If you’re searching for a comforting, hearty start to your morning, look no further than this beloved Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe. It brings together savory sausage, melty Swiss and Cheddar cheeses, and the simple goodness of bread soaked in a rich, flavorful egg mixture. This dish not only fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma but also creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding family or guests. The blend of textures—from the crisp edges to the creamy custard center—makes this casserole an instant crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly wonderful about this Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are—each playing an essential role in layering the flavors and textures. From the savory sausage that adds depth, to the cheeses that bring creamy, gooey comfort, every component works together beautifully to create a memorable dish.
- 1 lb sausage: Use your favorite ground sausage, either spicy or mild, for that hearty, meaty base.
- 6 slices white sandwich bread, torn into pieces: Acts as the backbone of the casserole, soaking up all the delicious egg mixture to create a soft, custardy texture.
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese: Adds a subtle nuttiness and creamy melt that complements the cheddar perfectly.
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and richness for a well-rounded cheesy flavor.
- 1½ cups milk: Helps create the custard that binds everything together, making the casserole wonderfully moist.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard: A tiny kick of tang that deepens the flavor without overpowering.
- 3 large eggs: Essential for that soft, fluffy texture that gives the casserole its breakfast casserole charm.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth, elevating the overall flavor profile.
- ¼ tsp salt: Carefully balanced to enhance all the other flavors.
- ¼ tsp pepper: A subtle hint of spice to wake up your taste buds.
How to Make Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Cook the Sausage
Start by lightly spraying an 11×7-inch or 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray to ensure your casserole won’t stick during baking. Then, cook your sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s no longer pink, making sure to crumble it as it cooks. Once done, drain the excess grease so your dish won’t be too oily, leaving behind perfectly seasoned sausage pieces ready to layer.
Step 2: Layer the Bread, Sausage, and Cheese
Arrange the torn pieces of white bread evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking pan—this layer soaks up all the flavors and the luscious egg custard later on. Next, sprinkle the cooked sausage in an even layer over the bread, followed by an even mix of shredded Swiss and Cheddar cheeses. This combination ensures every bite is a delightful harmony of creaminess and melty cheese goodness.
Step 3: Whisk and Pour the Egg Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until fully combined and smooth. This luscious custard is the magic binder for the casserole, infusing it with flavor and moisture. Pour this mixture evenly over the sausage and cheese layers, soaking the bread and allowing all the ingredients to come together in every bite.
Step 4: Refrigerate and Bake
Cover your casserole and refrigerate it for 8 to 24 hours. This step allows the bread to absorb the custard fully and the flavors to develop overnight, making it perfect for prepping ahead. When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 350ºF and bake the casserole uncovered for 55 to 65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and the middle is set, with the delicious aroma filling your kitchen.
How to Serve Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up this rich casserole, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives just before serving. A dollop of sour cream or a scattering of sliced green onions adds a fresh, tangy contrast that pairs wonderfully with the cheese and sausage flavors.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands well on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad for a light balance, fresh fruit salad to add a sweet freshness, or roasted breakfast potatoes for a full, hearty brunch spread that satisfies every craving.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch at your next breakfast gathering. You can also add a fried or poached egg on top for extra indulgence or accompany the dish with warm, crusty bread for dipping into the custardy goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld further as it rests, so leftovers often taste just as amazing, if not better, the next day.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this casserole well in advance, it freezes beautifully. Assemble it completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual for a convenient breakfast solution on busy mornings.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or place the entire casserole in a 350ºF oven, covered, until warmed through. To maintain the best texture, avoid overheating, which can dry out the custard.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Whether you prefer spicy Italian, mild breakfast sausage, or even turkey sausage, this recipe is versatile and will still turn out delicious with your choice.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, swap out the Swiss and Cheddar cheeses for your favorite dairy-free alternatives and use a plant-based milk to keep the creamy texture without dairy. The flavors will be slightly different but still enjoyable.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or onions can be sautéed with the sausage or added in layers for added color, nutrition, and flavor.
What do I do if I don’t have Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, a small amount of yellow mustard or mustard powder works as a substitute. For Worcestershire sauce, a splash of soy sauce or even a bit of balsamic vinegar can provide a similar umami boost.
How long can the casserole be refrigerated before baking?
You can refrigerate the assembled casserole for anywhere between 8 to 24 hours before baking, which makes it great for overnight prep.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to give this Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe a try soon. It’s the kind of dish that brings warmth to your table and becomes a beloved staple for weekend brunches or holiday mornings alike. With its comforting layers and rich flavors, it’s easy to see why it’s a favorite in so many homes. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes + 8-24 hours refrigeration
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and delicious Sausage Breakfast Casserole perfect for a make-ahead breakfast or brunch. Featuring cooked sausage, layers of torn white bread, Swiss and Cheddar cheeses, all soaked in a flavorful custard mixture baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Sausage and Bread
- 1 lb sausage
- 6 slices white sandwich bread, torn into pieces
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Custard Mixture
- 1½ cups milk
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Prepare baking pan: Lightly spray an 11×7-inch or 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set the pan aside for later use.
- Cook sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until it is no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Assemble layers: Arrange the torn pieces of white sandwich bread in a single even layer in the prepared baking pan. Top this layer evenly with the cooked sausage, then sprinkle the shredded Swiss and Cheddar cheeses over the sausage layer.
- Mix custard: In a bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until fully combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the sausage and cheese layers in the baking pan, allowing the liquid to soak through the bread.
- Refrigerate: Cover the assembled casserole tightly and refrigerate for 8 to 24 hours. This resting time allows the bread to absorb the custard and flavors to meld for a better texture and taste.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Uncover the casserole and bake it in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set when gently shaken. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old bread that is slightly stale so it soaks the custard without becoming too mushy.
- You can swap out the white bread for whole wheat or another bread of your choice for added texture and flavor.
- Feel free to add vegetables like diced bell peppers or onions to the sausage while cooking for extra nutrition and taste.
- Make sure to drain the cooked sausage well to prevent the casserole from being greasy.
- This casserole can be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning for convenience.
- To reheat leftovers, cover with foil and warm in a 350ºF oven until heated through.
