A sausage breakfast casserole is the perfect make-ahead dish for busy mornings, family gatherings, or holiday brunches. It combines savory sausage, fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and a hearty base of bread or hashbrowns into a warm, comforting meal.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- How to make a classic sausage breakfast casserole step by step
- Variations for low-carb, keto, and gluten-free diets
- The best cheeses to use for a perfect melt
- Storage, reheating, and freezing tips
- Answers to common FAQs
Before we dive into the recipe, if you’re a fan of casseroles, you might also love this Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole, which swaps out the bread for crispy potatoes.
What is a Sausage Breakfast Casserole?
A sausage breakfast casserole is a baked dish that layers sausage, eggs, cheese, and a carb base like bread, hashbrowns, or biscuits. It’s a staple at brunches because:
- It can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning.
- It’s versatile—you can customize it with different meats, veggies, or cheeses.
- It’s easy to make in large batches for family and guests.
If you’re looking for more easy breakfast ideas, try this French Toast Casserole, which offers a sweet twist on a traditional morning dish.
Ingredients for the Best Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Main Ingredients:
- Sausage: Pork, turkey, or spicy sausage
- Eggs: The foundation of the custard base
- Milk: Adds creaminess and structure
- Cheese: Cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss
- Carbs: Bread cubes, hashbrowns, or biscuits
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, mustard powder
Optional Add-Ins:
- Vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach
- Extra Protein: Bacon, ham, or turkey sausage
- Spices: Garlic powder, paprika, or red pepper flakes
For another savory breakfast option, check out Breakfast Quiche, which also incorporates eggs, cheese, and a flaky crust.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Prepare the Sausage
- In a pan, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned.
- Drain excess grease and set aside.
2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs (8 large)
- Milk (2 cups)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Mustard powder (½ teaspoon) for extra flavor
3: Assemble the Casserole
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the bread cubes or hashbrowns at the bottom.
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly.
- Pour the egg mixture over everything.
- Top with shredded cheese.
4: Refrigerate (Optional for Overnight Prep)
- Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
5: Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 45-60 minutes, covered.
- Remove the cover and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
If you’re interested in more one-pan breakfast recipes, this Breakfast Burrito Guide offers another great make-ahead morning meal.
Variations of Sausage Breakfast Casserole
1. Keto & Low-Carb Version
- Swap bread for cauliflower rice or extra eggs.
- Use heavy cream instead of milk.
2. Hashbrown Casserole Version
- Replace bread with shredded hashbrowns for a crispy texture.
3. Biscuits & Gravy Style
- Use biscuit dough instead of bread.
- Pour sausage gravy on top before baking.
4. Tex-Mex Style
- Add jalapeños, salsa, and pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
Best Sides to Serve with Sausage Breakfast Casserole
A sausage breakfast casserole is filling on its own, but pairing it with lighter sides makes for a balanced meal.
Perfect Side Dishes:
- Fresh Fruit Salad – Adds a refreshing contrast.
- Yogurt with Granola – A light, protein-packed side.
- Avocado Toast – A creamy, nutrient-rich addition.
For another sweet breakfast option, consider making Banana Pancakes, which pairs well with this casserole.
Storage & Reheating Tips
How to Store Leftovers:
- In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- In the freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Best Reheating Methods:
- Oven: Bake at 325°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 5 minutes for a crispy top.
Creative Ways to Repurpose Leftover Sausage Breakfast Casserole
If you have leftovers from your sausage breakfast casserole, don’t let them go to waste! Here are creative ways to transform them into new and exciting meals.
1. Breakfast Sandwiches 🥪
- Slice the casserole into squares.
- Place between toasted English muffins, bagels, or croissants.
- Add extra cheese, avocado, or crispy bacon for a gourmet touch.
Looking for other hearty breakfast sandwich ideas? Check out this Grilled Chicken Sandwich Guide for inspiration!
2. Breakfast Tacos 🌮
- Chop the casserole into small pieces.
- Warm up corn or flour tortillas.
- Top with salsa, shredded cheese, avocado, and hot sauce.
For more taco variations, you might love these Chicken Tacos, which are perfect for any meal of the day!
3. Casserole-Stuffed Bell Peppers 🌶️
- Cut bell peppers in half and remove seeds.
- Fill them with leftover casserole pieces.
- Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until the peppers soften.
Want more stuffed pepper inspiration? Try these Ground Turkey Recipes for a healthier twist!
4. Crispy Breakfast Hash 🥔
- Dice the leftover casserole into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté in a skillet with butter or olive oil.
- Add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Serve with a fried egg on top for extra richness!
For more crispy potato ideas, you’ll love these Viral Smashed Potatoes—they make a great side for any meal!
5. Breakfast Casserole Wraps 🌯
- Chop the casserole into strips.
- Roll it into a large tortilla with shredded cheese and salsa.
- Toast in a pan or panini press for a crispy finish.
Looking for more wrap-friendly breakfast ideas? Try these Breakfast Burritos for another easy-to-go meal option!
6. Casserole-Stuffed Croissants 🥐
- Slice a flaky croissant in half.
- Stuff with warm casserole filling.
- Add cheese, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
If you love flaky, buttery pastries, check out this Apple Puff Pastry Recipe for a sweet alternative!
Final Thoughts on Repurposing Leftovers
A sausage breakfast casserole isn’t just a delicious make-ahead meal—it’s also a great base for other creative dishes. Whether you turn it into tacos, sandwiches, or breakfast hash, there are endless ways to enjoy it!
Which leftover idea are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments! 😊
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Sausage Breakfast Casserole
1. Can I Make Sausage Breakfast Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! One of the best things about this dish is that it’s make-ahead friendly. Simply assemble the ingredients in a baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. The flavors blend together beautifully, resulting in a richer taste when baked the next morning.
For more meal prep breakfast ideas, check out these make-ahead breakfast recipes from the Egg Nutrition Center.
2. What’s the Best Cheese to Use?
The best cheeses for this dish are ones that melt well and add flavor. Here are some of the top options:
- Cheddar – Bold, sharp taste
- Mozzarella – Creamy, stretchy texture
- Swiss – Nutty and mild
- Pepper Jack – Spicy kick
If you’d like to learn more about different cheese varieties and their melting properties, visit Cheese.com, a great resource for cheese lovers.
3. Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While pork sausage is the traditional choice, you can substitute other proteins:
- Turkey sausage – Lower in fat
- Chicken sausage – Mild flavor
- Bacon or ham – Adds smokiness
For more healthy protein alternatives, check out Ground Turkey Recipes for inspiration.
4. How Can I Prevent My Casserole from Being Watery?
A watery casserole is often caused by excess moisture from ingredients. Here’s how to fix it:
- Drain cooked sausage to remove grease.
- Use day-old bread instead of fresh bread.
- Pre-cook watery vegetables like mushrooms or tomatoes.
For a science-backed guide on how different ingredients affect moisture levels in cooking, visit Serious Eats.
5. Can I Freeze Sausage Breakfast Casserole?
Yes! This casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Here’s how:
- Freeze before baking – Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready, thaw overnight and bake as directed.
- Freeze after baking – Cut into portions, wrap in foil, and store in freezer bags. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
For more freezing and food storage tips, check out USDA Freezing Guidelines.
6. Can I Make This in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! A slow cooker is a great way to make this dish with minimal effort. Simply:
- Grease the slow cooker.
- Layer the ingredients as you would in a baking dish.
- Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
For more slow cooker breakfast ideas, check out AllRecipes.
7. What Can I Serve with Sausage Breakfast Casserole?
This dish is hearty on its own, but you can serve it with lighter sides for a complete meal:
- Fresh fruit salad 🍓🍊
- Greek yogurt with honey and granola 🥣
- Avocado toast 🥑
If you’re looking for more easy breakfast sides, try these Greek Yogurt Recipes for healthy pairings.
8. What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?
To keep your casserole tasting fresh, use these reheating methods:
- Oven: 325°F for 15-20 minutes
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals
- Air Fryer: 350°F for 5 minutes
Want to upgrade your breakfast leftovers? Check out these One-Pan Meals for creative ways to repurpose meals.
Final Thoughts
A sausage breakfast casserole is a crowd-pleasing, make-ahead meal perfect for any occasion. Try it for your next brunch, holiday breakfast, or meal prep and enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness!
Looking for more easy breakfast ideas? Try these Breakfast Muffins for another delicious morning option.
Let me know in the comments what variation you’ll be trying next! 🚀