When it comes to feeding a hungry crowd on holiday mornings or hosting weekend brunches, nothing quite compares to our Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole. This reader favorite has quickly become our most-shared breakfast recipe of the season, and it’s easy to see why. With layers of savory sausage, eggs, and a generous helping of melted cheese, it’s the definition of breakfast comfort food.
The Secret to Success
What sets this breakfast casserole apart isn’t just its delicious combination of ingredients – it’s the technique. The key lies in layering the components just right, starting with perfectly cubed bread that soaks up the egg mixture while maintaining its structure. As one reader notes, “The bread doesn’t get soggy like other recipes I’ve tried. Instead, it creates this amazing texture that holds everything together perfectly.”
Perfect for Any Occasion
While this casserole has become a Christmas morning tradition for many families, its versatility makes it suitable for any occasion. “I’ve made this for baby showers, church gatherings, and even just meal prep for busy weeks,” shares one enthusiastic home cook. “It reheats beautifully, and the flavors actually get better the next day.”
Make It Your Own
The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. Our readers have shared countless variations:
“I add sautéed mushrooms and spinach to sneak in some vegetables – my kids don’t even notice!”
“The southwest version with green chiles and pepper jack cheese is now our family’s favorite variation.”
“I make it with Italian sausage and provolone for an Italian twist. It’s incredible!”
Make-Ahead Magic
Perhaps the biggest draw of this casserole is its make-ahead potential. Assemble it the night before, and while you sleep, the flavors meld together beautifully. As one reader notes, “Being able to prep this the night before is a game-changer for holiday mornings. I can actually enjoy coffee with my family instead of being stuck in the kitchen.”
Time-Tested Tips
Through hundreds of reader reviews, we’ve gathered some valuable insights:
- Day-old bread works best, as it better absorbs the egg mixture
- Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded
- Don’t skip the resting time after baking – it helps the casserole set properly
- For extra flavor, try mixing different types of cheese
A Reliable Crowd-Pleaser
Whether you’re hosting overnight guests, contributing to a potluck brunch, or simply want to make breakfast ahead for your family, this Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole delivers consistently delicious results. As one reviewer summed it up: “This recipe has become my secret weapon for entertaining. It’s easy, reliable, and always gets rave reviews.”
With its perfect balance of convenience and comfort, this breakfast casserole has earned its place as a modern classic in kitchens across the country.
Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Base Layer:
- 8 slices bread
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
Egg Mixture:
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Optional Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 8 oz mushrooms sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
Cook the Sausage:
- Brown sausage in a large skillet over medium heat
- Break into small crumbles while cooking
- Drain excess fat and set aside
- If using vegetables, sauté them in the same pan until softened
Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish
- Layer cubed bread evenly in the bottom
- Top with cooked sausage and any optional vegetables
- Sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups of the mixed cheeses
Make the Egg Mixture:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and all seasonings
- Pour mixture evenly over the bread and sausage layers
- Top with remaining cheese
Bake:
- For immediate baking: Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until set
- Cover with foil if top browns too quickly
- Casserole is done when knife inserted in center comes out clean
Make-Ahead Instructions
Overnight Method:- Assemble casserole completely
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap
- Refrigerate overnight (up to 24 hours)
- Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking
- Bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to cooking time
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days
- Individual portions can be reheated in microwave
- Whole casserole can be reheated, covered, at 325°F until warm
Recipe Notes
- Use day-old bread for better texture
- For best results, shred cheese fresh rather than using pre-shredded
- Test doneness by gently shaking the pan – center should be set with slight jiggle
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving
- Can be doubled for larger crowds using two 9×13 pans
Variations
- Italian Style: Use Italian sausage and Italian cheese blend
- Southwest: Add green chiles and use pepper jack cheese
- Meat Lovers: Add crumbled bacon and diced ham
- Vegetarian: Omit sausage and double the vegetables
