The Ultimate Sausage & Cheddar Breakfast Casserole (Easy Make-Ahead!)

Need a killer sausage breakfast casserole recipe? This easy sausage & cheddar casserole is perfect for brunch or holidays! Make-ahead option included. Get the recipe now!

June 1, 2025
By Sandra.

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wake up craving a proper, comforting brekkie? this sausage breakfast casserole recipe is your answer. it's packed with savory flavors and cheesy goodness.

Honestly, it’s like a full english in one pan!

Brief Overview

This sausage and cheese casserole is a classic american dish. it's perfect for feeding a crowd or a lazy weekend.

This recipe is dead easy and requires minimal effort. the yield is about 8-10 servings.

Main Benefits

This breakfast egg sausage casserole is a great source of protein and carbohydrates. ideal for fueling up before a busy day.

What makes it special? you can prep it the night before. think of the lie-ins!

Sausage, Cheese, and Everything Nice

Hash browns or no hash browns , that is the question! seriously though, this sausage cheese breakfast casserole is amazing.

This recipe is totally adaptable. i've made it a million times. once, i even forgot the cheese ! it was still delish.

You know, i remember one christmas morning. i was supposed to make a smoked sausage breakfast casserole . turns out, i was out of smoked sausage! classic! i used normal breakfast sausage.

It was still a hit. i think people were just too happy to notice!

The Ultimate "Make Ahead Breakfast Hash Brown Casserole" (or Not!)

Listen, the beauty of this best sausage breakfast casserole is how simple it is. the active prep time is only 20 minutes.

You can totally do it the morning of, if you want to.

Or you can get your ducks in a row the night before. assemble this make ahead breakfast hash brown casserole .

Chuck it in the fridge. then bake it first thing in the morning. easy peasy.

Tips and Tricks for Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Perfection

I'm not gonna lie, my first attempt at this was a bit of a disaster. I didn't use day-old bread. Rookie mistake. The sausage hash brown breakfast casserole was a bit soggy.

Top tip : use day-old bread. trust me on this one. you could use french bread or sourdough. don’t skip the chilling time either, it makes a big difference and try to use a ground sausage breakfast casserole to keep an even spread of flavour.

So there you have it, a foolproof sausage breakfast casserole recipe that will get you out of bed on a Sunday and your friends will ask how you did it!

Alright, let’s dive into what you'll need to make this sausage breakfast casserole recipe rock! honestly, it's mostly stuff you probably already have hanging about.

Trust me, this sausage cheese breakfast casserole is worth every single step.

The Ultimate Sausage & Cheddar Breakfast Casserole (Easy Make-Ahead!) Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:50 Mins

Servings:8-10 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454g) breakfast sausage, removed from casings
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 green bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups (473ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (118ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 6 cups (about 8 slices) cubed day-old bread (such as French bread or sourdough), crusts removed (approx. 300g)
• 2 cups (226g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup (28g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
• Add onion, bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
• Spread cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with the sausage and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese.
• Pour the egg custard evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it's submerged in the custard.
• Cover the casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. (This allows the bread to soak up the custard.)
• Remove casserole from the refrigerator (if chilled) and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes while the oven preheats. Uncover and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese (if using).
• Bake in preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
• Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:420

Fat:28g

Fiber:0g

Recipe Info

Category:Breakfast Casserole

Cuisine:American

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Okay, pay attention, angels! We're gonna break down the Sausage Cheese Casserole ingredients, stage by stage. This isn't rocket science, more like a leisurely stroll to Sunday brunch!

• Sausage & Veggie Base:

  • 1 pound ( 454g ) breakfast sausage. Quality sausage makes a difference – go for your favourite brand! I always reckon that local butcher does the best!
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup).
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup).
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup).
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon). Don't skimp on the garlic.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste.

• Custard Power:

  • 8 large eggs. Free-range if you can swing it.
  • 2 cups ( 473ml ) whole milk. Full fat is the way to go.
  • 1/2 cup ( 118ml ) heavy cream. Adds richness – don't be shy.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Adds a bit of tang.
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Just a pinch to boost the flavour.
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. This is my secret ingredient!
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper – again, to taste.

• Cheese & Bread Time:

  • 6 cups (about 8 slices) cubed day-old bread (approx. 300g ). Think French or sourdough.
  • 2 cups ( 226g ) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided. Cheddar needs to be sharp.
  • 1/4 cup ( 28g ) grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping).

Seasoning Notes

Let's talk spice, yeah? These combos make all the difference for this Breakfast Egg Sausage Casserole .

• The Core Four: Salt, pepper, garlic, and nutmeg.
• Flavour Enhancers: Dijon mustard and Parmesan cheese.
• Substitutions: If you're feeling wild, try a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick. I’ve messed around with smoked paprika before, lovely!

Equipment Needed

No need to get fancy, just the basics for this Sausage And Cheese Casserole .

• Large skillet.
• 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Large mixing bowl.
• Whisk.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Household Alternatives: If you don't have a 9x13 dish, a similar sized oven-safe dish will do the trick.

And there you have it, a complete guide to what you need before you get started. if you are looking for a half baked harvest breakfast casserole knock-off you came to the right place.

Remember a best sausage breakfast casserole starts with the best ingredients! now, lets get cooking a magnificent smoked sausage breakfast casserole! it's gonna be banging.

Sausage Breakfast Casserole: Your New Weekend Ritual

Honestly, who doesn't love a sausage breakfast casserole recipe ? it's like a warm hug on a plate. perfect for a lazy sunday or when you've got the whole family round.

I remember making this for my brother's stag do breakfast... what a mess, but the casserole was a lifesaver ! this sausage cheese breakfast casserole version is my go-to.

Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place

First things first, let's get organised. dice your onion and bell peppers. grate that cheddar cheese . this is "mise en place," fancy for "everything in its place.

" get the sausage out of its casing. makes life so much easier. quick tip: use day-old bread. it soaks up the custard better.

Honestly, it's a game changer.

Sausage Sizzle & Veggie Saute

1. Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease that 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Brown the sausage in a skillet. Break it up while it cooks.
3. Add the onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook 'em until soft, about 5- 7 minutes. Drain any extra grease.

Custard Magic & Casserole Assembly

1. Whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. This is your custard base.
2. Spread the cubed bread in the dish. Top with the sausage and veggies.
3. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese . Pour the custard over it all.

Bake It 'Til Golden

Bake for 45- 55 minutes , or until golden brown. i know, patience is a virtue, but trust me, it's worth it.

A knife inserted in the center should come out clean. let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Pro Tips for The Best Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Want to elevate your casserole? use quality sausage . it makes a difference. chilling overnight ? do it! it lets the flavors meld.

To avoid over-browning, tent the dish with foil. if you fancy jazzing it up a little bit use gruyere cheese instead of cheddar for a nuttier flavor, or horseradish mustard for a sharper flavour.

So there you have it. the ultimate sausage and cheese casserole . it’s dead easy and oh-so-delicious! this recipe also works wonders as turkey breakfast casserole , or ground sausage breakfast casserole .

Maybe even try with some hash browns . enjoy!

Alright, let's dive into those extra bits that make a sausage breakfast casserole recipe truly special. Think of these as the bonus tracks on your favorite album.

Recipe Notes: Making the Most of Your Casserole

It's more than just a recipe, right? It's about the experience . Let's chat about some ways to elevate this Sausage Cheese Casserole .

Serving Suggestions: Show It Off!

Presentation is key, innit? Don't just whack it on a plate!

• Plating and Presentation Ideas: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color. Serve individual slices on warmed plates.
• Complementary Sides or Beverages: A light arugula salad cuts through the richness. Mimosas are always a good shout! Or try it alongside a fresh fruit salad , bursting with flavour. Honestly, who can resist a Breakfast Egg Sausage Casserole with a bubbly mimosa?

Storage Tips: Keep the Good Times Rolling

Leftovers? You're in for a treat!

• Refrigeration Guidelines: Store any leftover sausage and cheese casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing Options (if applicable): Freezing works! Cut into individual portions before freezing. It’s the best sausage breakfast casserole to pull out on a busy morning.
• Reheating Instructions: Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through, or microwave in shorter bursts. If it's frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge first.

Variations: Make It Your Own, Yeah?

Fancy a twist? Let's get creative!

• Dietary Adaptations: For a Turkey Breakfast Casserole , swap in turkey sausage. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread. You could even try a Half Baked Harvest Breakfast Casserole inspired twist by adding roasted sweet potatoes.
• Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In autumn, add roasted butternut squash. In spring, asparagus is brilliant! Or throw in some sun-dried tomatoes to your Ground Sausage Breakfast Casserole .

Nutrition Basics: Fuel Up the Right Way

Let's break down what this best breakfast casserole brings to the table.

• Simplified Nutrition Information: It's packed with protein (25g). This is a great way to start the day.
• Key Health Benefits: Protein helps keep you full and energized. Plus, you're getting some dairy (if you're not swapping it out!) and veggies. Think of it as a hearty, nourishing meal.

Honestly, this sausage breakfast casserole recipe is like a warm hug on a plate. whether you go classic or get a bit fancy, it's sure to be a hit.

And hey, if you try any cool variations, let me know! i’d love to hear it.