This easy sausage breakfast casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re planning a holiday breakfast, a weekend brunch, or simply looking for a make-ahead meal, this casserole delivers a savory and cheesy flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time makes it a convenient option for busy mornings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
- Great for Meal Prep: Stores and reheats beautifully for a ready-to-go breakfast all week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground breakfast sausage
- Eggs
- Milk
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend works well)
- Bread cubes or hash browns
- Salt and pepper
- Optional toppings: green onions, diced bell peppers, or hot sauce
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ground sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease.
- If using bread cubes, spread them evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. If using hash browns, arrange them in a single layer.
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the bread cubes or hash browns, followed by the shredded cheese.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the sausage and cheese.
- Add optional toppings like diced bell peppers or green onions if desired.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the casserole is set and golden on top. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and spinach.
- Cheese Options: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile.
- Bread Alternatives: Use croissants, bagels, or gluten-free bread for a twist.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or use spicy sausage for extra heat.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming.
FAQs
1. Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Yes, turkey sausage works well as a lighter alternative.
2. Can I assemble this casserole the night before?
Absolutely. Prepare it up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
3. What’s the best bread to use?
Day-old bread works best as it holds up well to the egg mixture.
4. Can I use pre-cooked hash browns?
Yes, pre-cooked hash browns save time and add a crispy texture.
5. Can I make this casserole without cheese?
Yes, but you may want to increase the eggs slightly for extra binding.
6. How do I know when the casserole is done?
The center should be set and a knife inserted should come out clean.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time as needed.
8. What side dishes go well with this casserole?
Serve with a fresh fruit salad, muffins, or yogurt for a complete breakfast.
9. How do I keep the casserole from becoming soggy?
Avoid overloading with wet ingredients and ensure bread or hash browns are evenly layered.
10. Can I add bacon to this recipe?
Yes, cooked and crumbled bacon makes an excellent addition.
Conclusion
This easy sausage breakfast casserole is a versatile, make-ahead dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this casserole offers hearty, comforting flavors that everyone will love. Customize it to suit your preferences and enjoy a stress-free breakfast or brunch!
PrintEasy Sausage Breakfast Casserole
This hearty breakfast casserole combines savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese over a base of crescent roll dough. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1 (8-ounce) package crescent roll dough
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, sealing any perforations to form a solid sheet.
- Add Sausage: Evenly distribute the cooked sausage over the dough.
- Mix Eggs: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the egg mixture over the sausage and dough. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the crust is golden brown.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm.
Notes
- Feel free to add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed in the morning.