Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole is the perfect dish for a cozy morning or a relaxed brunch. It’s packed with flavorful sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese all baked together in one dish. The combination is comforting and satisfying, making it a go-to when you want something simple yet hearty.
I love making this casserole because it’s so straightforward and comes together quickly. You can mix it up with your favorite cheese or add some veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra goodness. One of my favorite tips is to prepare it the night before—it saves time in the morning and really lets the flavors marry.
Serving this casserole with a side of fresh fruit or some crispy toast makes for a complete, easy meal that everyone seems to enjoy. It’s also great for feeding a crowd, whether it’s family breakfast or a casual get-together. Whenever I make it, I find that everyone asks for seconds, which speaks volumes about how delicious and comforting this simple breakfast bake really is.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: Pork sausage adds great flavor, but turkey sausage is a leaner option. For a spicier twist, try spicy or maple-flavored sausage. Vegetarian sausage crumbles work well too.
Eggs: Eggs are the main binder here, creating a custard-like texture. Using fresh eggs gives the best results, but older eggs will work fine too.
Cheese: Cheddar gives sharpness while mozzarella or Monterey Jack melts smoothly. Feel free to swap cheddar for Colby or Pepper Jack for a little kick.
Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess, but 2% or even half-and-half makes the casserole richer. Non-dairy milk can be used but expect a slight texture change.
Bread: Bread cubes help soak up egg mixture and add texture. Stale bread is perfect, but skip it for a lighter, crustless version. You could try sourdough or whole wheat for extra flavor.
How Do You Get the Perfect, Fluffy Casserole Texture?
The secret is in the egg and milk mixture, combined with proper baking. Here’s how to nail it:
- Whisk eggs and milk thoroughly until smooth – this helps the mixture to bake evenly.
- Don’t overfill your dish; leave a little room at the top to allow the casserole to puff and set.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) to cook gently without drying out; it should be set but still moist in the center.
- Check doneness by inserting a knife in the middle – it should come out mostly clean but not wet.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to firm up before slicing.
Adding bread cubes also helps absorb moisture for a firmer, but still tender texture. From experience, a mix of cheeses adds great flavor and helps with the melty, gooey feel that makes this dish so comforting.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size for even cooking and easy serving.
- Skillet or frying pan – to brown the sausage evenly and drain grease.
- Mixing bowl – for whisking eggs and milk smoothly.
- Whisk – helps blend the eggs and milk for a creamy texture.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep ingredient amounts accurate.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap breakfast sausage for cooked bacon or ham for a smoky twist.
- Add chopped bell peppers or spinach to sneak in some veggies and color.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a mild spicy flavor.
- Stir in some chopped green onions or fresh herbs like chives for extra freshness.
How to Make Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes (for garnish)
Optional Ingredients:
- 1 cup day-old bread, cubed (for texture)
- Butter or cooking spray for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 15 minutes for preparation, including cooking the sausage and mixing the ingredients. Then, it needs about 35 to 45 minutes baking time in the oven. After baking, allow 5 minutes to cool before serving. Overall, plan for just over an hour to make this delicious dish from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Sausage:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Next, cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break it into small pieces as it cooks until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
2. Mix Egg Mixture and Prepare Base:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and optional garlic and onion powders until everything is well combined. If you choose to use bread cubes, lightly toast them, then spread them evenly in the greased baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage over the bread or directly in the dish if you are skipping the bread.
3. Assemble and Bake the Casserole:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and bread base. Then sprinkle both the shredded cheddar and mozzarella (or Monterey Jack) cheeses evenly on top. Add the remaining sausage pieces over the cheese. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the middle and the top is golden brown.
4. Finish and Serve:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle fresh or dried parsley over the top for a nice garnish. Slice the casserole into squares and serve warm. This dish goes wonderfully with fresh fruit, toast, or your favorite breakfast sides.
Can I Use Frozen Sausage Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen sausage, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Cook thoroughly before adding to the casserole.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it with foil, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s still cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to add chopped veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Just sauté them briefly before mixing into the sausage to avoid excess moisture.
