Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole

According to a recent survey, 61% of busy families say breakfast is the most stressful meal of the day — and 3 out of 4 rely on cold cereal or grab-and-go snacks just to get by. But what if there were a way to enjoy a hearty, homemade breakfast without the morning chaos?

The answer lies in one surprisingly simple dish: Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole. This warm, protein-packed recipe comes together in minutes, bakes while you handle your morning routine, and feeds the entire family. Whether you’re prepping for a lazy weekend brunch or batch cooking for the week, this recipe delivers convenience without compromising on taste.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need for the perfect Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole:

• 1 pound ground pork sausage (mild or spicy)
• 6 slices of day-old white bread, cubed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
• 8 large eggs
• 2½ cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• Cooking spray or butter for greasing

Pro Tip: For added flavor or dietary needs, swap cheddar with mozzarella or feta, replace the bread with croissants, or add diced bell peppers, spinach, or onions for a veggie boost.

Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Compared to the average breakfast casserole, which can take over 75 minutes including prep and cooling, this one saves you almost 30% in time — without skimping on flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage until fully cooked and crumbly. Drain excess grease.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom.

Step 3: Layer Ingredients

Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the bread layer, then top with shredded cheese.

Step 4: Mix the Custard

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and ground mustard. Pour the mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish.

Step 5: Chill and Soak

Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate overnight or at least for 4 hours. This allows the bread to absorb the custard fully, giving it that perfect texture.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Nutritional Information

Each serving (based on 8 servings total) provides approximately:

• Calories: 330
• Protein: 21g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 1g

This recipe is high in protein and low in sugar, making it an ideal choice for those following a balanced or low-carb lifestyle.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

For a lighter twist on the classic, consider these healthy substitutions:

• Use turkey sausage or plant-based meat alternatives
• Replace whole milk with unsweetened almond, oat, or skim milk
• Swap cheddar cheese for a lower-fat variety
• Use gluten-free bread if needed
• Add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or kale to boost fiber and nutrients

These changes maintain the comfort-food essence of the dish while aligning better with dietary goals.

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of this Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole is its versatility. Serve it with:

• A fresh fruit salad for balance
• Toast or biscuits for a southern-style breakfast
• Hash browns or roasted potatoes for added heartiness
• A fresh green salad if serving it for brunch or dinner

Hosting guests? Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for color and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistakes can ruin the texture and taste of your casserole. Here are common pitfalls and how to dodge them:

• Skipping the soak: Don’t skip the refrigeration step — the bread needs time to absorb the egg mixture.
• Overbaking: This can dry out the casserole. Bake just until the center is set.
• Using raw veggies: Always pre-cook watery vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to avoid sogginess.
• Not seasoning: The ground mustard and salt are essential for flavor — don’t leave them out!

Storing Tips for the Recipe

One of the best things about this dish is how well it stores:

• In the fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• In the freezer: Freeze the baked casserole (whole or in portions) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave, or place the whole dish back in the oven at 300°F until heated through.

You can also prep and freeze the uncooked casserole ahead of time, making it a true lifesaver for busy weeks.

Conclusion

With only 10 minutes of prep and a golden, fluffy result every time, the Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole proves that a homemade breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s customizable, freezer-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and packed with flavor.

Try it for your next brunch, weekend meal prep, or holiday breakfast — and see just how easy mornings can be. Don’t forget to share your spin on the recipe in the comments or check out more family-friendly ideas in our breakfast section.

FAQs

Can I bake this right away without chilling it?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly looser. Letting it rest in the fridge helps the custard set better.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use plant-based milk and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

What’s the best bread to use?
Stale bread works best — white, French, brioche, or even croissants all give different flavors.

Can I add hot sauce or spices?
Definitely! Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or jalapeños if you like it spicy.

How do I double the recipe?
Double the ingredients and use two baking dishes, or one extra-deep dish. Add 10–15 minutes to the baking time.

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