cooks can encounter issues with this popular brunch recipe. Watch for these pitfalls:

• Overmixing the egg mixture: Whisk just until combined; excessive whisking incorporates too much air and creates a bubbly texture.
• Insufficient draining of sausage: Excess grease prevents proper binding and creates a soggy bottom layer in your breakfast casserole bake.
• Rushing the refrigeration step: Skipping the overnight rest results in a loose, underbound casserole that falls apart when served.
• Overbaking: Remove from oven when center is just set, as carryover cooking continues during resting time.
• Cutting too soon: Impatience leads to collapsed slices. Allow the full 10-15 minute rest for clean presentation of your sausage egg cheese breakfast casserole.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish pairs well with complementary breakfast items:

• Light fruit salad or fresh berries balance the richness of the hearty breakfast casserole
• Simple green salad makes it suitable for brunch buffets
• Hot sauce or salsa on the side accommodates varying spice preferences
• Toast points or biscuits provide additional carbohydrate options
• For elegant presentations, garnish with fresh chives or parsley before serving your sausage egg cheese breakfast bake

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make sausage egg and cheese breakfast casserole without bread?

Yes, you can create a breadless version by increasing the egg mixture proportionally and adding cooked potatoes or hash browns as the base. Use 10 eggs with 1¼ cups milk instead of 8 eggs with 1 cup milk, and layer 4 cups of cooked diced potatoes at the bottom of the dish before adding sausage and cheese.

How do I prevent a soggy sausage egg cheese breakfast casserole?

To prevent sogginess, thoroughly drain cooked sausage, use slightly stale bread rather than fresh, and allow the assembled casserole to refrigerate for at least 8 hours. The extended chilling time lets the bread fully absorb the egg mixture. Additionally, avoid overloading with vegetables that release excess moisture during baking.

Can I prepare this breakfast casserole the night before serving?

Absolutely. Assembling the casserole the night before is recommended. Complete all steps through pouring the egg mixture over the layered ingredients, then cover tightly and refrigerate for 8-12 hours. The extended soak time improves texture and flavor integration. When ready to bake, remove from refrigerator 20 minutes before placing in the preheated oven.

What's the best cheese for sausage egg and cheese breakfast casserole?

Sharp cheddar provides the classic flavor profile, but a blend of cheeses often yields superior results. Try combining 1½ cups sharp cheddar with ½ cup Gruyère for enhanced flavor complexity. For a creamier texture, substitute 1 cup of the cheddar with Monterey Jack. Avoid pre-shredded cheeses which contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting quality.