Tired of the morning rush leaving you with no time for a wholesome breakfast? Sausage and egg casserole is the perfect solution that combines convenience with delicious nutrition.

This hearty breakfast bake delivers protein-packed goodness that melts in your mouth while saving you precious morning minutes.

As part of the Cooks Foody team, Elizabeth has perfected this recipe through countless Sunday brunches in her Austin home, where it’s become the most requested dish among friends and family.

Having tested dozens of variations, we’ve mastered the balance of textures and flavors that make this casserole truly special. In this guide, we’ll share our secrets for meat selection, prep shortcuts, and flavor customizations that will transform your morning routine. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for busy weekdays, this sausage and egg casserole recipe has you covered.

Why This Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe Works

Prepare it the night before and bake in the morning for fresh, hot breakfast with minimal effort
Customizable to suit picky eaters and dietary preferences
Budget-friendly ingredients that deliver restaurant-quality results
Perfect for meal prep – keeps well in the refrigerator for quick weekday breakfasts
Balanced nutrition with protein and vegetables to fuel your day

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Sausage and Egg Casserole

Best Eggs for Your Casserole

Large, fresh eggs provide the best structure and flavor for your casserole. Look for eggs with bright orange yolks for the richest taste. Free-range or organic eggs often have more flavor and nutritional benefits, but standard large eggs work perfectly well too.

Selecting Quality Sausage for Your Casserole

Turkey breakfast sausage offers a leaner alternative with all the savory flavor of traditional options. For the best texture, choose ground sausage rather than links, as it distributes more evenly throughout the casserole. If using frozen sausage, thaw completely and drain excess moisture before incorporating.

Substitutions

If you’re looking to modify this sausage and egg casserole recipe, consider these swaps:

Replace regular bread with gluten-free varieties for a celiac-friendly option
Swap dairy milk for unsweetened almond or oat milk
Use egg whites or an egg substitute for a lower-cholesterol version

Ingredients & Prep for Sausage and Egg Casserole

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Casserole Base Essentials

8 large eggs
1 pound breakfast sausage (turkey or chicken variety)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
6 slices bread, cubed
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon dry mustard
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Flavor Enhancers

1 red bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, or sage)

Prep Components

Brown and crumble sausage, drain excess fat
Whisk eggs with milk and seasonings until smooth and frothy
Layer bread cubes in the bottom of your casserole dish

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Sausage and Egg Casserole

Pre-Cooking Prep for Sausage and Egg Casserole

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray
Brown sausage in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink (about 7-8 minutes)
Add diced bell pepper and onion to the skillet during the last 3 minutes of cooking
Drain the sausage mixture on paper towels to remove excess grease
Cut bread into 1-inch cubes and layer in the prepared baking dish

Assembling Your Sausage and Egg Casserole

Sprinkle the sausage mixture evenly over the bread layer
Distribute 1½ cups of shredded cheese over the sausage layer
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and pepper
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours)

Baking Your Sausage and Egg Casserole

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Remove casserole from refrigerator while the oven preheats
Uncover and sprinkle with remaining ½ cup cheese
Bake for 45-50 minutes until center is set and top is golden brown
Let stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set

Checking Doneness of Your Sausage and Egg Casserole

The casserole is done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, the edges are slightly browned, and the center is no longer jiggly. The internal temperature should reach 160°F for food safety.

Pro Tips for Perfect Sausage and Egg Casserole

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Don’t skip the overnight refrigeration – this allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture
Use stale bread or toast fresh bread lightly to prevent sogginess
Don’t overbake – check 5 minutes before the end of baking time to prevent dryness
Allow the casserole to rest before serving to achieve the perfect texture

Tool Recommendations

Clear glass baking dish allows you to see when the bottom is cooked
Instant-read thermometer ensures food safety and perfect doneness
Silicone spatula for easy serving without scratching your baking dish

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking
Store covered for up to 3 days in the refrigerator
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes
For best texture when reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes

Looking for more breakfast inspiration? Check out our Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies for another make-ahead breakfast option!

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow us on Pinterest where we share our favorite culinary creations and kitchen tips daily!

Flavor Variations for Sausage and Egg Casserole

Vegetable Boost

Add 2 cups of fresh spinach (wilted and drained)
Mix in 1 cup diced mushrooms sautéed with garlic
Include 1 cup diced zucchini or yellow squash for added nutrition

Dietary Adaptations

Keto version: Replace bread with 2 cups of cauliflower rice (pre-cooked and drained)
Low-sodium option: Use unsalted butter and reduce added salt
Dairy-free: Substitute coconut milk for regular milk and use dairy-free cheese alternative

Global Flavors

Southwest style: Add 1 can diced green chilies and 1 teaspoon cumin
Mediterranean: Include sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese
Italian influence: Mix in 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning and top with grated Parmesan

Flavor Variation	Key Ingredients	Prep Notes	Best For
Southwest	Green chilies, cumin, pepper jack cheese	Add ¼ tsp cayenne for extra heat	Weekend brunch
Mediterranean	Feta, olives, tomatoes	Use olive oil instead of butter	Lighter option
Italian	Parmesan, Italian herbs, tomatoes	Add ¼ cup chopped basil before serving	Special occasions
Veggie Lover’s	Spinach, mushroom, bell pepper	Pre-cook vegetables to remove moisture	Vegetarian guests

Serving Suggestions for Sausage and Egg Casserole

Fresh fruit salad with berries, melon, and citrus
Crispy hash browns or breakfast potatoes
Green salad with light vinaigrette for brunch settings
Warm buttermilk biscuits with honey or jam

Looking for a sweet treat to complement your savory breakfast? Try our Chocolate Chip Cookies for a delightful contrast!

FAQs About Sausage and Egg Casserole

Can I make sausage and egg casserole without overnight refrigeration?

Yes, while overnight refrigeration produces the best texture, you can assemble and bake immediately if needed. Reduce liquid by about ¼ cup and expect a slightly different texture.

Can I freeze sausage and egg casserole?

Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked casserole (without the egg mixture) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, add the egg mixture, and proceed with the recipe. Alternatively, freeze fully cooked portions for up to 2 months.

How do I know when my sausage and egg casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the center is set (not jiggly), the edges are slightly pulling away from the sides, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. The internal temperature should reach 160°F.

Can I use egg substitute in this recipe?

Yes, you can use a commercial egg substitute following the equivalent of 8 eggs. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

For a festive holiday breakfast option, check out our Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake that makes any morning special!

Conclusion

Sausage and egg casserole transforms breakfast from a rushed affair into a moment worth savoring. With its make-ahead convenience and hearty satisfaction, it’s no wonder this dish has become a breakfast staple in countless homes. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility adapt it to suit your family’s preferences or what you have on hand.

Sausage and Egg Casserole: The Best Way to Start Your Day