Classic Sausage & Egg Breakfast Casserole: Say Goodbye to Boring Breakfast Casserole!

Picture this: it’s Sunday morning, the sun’s barely up, and you want something hearty that feeds a crowd—without turning your kitchen into a disaster zone. That’s when I whip out my secret weapon: this **Classic Sausage & Egg Breakfast Casserole**. Whether you’re hunting for Breakfast Ideas For A Crowd or simply craving a cozy, savory breakfast, this dish delivers every time. I first made it on a lazy weekend for my family, and let’s just say, it vanished faster than I could pour my coffee.

If you’re browsing through Breakfast Casserole Recipes, you’ve probably seen a dozen variations—some loaded with veggies, others starring cheese, and a few with a sneaky dash of hot sauce (FYI, I’m all for that). But this one strikes the perfect balance: meaty sausage, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheddar nestled on a bed of cubed bread. It works as a Breakfast Casserole Make Ahead hero (hello, Breakfast Casserole Overnight magic), and it’s simple enough for even the sleepiest mornings.

Ever wondered why casseroles have that cult following? IMO, it’s the ease of prep and the freedom to customize. Feel like channeling your inner brunch goddess? Add spinach for a Healthy Breakfast Casserole. Need something kid-friendly? Swap the sausage for bacon or ham. Want an Easy Breakfast Casserole With Hashbrowns? Toss in frozen spuds. The possibilities are endless, and the cleanup is minimal—because who wants to wash a million pans at 6 AM?

Ingredients

• 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, your call)
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 cups cubed day-old bread (French or Italian loaf works great)
• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Trust me, non-stick spray is your friend here.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned. Break it up with a spatula so you don’t end up with giant meat chunks.
3. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the veggies soften. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Meanwhile, whisk together the eggs and milk in a large bowl. **Pro tip:** a splash of heavy cream makes it extra rich, but milk works just fine.
5. Layer half of the cubed bread in the baking dish. Sprinkle half of the sausage-veggie mix and half of the shredded cheese on top.
6. Repeat the layers: bread cubes, sausage mixture, then cheese. Pour the egg-milk mixture evenly over everything, pressing gently so the bread soaks it all up.
7. Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate if you’re doing a Breakfast Casserole Overnight (highly recommended for a true Brunch Casserole hero).
8. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until the top turns golden and the eggs set.
9. Let it rest for 5 minutes—because nobody wants molten lava cheese in their mouth. Garnish with parsley and slice into squares.
10. Serve hot and watch the compliments roll in. Trust me, you’ll be the hero of your Brunch Potluck or family breakfast!

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few fun twists on this classic:

• Veggie Lover’s Dream: Swap sausage for a medley of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and cherry tomatoes. Perfect for a Healthy Breakfast Casserole.
• Tortilla Quiche Bake: Replace bread cubes with torn flour tortillas. Suddenly, you’ve got a Tex-Mex vibe—no one will suspect you of cheating on your standard Omlet Breakfast Ideas.
• Hashbrown Upgrade: Layer a bag of frozen hashbrowns at the bottom for an Overnight Breakfast Casserole With Hashbrowns twist that’ll rival any Easy Tater Tot Casserole.

Serving & Tips

Serving Ideas: Pair your casserole with fresh fruit, a side of salsa, or a simple mixed greens salad. If you’re feeling fancy, whip up a batch of avocado toast on the side—because avo toast is life, right?

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or pop them in a 350 °F oven for about 10 minutes.

Seasonal Touch: In the fall, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or swap cheddar for pepper jack. During the holidays, toss in diced leftover ham and a handful of cranberries for a festive spin. Cozy season, meet cozy casserole.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this casserole feels like a warm hug in food form. I’ve served it at sleepy weekend breakfasts, busy holiday brunches, and yes, even as a late-night snack (no judgment). It ticks all the boxes: easy, customizable, and crowd-pleasing. If you’ve ever sworn off casseroles for being bland or boring, this one will change your mind—promise.

So next time you need Easy Breakfast Ideas or a fail-safe dish for your Breakfast Ideas Casserole lineup, give this sausage & egg classic a whirl. You’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner 🙂

FAQs

Can I make this breakfast casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it in the morning—voilà, a perfect Breakfast Casserole Make Ahead solution.

How long will leftovers last?

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight before reheating.

Can I use different meats?

Definitely. Swap sausage for bacon, ham, chorizo, or even crumbled turkey sausage for a leaner option. Each protein gives a unique flavor twist.

Is this casserole healthy?

In its classic form, it’s hearty comfort food—think of it as an occasional treat. To lighten it up, use turkey sausage, skim milk, and load up on veggies for a more Healthy Breakfast Casserole.

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