Go Back
A close-up shot of the savory egg bake in a baking dish, showing the melted cheese and golden brown top of the breakfast casserole.

Breakfast Casserole: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Recipe

This easy, make-ahead Breakfast Casserole is loaded with savory sausage, eggs, cheese, and bread. It's the perfect foolproof recipe for a holiday brunch, family breakfast, or weekly meal prep. Assemble it overnight for a stress-free morning!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground pork sausage
  • 6 cups day-old bread, cubed approx. 1-inch cubes
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 tsp dry mustard powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup sliced green onions

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch baking dish
  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. Cook the ground sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
  5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the casserole and sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of cheese.
  6. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use Day-Old Bread: Stale bread absorbs the custard better and prevents sogginess.
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.