- Prep the casserole the night before to simplify busy mornings and let bread fully hydrate for best texture.
- Brown and drain sausage or bacon thoroughly to prevent excess grease in the bake.
- Use stale or toasted cubed bread and full-fat dairy for a custardy, non-mushy result.
- Sauté high-moisture vegetables first and let assembled dish rest 20 minutes at room temp before baking.
- Customize easily—swap proteins, cheeses, or make vegetarian or southwestern variants to suit any crowd.
I remember the early mornings at my grandmother’s house. The air was always thick with the scent of savory sausage and melting cheese. For me, a hearty breakfast casserole is more than just a meal. It is a tradition that simplifies the most chaotic time of the day. This dish fits perfectly as a quick weeknight meal if you love breakfast for dinner. Furthermore, it is a festive dish that feeds a hungry crowd without keeping you trapped in the kitchen. I have spent years refining this breakfast casserole to ensure it is never soggy and always packed with flavor. It is an honest, delicious start to any day of the week.
Table of contents
Breakfast Casserole Recipe Card
Breakfast Casserole Recipe
8
servings15
minutes45
minutes380
kcalThis cheesy and savory breakfast casserole features a rich egg custard, seasoned sausage, and melted cheddar. It is the perfect make-ahead meal for a stress-free morning.
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Ingredients
1.0 lb Ground Breakfast Sausage
8.0 Large Eggs
2.0 cups Whole Milk
1.0 teaspoon Dry Mustard
0.5 teaspoon Salt
0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper
6.0 cups Bread Cubes (sourdough or brioche)
2.0 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
0.25 cup Fresh Chives, chopped
Directions
- First, cook the ground sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until it is completely browned. Make sure to break it into small crumbles. Drain the excess grease on a paper towel.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. You want the mixture to be smooth and pale yellow.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the bread cubes evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the bread. Layer the shredded cheese on top of the sausage.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture over the entire dish. Use a spatula to gently press the bread down so every piece is soaked. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2.0 hours or overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the casserole uncovered for 45.0 to 50.0 minutes. You will know it is done when the center is set and the top is golden brown. Let it rest for 10.0 minutes, garnish with chives, and serve.
Notes
- Bread Choice: Sourdough adds a lovely tang, while Brioche makes the dish feel more like a bread pudding.
- Testing Doneness: Insert a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, the eggs are set.
- Milk Swap: You can use unsweetened almond milk, but the final texture will be slightly less creamy.
Nutrition Facts
- Fat: 24g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 22g
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The Smart Cook’s Setup
I value my sleep just as much as I value a good meal. That is why this breakfast casserole is designed for the prep-ahead lifestyle. Handling the heavy lifting the night before makes your morning feel like a breeze.
- Brown the Protein: Cook your sausage or bacon and drain the fat thoroughly.
- Bread Selection: Cube your bread and let it sit out for a few hours. Stale bread absorbs the custard better.
- Whisk the Liquid: Mix your eggs, milk, and spices in a jar and keep it in the fridge.
- Fresh Grating: Grate your cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in starch and won’t melt as smoothly.
Why This Savory Pan Wins Every Time
Most versions of this dish fall into the trap of being either too dry or far too oily. This breakfast casserole stands out because of the specific ratio of eggs to dairy. We create a custard-like texture that feels light yet satisfying. We also use thick-cut, slightly stale bread. This acts as a sponge for the savory flavors without losing its structural integrity.
This recipe is incredibly superior because of its customization options. You can easily swap traditional pork sausage for turkey sausage or plant-based crumbles to suit dietary preferences. Similarly, you can use gluten-free bread to make this accessible for everyone. To learn more about the versatile nature of eggs, visit the Incredible Egg Science page. For insights on why a high-protein start is beneficial, you can read about the health benefits of protein-rich breakfasts.
No More Mushy Breakfast Casseroles
Follow these actionable tips to achieve the best results with your breakfast casserole:
- Toast the Bread: If your bread is fresh, toast the cubes in the oven for 5.0 minutes first. This prevents a mushy texture.
- Full-Fat Dairy: Use whole milk or half-and-half. The fat content helps stabilize the eggs during the long bake.
- Sauté the Veggies: Never add raw high-moisture vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. Cook them first to release their water content.
- The Room Temp Secret: Let the chilled dish sit on the counter for 20.0 minutes before putting it in a hot oven. This ensures an even bake.
For safety tips on egg temperatures, refer to the USDA egg safety guidelines.
Flavor Profiles for Every Palate
The base of this breakfast casserole is a blank canvas. Here are some of my favorite ways to change it up.
The Vegetarian Garden Variant
Omit the meat and load the pan with roasted red peppers, sautéed onions, and baby spinach. I love using a tangy feta cheese or a sharp goat cheese for this version. It feels lighter and brings a bright, earthy flavor to the table. This is a great way to use up leftover garden vegetables.
The Southwestern Kick
Add a small can of diced green chiles and swap the cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Before serving, top the warm squares with fresh avocado and a spoonful of salsa. This variant provides a spicy warmth that is perfect for cold winter mornings.
This dish pairs beautifully with my Crispy Homemade Hash Browns for a complete breakfast feast.
Troubleshooting Your Morning Bake
I recommend serving this with light, fresh sides. A simple fruit salad, some Greek yogurt, or even a tray of mini muffins helps balance the richness of the eggs and cheese.
This usually happens if you add raw vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. These release water as they bake. Always sauté your veggies first. It can also happen if the casserole is slightly undercooked.
Yes, this is actually the preferred method. Assembling the dish 8 to 12 hours in advance allows the bread to fully hydrate. This results in a much better texture than baking it immediately.
Ready to Bake Your New Tradition?
Mastering the breakfast casserole is like giving yourself a gift of a stress-free morning. It is an honest, filling, and incredibly versatile dish that never fails to impress. Whether you are hosting a holiday or just trying to survive a Monday, this recipe has your back.
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