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This Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipe with Sausage is perfect for those busy mornings when you want something hearty, delicious, and ready to go. Combining eggs, savory sausage, and cheese with a comforting base of bread cubes or hash browns, this casserole satisfies a crowd and keeps well for make-ahead convenience. It bakes up golden and gooey, delivering a warm and filling start to the day.
I first made this casserole on a rushed weekend morning, and it quickly became my favorite way to feed family and friends without the fuss of making individual plates. It feels like an instant breakfast party every time.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Eight large eggs: the foundation providing richness and structure, best fresh for fluffiness
- One pound breakfast sausage: adds a savory punch, choose turkey or chicken for a lighter option
- Four cups bread cubes or shredded hash browns: day-old bread works great to absorb the custard, hash browns add a crispy texture
- One and a half cups milk: helps create the creamy custard that binds everything together smoothly
- One and a half cups shredded cheese: cheddar, mozzarella, or blends add gooey melt and sharpness freshly shredded yields the best melt
- Salt and pepper: essential seasonings to balance and enhance all flavors
- One cup diced bell peppers or onions: bring sweetness and freshness, choose red or yellow peppers for color contrast
- One cup spinach or mushrooms: add earthiness and nutrition, spinach should be well-drained to avoid sogginess
- Half teaspoon garlic powder or paprika: subtle seasoning lift, paprika gives a smoky warmth
- Two tablespoons chopped parsley: for garnish and a hint of herbaceous brightness, use fresh and finely chopped
How to Make It
- Sãte the Sausage:
- Cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until well browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy. Breaking the meat up finely ensures every bite gets that savory, spiced flavor.
- Whisk the Egg Mixture:
- In a large bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings. This creates the custard-like base that soaks into the bread or hash browns, binding the casserole. Whisk until the mixture is uniform and slightly frothy to ensure lightness.
- Prep the Baking Dish and Layer Base:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease your baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Spread the bread cubes or hash browns evenly across the bottom. If using bread, make sure it’s a bit stale so it soaks the egg mixture fully without turning mushy.
- Add Sausage and Vegetables:
- Evenly distribute the cooked sausage over the bread or hash brown layer. Follow with your optional vegetables making sure they are chopped uniformly for even cooking. This layering ensures every slice has a perfect mixture of flavors and textures.
- Pour Egg Mixture and Top with Cheese:
- Pour the egg and milk custard evenly over the layered ingredients, gently pressing down to help everything absorb the liquid. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top, which will melt to golden, bubbly perfection during baking.
- Bake Until Set:
- Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes or until the center is just set and cooked through. Avoid overbaking to keep the casserole moist and tender. When done, allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting to help slices hold their shape.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the casserole for color and a fresh herbal aroma. Serve warm for the best comfort and flavor.
My favorite ingredient has to be the breakfast sausage, which adds a hearty warmth and just the right amount of seasoning. Once I made this casserole for a holiday brunch, and the leftovers disappeared so fast everyone was asking for the recipe—it’s a real crowd-pleaser.
Flavor Boosters
Storage Tips To keep leftovers fresh, store any unused casserole tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. When freezing, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil or use airtight container to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this casserole with fresh fruit or a bright green salad to balance its richness. A side of salsa or hot sauce also adds a nice kick. It’s great as a standalone meal or part of a larger brunch spread.
Creative Twists
Switch up the veggies with what’s in season: summer zucchini or tomatoes in warm months, hearty kale or roasted root vegetables come fall. Add fresh herbs like thyme or chives to highlight seasonal flavors.
This casserole is both convenient and delicious, perfect for busy mornings and family gatherings alike.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare the casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Simply bake it fresh the next morning for best results.
- → What type of bread works best?
Day-old bread cubes absorb the egg mixture well, but shredded hash browns can also be used for a different texture.
- → Can I substitute the sausage with other proteins?
Turkey or chicken sausage are great alternatives, offering a lighter flavor while maintaining the dish’s heartiness.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze portions for up to 2 months to keep freshness.
- → What’s the best way to reheat the casserole?
Reheat in an oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave individual portions until warmed through.