Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser

This hearty, make-ahead casserole is perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or feeding a crowd. It’s savory, cheesy, and endlessly customizable.

🍳 Classic Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients:

The Base:

• 1 lb (450g) breakfast sausage (mild or hot), casings removed if needed

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced (optional)

• 8 large eggs

• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)

• 1 tsp dry mustard powder

• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste, sausage may be salty)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

The Bread & Cheese:

• 6 cups cubed bread (French, sourdough, or brioche, day-old is best)

• 2 cups (8 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 cup (4 oz) shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese

• Optional garnish: Sliced green onions, chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Brown Sausage & Veggies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Add onion and bell pepper (if using) and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Drain excess grease.

2. Assemble in Dish: Spread the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked sausage mixture over the bread. Top with both cheeses, reserving a small handful for the top if desired.

3. Make the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, mustard powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne until well combined.

4. Combine & Soak: Slowly and evenly pour the egg mixture over the entire casserole. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure all bread is submerged. Sprinkle with reserved cheese.

5. Chill (Optional but Recommended): Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight (for up to 12 hours). This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard.

6. Bake: Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, until the center is fully set (no jiggle) and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.

7. Rest & Serve: Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with green onions or parsley.

💡 Key Success Tips:

• Use Stale Bread: Day-old bread absorbs the custard better without becoming mushy.

• Don’t Skip the Soak: The chilling step is crucial for a cohesive, non-soggy texture.

• Check for Doneness: If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the remainder of baking.

• Customize It: See variations below!

🔄 Popular Variations:

1. Make-Ahead & Freezer Instructions

• Refrigerate: Assemble completely (through step 4), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

• Freeze: Assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed (may need extra 5-10 minutes).

2. Ingredient Swaps

• Meat: Substitute sausage with cooked bacon, ham, ground turkey, or chorizo.

• Bread: Use hash browns (thawed & squeezed dry) or croissants instead of bread.

• Vegetables: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach (squeezed dry), or sun-dried tomatoes.

• Cheese: Try Gouda, pepper Jack, Swiss, or feta.

3. Dietary Tweaks

• Gluten-Free: Use GF bread or hash browns.

• Lower-Carb: Replace bread with 4 cups of cooked, riced cauliflower (squeezed very dry).

• Lighter: Use turkey sausage, low-fat cheese, and egg whites or a mix of whole eggs and egg whites.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side of fresh fruit, a green salad, or roasted potatoes.

• Top with hot sauce, salsa, sour cream, or avocado.

• Perfect for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving morning, or potlucks.

This casserole is forgiving, feeds many, and always earns rave reviews. Once you master the base recipe, you can create your own signature version!