If you are on the lookout for a comforting, crowd-pleasing morning dish, look no further than this wonderful Egg Breakfast Casserole Recipe. It takes the classic breakfast staples—eggs, sausage, bread, and cheese—and transforms them into a warm, fluffy, and savory casserole that’s perfect for lazy weekend brunches or holiday mornings. This dish offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds, and the bonus is it’s so easy to prepare ahead of time, giving you stress-free morning magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Egg Breakfast Casserole Recipe lies in its simple, approachable ingredients. Each component plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture—from the hearty sausage adding savory depth to the fluffy eggs binding everything together, and cheese that melts into gooey perfection. Choosing good quality essentials will elevate your casserole from good to unforgettable.
- Breakfast sausage, 1 lb: Provides rich, savory flavor and a satisfying meaty texture, perfect as a protein base.
- Large eggs, 8: The stars of the dish, they create the creamy, custardy filling that holds everything together.
- Milk, 2 cups: Adds creaminess and lightness to the egg mixture for that tender bake.
- Cubed bread, 6 cups: Acts like a sponge to soak up the egg mixture, ensuring soft, hearty bites throughout.
- Shredded cheese, 1½ cups: Cheddar or mozzarella works beautifully to melt and add gooey richness.
- Mustard powder, 1 tsp: A subtle kick that enhances the overall savoriness without overpowering.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors to perfection.
How to Make Egg Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Prepare the Sausage
Start by browning the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break the sausage into small crumbles so it cooks evenly and quickly. Once browned and cooked through, drain any excess grease to keep your casserole from becoming oily. This step is crucial for layering in that rich, meaty flavor.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined and slightly frothy. This mixture will bake into a silky custard that ties all elements of the casserole together with creamy goodness.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in Your Baking Dish
Grab a roomy baking dish and create layers to build your casserole masterpiece. Start with half of the cubed bread, then sprinkle half the cooked sausage evenly over the bread. Follow this with half of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layers using the remaining bread, sausage, and cheese in the same order. This layering ensures every bite has a perfect balance.
Step 4: Pour the Egg Mixture
Gently pour the whisked egg and milk mixture over the layered ingredients, making sure to cover the bread completely. The bread will soak up the egg custard, allowing the casserole to set nicely while baking.
Step 5: Bake or Refrigerate Overnight
For a straightforward approach, bake the casserole immediately in a preheated oven at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. Alternatively, cover the dish and refrigerate it overnight. Baking it the next morning allows the flavors to meld beautifully and gives you a luxurious, stress-free breakfast ready to pop in the oven.
How to Serve Egg Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a touch of hot sauce can add an exciting twist that complements the savory flavors magnificently.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or a light green salad to balance the richness. For a truly hearty brunch spread, add crispy bacon or roasted potatoes on the side—they make the meal feel complete and extra satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Egg Breakfast Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. Alternatively, cut it into squares and offer as finger food for brunch parties; it’s a great way to share the love and keep the mood casual and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions as needed for quick breakfasts or snacks during the week.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in freezer-safe foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, place portions in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave slices, but the oven method keeps that delightful crust intact while warming evenly.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat instead of sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap sausage for bacon, ham, or even cooked turkey sausage. Each will bring a unique flavor dimension to the casserole while retaining the hearty protein base.
Is it necessary to use cubed bread, or can I use breadcrumbs?
Cubed bread is preferred as it soaks up the egg mixture without turning too dense, giving a lovely texture contrast. Breadcrumbs tend to create a denser, less fluffy casserole.
Can I add vegetables to this Egg Breakfast Casserole Recipe?
Definitely! Spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions can be sautéed and added with the sausage to enhance nutrition and add more complex flavors.
How long can I refrigerate the casserole before baking?
You can safely refrigerate your assembled casserole overnight, up to 24 hours, making it a convenient make-ahead option for busy mornings.
What cheese works best in the recipe?
Cheddar and mozzarella are excellent choices for melting and flavor. You can also experiment with pepper jack for a little spice or Swiss for a nutty note. Just ensure the cheese melts smoothly.
Final Thoughts
This Egg Breakfast Casserole Recipe is truly a breakfast game-changer—full of comforting flavors, easy to customize, and perfect for feeding a crowd or planning ahead. I encourage you to try it out and make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table and starts the day with a big smile.
Print
Egg Breakfast Casserole Recipe
A hearty breakfast casserole made with savory sausage, fluffy eggs, cheese, and bread — the perfect make-ahead dish for holiday mornings or brunch gatherings.
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Base and Cheese
- 6 cups cubed bread
- 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble the breakfast sausage until fully cooked and browned. Drain any excess fat to prevent greasiness in the casserole.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until well combined and slightly frothy to ensure even mixing.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a greased baking dish, layer the cubed bread evenly on the bottom, then spread the cooked sausage over the bread. Sprinkle the shredded cheese atop the sausage layer.
- Add Egg Mixture: Pour the prepared egg mixture evenly over the layered bread, sausage, and cheese ensuring all pieces are moistened.
- Refrigerate or Bake: For best flavor and texture, cover the dish and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak up the egg mixture. When ready, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. Alternatively, bake immediately for the same duration if short on time.
Notes
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight for convenience and enhanced flavor.
- Add spinach, bell peppers, or bacon to customize the casserole and add extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High Protein
