This easy Breakfast Casserole is the perfect solution for a stress-free morning. It’s a savory, satisfying dish loaded with eggs, sausage, cheese, and bread, all baked together into a golden, delicious meal. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, feeding a hungry family on a weekend, or looking for a simple meal prep idea, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of comforting dish that brings everyone to the table.
What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and convenience. You can assemble it the night before and simply pop it in the oven in the morning. Say goodbye to hectic mornings and hello to a warm, hearty breakfast that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s a fantastic base recipe that you can easily customize to your liking.
Why This is the Best Breakfast Casserole Recipe
In a world of complicated breakfast options, this simple Breakfast Casserole stands out. It’s designed for real life—for busy parents, for holiday hosts, and for anyone who loves a delicious, no-fuss meal. We’ve tested this recipe time and time again to ensure it’s absolutely foolproof.
- Incredibly Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can make this dish perfectly.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This is the ultimate overnight casserole. Prep it the night before for a completely stress-free morning.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The classic combination of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese is always a hit.
- Fully Customizable: Swap the sausage for bacon, add your favorite veggies, or try a different kind of cheese. See our variations section for ideas!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Sausage: One pound of ground pork sausage provides the savory, hearty base.
- Bread: We use about 6 cups of day-old bread, cubed. Sourdough, brioche, or a sturdy white bread works best.
- Eggs: The foundation of any great casserole. You’ll need 8 large eggs.
- Milk & Heavy Cream: A combination of whole milk and heavy cream creates the richest, most custardy texture.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese adds a tangy, melty goodness. We’ll use two cups, divided.
- Seasoning: A simple mix of dry mustard, salt, and black pepper enhances all the flavors.
- Green Onions: Sliced green onions add a mild, fresh bite and a pop of color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this breakfast casserole is as easy as browning, mixing, and baking. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time.
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet, cook the ground sausage over medium-high heat until it’s nicely browned. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once done, drain off any excess grease and set it aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Base
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the bread, followed by 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined and the eggs are completely broken up. Stir in the sliced green onions.
Step 4: Combine and Chill (Optional)
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it soaks up the liquid. At this point, you can cover and refrigerate the casserole for at least 4 hours or overnight. This is the secret to a perfectly set, non-soggy casserole!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the casserole and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown and bubbly. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. For more great morning ideas, check out our easy egg bite cups (coming soon).
Tips for Success
To guarantee the best breakfast casserole every time, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Use Day-Old Bread: Stale, dry bread is more absorbent and will soak up the egg custard without becoming mushy. If you only have fresh bread, you can cube it and bake it at 300°F for 10-15 minutes to dry it out.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the casserole sit overnight (or for at least a few hours) allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a much better texture.
- Bring to Room Temp: If you’re baking it straight from the fridge, let it sit on the counter for about 20-30 minutes while the oven preheats. This helps it bake more evenly.
Variations for Your Breakfast Casserole
This recipe is a fantastic template for your own creations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Different Meats: Try cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, or even chorizo instead of sausage. For a similar dish with a twist, consider our sausage and cheese sheet pan pancakes.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and add 2-3 cups of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, and onions.
- Cheese Swaps: Use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or Colby.
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture or use spicy sausage for a kick. For another convenient breakfast, give our make-ahead breakfast burritos a try.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
This breakfast casserole is perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to store it:
- To Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- To Store Leftovers: Once cooled, cover the baking dish or transfer slices to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: You can reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 60-90 seconds. For larger portions, cover with foil and bake in a 325°F oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be made ahead. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the bread to soak up the custard for the best texture.
Yes, you can use various types of sturdy bread. Sourdough, challah, brioche, or a hearty country white bread are all excellent choices. Avoid standard soft sandwich bread as it may become too soft.
The key to preventing a soggy casserole is using day-old, stale bread, as it’s drier and more absorbent. Also, letting the assembled casserole rest in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or overnight) is crucial for the bread to properly soak up the egg mixture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 60-90 seconds or place larger portions in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 325°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad, yogurt, or a side of crispy hash browns. For a larger brunch, you could also serve it with muffins or pastries.
The Perfect Breakfast Casserole Awaits
This easy, make-ahead Breakfast Casserole is a game-changer for any home cook. It’s a reliable, delicious, and endlessly adaptable recipe that will earn a permanent spot in your breakfast rotation. We hope you love it as much as we do! If you make it, please leave a comment below or share a photo of your creation on Pinterest!
Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Breakfast Casserole: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the ground sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the bread cubes in an even layer in the dish. Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the bread, then top with 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheese.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, dry mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Stir in the sliced green onions.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the casserole and sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of cheese.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Customize It: Feel free to swap the sausage for cooked bacon or add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
