Get a head start on a stress-free morning with an Breakfast Casserole. This crowd-pleaser is built on a foundation of savory sausage and golden hash browns, making it a guaranteed hit for weekend brunch or holiday gatherings. Just assemble the layers the night before and pop it in the oven, filling your kitchen with an inviting aroma while everyone gets ready for the day.
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Your New Favorite Morning Ritual
- Effortless Prep – Most of the work happens the night before, so your morning is wonderfully calm.
- Hearty & Satisfying – This savory casserole with peppers and onions keeps everyone full and happy.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor – It’s a cheesy baked egg dish with bread that appeals to both kids and adults.
- Perfect for Weekends – An ideal, fluffy oven-baked breakfast dish for a leisurely brunch.
Gathering Your Ingredients for a Cozy Bake
For the base
- Unsalted Butter – Just enough to grease your baking dish and add a touch of richness.
- Bulk Breakfast Sausage – Go for a good-quality sausage; it’s the star here.
- Yellow Onion – Finely dice it for even distribution and sweet flavor.
- Red Bell Pepper – Adds a pop of color and a subtle sweetness.
For the custard
- Eggs – Use fresh, large eggs for the best texture.
- Whole Milk – Whole milk keeps the custard creamy and rich.
- Kosher Salt – Essential for balancing all the flavors.
- Black Pepper – Freshly ground is best for that warm, aromatic kick.
- Dry Mustard Powder – A secret ingredient that adds depth and complexity.
For layering
- Day-Old Bread – Stale bread works perfectly here—it soaks up the custard beautifully.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Shred it yourself for the best melt and flavor, and divide it for layers and topping.
Understanding Your Time in the Kitchen
I know how precious weekend mornings are, so I promise this Breakfast Casserole won’t have you chained to the stove. You’ll spend about 25 peaceful minutes getting everything prepped and layered, a perfect little kitchen task with a cup of coffee in hand.
Then, the oven takes over for about 55 minutes, giving you plenty of time to set the table or simply relax. In just over an hour total, you’ll have a hot, hearty morning bake with cheddar ready to share. It’s the kind of slow, mindful cooking that feels grounding, perfect for a weekend brunch casserole that brings everyone together. If you love recipes that do the work for you, you might also enjoy my Sheet Pan Frittata for another easy morning option.
Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 pound bulk breakfast sausage
- 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper finely diced
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread about ½-inch pieces
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- spatula
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with the 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 pound of bulk breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a spoon until it is browned and no longer pink, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the skillet.
- Add the finely diced yellow onion and red bell pepper to the skillet with the drippings. Sauté over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 8 large eggs, 2 cups of whole milk, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dry mustard powder until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform.
- Spread the 6 cups of cubed bread evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetable mixture. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Slowly and evenly pour the egg mixture over the contents in the baking dish, ensuring all the bread is moistened. Gently press down on the top with a spatula to help the bread absorb the liquid. Let the dish stand for 10 minutes so the bread can soak up the custard.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, the center is fully set (doesn’t jiggle when shaken), and the top is a deep golden brown.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set for clean cuts.
Nutrition
Notes
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Thoughtful Tweaks for Every Table
I love that cooking should be inclusive, and this Easy Breakfast Casserole is wonderfully adaptable. For my friends who are sugar-conscious or managing their blood sugar, there are simple swaps you can make. Using a high-quality sausage with no added sugar is a great first step for a more diabetic-friendly meal.
For an even lighter take, you could use a lower-fat milk and reduce the cheese slightly, focusing on the savory flavors from the vegetables and herbs. Portion control is also a fantastic, friendly tip for glycemic control—a satisfying square of this casserole alongside a fresh green salad makes a perfectly balanced plate.
My Pro-Tips for Your Perfect Casserole
After making this Sausage Breakfast Casserole more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few little tricks that make all the difference. It’s these small touches that turn a good dish into a great one.
- For deeper flavor, try browning the sausage well—those little crispy bits are pure gold. If you’re a fan of cheesy dishes, explore the variations in my Cheesy Baked Eggs for more inspiration.
- For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free bread cubes—they’ll soak up the custard just as nicely.
- To prevent a soggy bottom, make sure you give the bread a good 10 minutes to absorb the egg mixture before baking; patience is key!
- For best leftovers, reheat slices in a toaster oven or air fryer to bring back that wonderful crispy top. It reheats beautifully, just like my Potato Squash Casserole.
A Look at the Goodness Inside
This hearty Breakfast Casserole isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with nourishing ingredients to start your day right. The eggs provide high-quality protein, while the vegetables add fiber and vitamins. For a deeper dive into cooking techniques for similar dishes, the New York Times Breakfast Casserole Guide is a fantastic resource.
Choosing a quality sausage and whole milk gives you sustained energy. This baked egg and sausage brunch bake is a balanced way to feed a crowd. For another protein-packed breakfast idea, check out my Breakfast Tacos.
A Lighter Version of This Family Favorite
If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, this recipe is very forgiving. You can easily use turkey sausage or even a plant-based alternative for a leaner protein. Swap the whole milk for 2% or even unsweetened almond milk, and you’ll still get a wonderfully fluffy oven-baked breakfast dish.
Feel free to load up on extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms for more volume and nutrients. It’s all about making it work for your family, much like the adaptable nature of my Chicken Casserole or Green Bean Casserole.
Gathering Everyone Around the Table
This Breakfast Casserole always brings me back to slow Sunday mornings when my kids were little. The smell of it baking would drift upstairs, and by the time they wandered down, the table would be set and coffee would be poured. It’s a memory I cherish.
I love serving this cheesy breakfast casserole right from the dish at the table, family-style. It pairs beautifully with a simple fruit salad or crispy potatoes. For a true brunch spread, it goes wonderfully with my Sweet Potato Casserole for a sweet and savory combo, or a fresh Caprese Frittata for those who want a lighter option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid Together
Even the simplest recipes have their pitfalls, but don’t worry—I’ve learned from my own mistakes so you don’t have to! The most common issue is not letting the bread soak long enough. If you rush the 10-minute resting time, you might end up with dry spots in your Breakfast Casserole.
Another misstep is overbaking. You want the center to be set, but not rock solid. The casserole will continue to cook a bit as it rests. Also, using fresh, soft bread can lead to a mushy texture; day-old bread is truly best for the perfect consistency. For more tips on getting casseroles just right, my Thanksgiving Casserole post has great advice. And if you’re curious about other classic recipes, you might wonder, What is an Amish breakfast casserole?—it often features similar simple, hearty ingredients.
Making Your Breakfast Last All Week
One of the best things about this Breakfast Casserole is how well it keeps. It reminds me of my grandmother, who was a master at “cooking once, eating twice.” She’d always make an extra pan to have on hand for busy mornings.
Let the casserole cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individual portions for a quick future meal. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to keep the top crispy. For another great make-ahead meal, my Meatball Casserole and Hamburger Green Bean Casserole are family favorites that freeze beautifully.
I Hope You’ll Try This Recipe and Share the Love
I truly hope this Breakfast Casserole becomes a cherished recipe in your home, just as it is in mine. There’s something so special about a meal that gathers everyone around the table with minimal fuss. If you do make it, I’d love to hear about it!
For more cozy family meals, I invite you to explore other recipes on the site, like the hearty Cowboy Casserole, the elegant Squash Casserole, or the ever-popular Sweet Potato Frittata. Happy cooking, and may your home be filled with the wonderful smell of good food and good company.
More Cozy Casserole Ideas for Your Table
If you loved this easy bake, you’ll adore these other comforting dishes that are perfect for any night of the week.
Chicken Casserole – A creamy, classic comfort food that’s always a hit with the family.
Meatball Casserole – Hearty and satisfying, with tender meatballs in a rich sauce.
Green Bean Casserole – A timeless side dish, especially perfect for holiday gatherings.
Squash Casserole – A sweet and savory Southern classic that celebrates seasonal produce.
Answers to Your Breakfast Casserole Questions
What is an Amish breakfast casserole?
An Amish breakfast casserole is a classic, hearty dish known for its simplicity and use of pantry staples. It typically features a base of eggs, cheese, and a starchy ingredient like bread or hash browns, often with ham or sausage. Like this recipe, it’s designed to be a comforting, filling meal perfect for feeding a crowd.
What is Jackie Kennedy’s casserole?
While there are many recipes attributed to various public figures, a specific “Jackie Kennedy’s casserole” isn’t a widely documented classic. However, she was known for entertaining with elegance. A sophisticated take on a breakfast casserole, perhaps with finer ingredients like Gruyère cheese and fresh herbs, would fit that style beautifully.
Why is it called John Wayne casserole?
The John Wayne casserole is a distinct recipe named after the famous actor, known for its robust, Southwestern flavors. It’s quite different from a classic breakfast casserole, as it usually features a biscuit crust, ground beef, peppers, onions, and tomatoes, topped with cheese—a truly hearty, man-sized meal reminiscent of the Duke himself.
What is Trisha Yearwood’s breakfast casserole recipe?
Trisha Yearwood’s popular breakfast casserole recipe is a beloved Southern-style dish. It often includes layers of bread, sausage, cheese, and a egg-milk custard, similar to the foundations of this recipe. Her version is celebrated for its down-home, family-friendly appeal, much like the comforting meals she’s known for. For another classic casserole, you might enjoy my Thanksgiving Casserole.
