Print

Easy Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

easy cheesy sausage breakfast casserole - featured image

A simple, make-ahead breakfast casserole with savory sausage, creamy custard, and melty cheese. Perfect for feeding a crowd on holiday mornings or lazy weekends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound breakfast sausage
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 8 cups cubed bread (about 1 loaf)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess grease, leaving a little for flavor. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes. If using fresh bread, toast cubes in the oven for about 5 minutes to dry them out.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, dry mustard powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until fully combined and slightly frothy.
  5. Layer half of the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the cooked sausage, then half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Repeat layers with remaining bread, sausage, and cheeses.
  6. Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole. Gently press down on bread cubes to ensure they are soaked.
  7. Let the casserole rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, or cover and refrigerate overnight for best results.
  8. Bake for 45-55 minutes. After 30 minutes, if the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil. The casserole is done when the center is set (jiggles slightly like cheesecake) and the top is golden brown and puffy. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

For best results, assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate overnight. Shred your own cheese for smoother melting. Let the casserole rest after baking for easier slicing.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, sausage casserole, cheesy casserole, make-ahead breakfast, brunch recipe, holiday breakfast