Few dishes can evoke warm memories of holiday mornings quite like a breakfast sausage casserole. Whether it’s bubbling in the oven on Christmas morning or served during a cozy weekend brunch, this dish brings together all the classic breakfast flavors—savory sausage, fluffy eggs, toasted bread, and melted cheddar cheese—in one delicious, satisfying bake.
This recipe is more than just food—it’s tradition. Passed down through generations and shared across family tables, this hearty breakfast casserole is known for bringing loved ones together. Easy to prepare the night before and incredibly flavorful, it’s perfect for entertaining guests or simply making your morning routine a little more special.
🌞 Why This Breakfast Sausage Casserole Is a Must-Make
From its rich, comforting texture to its practicality, this casserole is everything you want in a morning meal:
✔️ Make-Ahead Convenience
This recipe is designed for overnight chilling, making it a breeze to bake fresh in the morning with zero prep hassle. Just assemble the night before, refrigerate, and bake when you wake up.
👨👩👧👦 Crowd-Pleasing Comfort
Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining weekend guests, this casserole serves up to 8 generous portions. It’s a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
🔁 Customizable Ingredients
From swapping in different cheeses to using croutons or sourdough bread, this recipe is endlessly adaptable to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
⏰ Cooking Overview
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
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Chill Time: 8 hours (overnight)
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Total Time: 9 hours 50 minutes
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Servings: 8
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes this casserole so rich, savory, and satisfying:
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1 pound ground pork sausage – The heart of the dish, offering bold flavor and protein
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1 teaspoon mustard powder – Adds subtle spice and depth
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½ teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors
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4 large eggs, beaten – The creamy base that holds it all together
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2 cups milk – Helps create that fluffy, custard-like texture
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6 slices white bread, toasted and cubed – Acts as the filler and adds body to the dish
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8 ounces mild cheddar cheese, shredded – Melts into every layer, offering creamy, cheesy goodness
👩🍳 How to Make the Perfect Breakfast Sausage Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
In a medium skillet over medium heat, crumble the pork sausage and cook it until evenly browned. Stir occasionally to break it into small pieces. Once fully cooked, drain off the excess fat and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.
🔥 Pro Tip: Want more flavor? Use sage or spicy sausage instead of mild. You can also mix half pork sausage and half turkey sausage for a leaner version.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mustard powder, salt, beaten eggs, and milk. Stir until the ingredients are fully combined.
Then, gently fold in the cooked sausage, toasted bread cubes, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir just enough to coat all the ingredients without breaking down the bread too much.
💡 Alternate Idea: Try using croutons instead of bread for added crunch and seasoning. Sourdough, brioche, or multigrain bread also work beautifully for extra flavor and texture.
Step 3: Assemble and Refrigerate
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Pour the casserole mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours (overnight is ideal). This step allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a tender, custardy texture once baked.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the casserole, covered, for 45 to 60 minutes. Then, remove the foil, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C), and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes. The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp, while the inside remains soft and fluffy.
Insert a knife in the center—if it comes out clean, your casserole is ready.
Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Let the casserole rest for about 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to settle and makes for easier slicing.
🍽 Serving Suggestions:
Pair your breakfast sausage casserole with:
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Fresh fruit or a fruit salad for brightness
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Orange juice or coffee for the full breakfast experience
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A side of hash browns or roasted potatoes for extra heartiness
🧂 Tips, Tricks, and Variations
This recipe is incredibly forgiving and flexible. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
✅ Cheese Variations
Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, Swiss, Colby, or a blend for different flavor profiles.
✅ Add Veggies
Stir in sautéed onions, spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to boost nutrition and color.
✅ Make It Spicy
Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese for a spicier version.
✅ Make It Vegetarian
Omit the sausage and add extra vegetables or a meat substitute like plant-based crumbles.
❄️ Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or freeze the entire casserole dish. Store up to 2 months.
Reheating:
Reheat slices in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave for 1–2 minutes. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
🔍 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 414
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Total Fat: 29g
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Saturated Fat: 12g
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Cholesterol: 175mg
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Sodium: 932mg
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Carbohydrates: 14g
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Dietary Fiber: 1g
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Sugars: 5g
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Protein: 24g
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Calcium: 314mg
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Iron: 2mg
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Potassium: 359mg
📌 Note: Values are approximate and will vary depending on bread type, sausage brand, and any optional add-ins.
🎄 A Holiday Favorite (and More!)
This casserole has become a Christmas morning tradition in many households, ours included. There’s something so comforting about waking up to the smell of melted cheese and baked sausage while the kids unwrap presents or the family gathers around the table.
But this dish isn’t just for the holidays. It’s also perfect for:
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Easter brunch
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Mother’s Day or Father’s Day breakfasts
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Weekend potlucks
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Make-ahead weekday breakfasts
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Baby showers or bridal brunches
Prepare once, and enjoy multiple mornings of satisfying, no-stress breakfasts.
📖 Related Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy this breakfast sausage casserole, try these other morning favorites:
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Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Bake – Potatoes, eggs, and bacon unite
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Vegetable Breakfast Strata – Packed with spinach, mushrooms, and Gruyère
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Cinnamon French Toast Casserole – A sweet and cozy option
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Overnight Oats with Berries and Almonds – A no-bake healthy alternative
💭 Final Thoughts: Make Mornings Special with a Classic Casserole
Whether it’s the holidays or a weekend at home, this breakfast sausage casserole offers comfort, convenience, and mouthwatering flavor in every bite. With just a little prep the night before, you’ll wake up to a warm, filling dish that sets the tone for a joyful day.
Simple ingredients, easy steps, and nostalgic flavor — this is the kind of meal that creates memories. So gather around the table, serve up generous slices, and savor the tradition with the people you love.
Tried this recipe? We’d love to see your casserole in action! Tag us on Instagram using #SausageCasseroleMagic or #HolidayBreakfastBake, and don’t forget to leave a comment below with your favorite add-ins or serving ideas!