If there’s one dish that feels like a warm morning hug, it’s this Cheesy Breakfast Sausage Casserole Recipe. Imagine waking up to a bubbling, golden casserole packed with savory sausage, melty cheese, and fluffy eggs nestled over a bed of crispy bread or hash browns. It’s simple comfort food elevated to a whole new level—whether you’re feeding the family, hosting brunch, or just craving something hearty and satisfying. This casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas and your plate with big, bold breakfast flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this casserole is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward, yet each plays a key role in building its irresistible taste, texture, and color. From the protein-packed sausage to the creamy richness of cheese and eggs, every item combines perfectly to bring out a comforting, homey meal.
- 1 pound sausage (turkey or vegetarian): Offers the savory backbone and can be swapped to suit your dietary needs.
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice): Melts into every nook and cranny, adding gooey, cheesy goodness.
- 6 large eggs: The binding agent that gives structure and fluffiness to the casserole.
- 2 cups milk: Keeps the casserole moist and tender while blending all flavors.
- 4 cups bread cubes or hash browns: The hearty base delivering crunchy edges with a soft interior.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances and balances all the natural flavors.
- Optional diced vegetables (bell peppers, onions, spinach): Adds color, nutrition, and an extra layer of flavor complexity.
How to Make Cheesy Breakfast Sausage Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Assemble the Base
Start by spreading your bread cubes or hash browns evenly across the bottom of your casserole dish. This creates a sturdy, textured foundation that will soak up all the delicious custard mixture, giving your casserole a perfect balance of soft and crispy textures.
Step 2: Layer Sausage and Cheese
Next, evenly distribute the cooked sausage over the bread or hash browns. Then sprinkle the shredded cheese generously on top. This layering ensures every bite is loaded with meaty, cheesy flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Step 3: Pour the Egg Mixture
Whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until silky smooth. Pour this rich custard evenly over the assembled layers. The egg mixture seeps into the bread or potatoes, binding everything beautifully while keeping it moist and tender after baking.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Cover your dish with foil and slide it into the oven. Baking it covered for 30 minutes allows everything to cook gently and evenly, helping the eggs to set without drying out your casserole’s surface.
Step 5: Bake Uncovered Until Golden
Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. This final step crisps the top layer of cheese to a gorgeous golden brown, creating a slight crust that contrasts delightfully with the soft interior. When your casserole looks bubbly and set, it’s time to take it out and serve!
How to Serve Cheesy Breakfast Sausage Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped green onions, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or even a dash of hot sauce brings vibrant color and a bright contrast to the richness of the casserole. It’s these little touches that make each serving feel special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad for a sweet, refreshing balance or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. If you want to keep it cozy, a side of toasted English muffins or warm biscuits also complement the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch gathering, serve the casserole in individual ramekins, so everyone feels like they have their own special dish. You can also layer it in a glass baking dish so guests can admire the layers before digging in—because who doesn’t love seeing those melted cheese and sausage layers?
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld even more after a day, making for an even tastier meal the next morning or lunch.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish and covering tightly with foil and plastic wrap. When ready, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until heated through to keep the crust crispy. Alternatively, microwaving works in a pinch—just cover loosely to retain moisture, but you may lose some of that delicious crunch.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the sausage with your favorite vegetarian or plant-based sausage. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms or zucchini to boost flavor and texture.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices because they melt beautifully and provide a great flavor balance. Feel free to mix cheeses or use your favorites to customize the dish to your liking.
Can I prepare this the night before?
Yes, assembling it the night before and refrigerating allows the flavors to develop even more. Just cover tightly and bake the next morning, adding a few extra minutes to compensate for the cold casserole going into the oven.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap the bread cubes for gluten-free bread or use hash browns made from pure potatoes without any additives. That way, everyone can enjoy this comforting dish without worry.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
Look for a golden brown top with bubbling edges and a fully set center. If you insert a knife or toothpick, it should come out clean. The eggs will be firm, and the cheese lightly crisped on top.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Cheesy Breakfast Sausage Casserole Recipe that makes mornings brighter and gatherings happier. It’s a dish that combines convenience and rich flavor in such a beautiful way that you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again. So go ahead, make this casserole, share it with loved ones, and enjoy every melty, savory bite!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Cheesy Breakfast Sausage Casserole perfect for a weekend brunch or make-ahead breakfast. This dish combines savory sausage, melted cheese, eggs, milk, and bread or hash browns baked to golden perfection with optional vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound sausage (turkey or vegetarian)
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
Base
- 4 cups bread cubes or hash browns
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Vegetables
- Diced bell peppers
- Diced onions
- Chopped spinach
Instructions
- Assemble the Casserole: Layer the bread cubes or hash browns evenly at the bottom of a greased baking dish. Spread the cooked sausage evenly over the base layer. If using optional vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach, scatter them evenly over the sausage. Then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top to create a delicious cheesy layer.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until fully combined and smooth. This mixture will soak into the bread or hash browns and bind all the casserole ingredients during baking.
- Pour Egg Mixture Over Layers: Evenly pour the whisked egg and milk mixture over the assembled layers in the baking dish, ensuring it covers all ingredients to create a moist and cohesive casserole.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from over-browning. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, allowing the custard to set and ingredients to meld together.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top and fully set in the center. A knife inserted should come out clean when done.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the casserole with your favorite cheeses or sausage varieties.
- For a vegetarian version, opt for plant-based sausage and add more diced vegetables.
- Using slightly stale bread cubes helps absorb the egg mixture better.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning for convenience.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
