Print

Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole with Sausage: Best Recipe

breakfast casserole with sausage - featured image
Print Recipe

This easy make-ahead breakfast casserole with sausage is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for brunch, holiday mornings, or potlucks. It comes together in under 15 minutes of active prep time and uses simple ingredients like eggs, milk, bread, cheese, and sausage.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound breakfast sausage
  • 8 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 6 cups cubed bread (about half a loaf of French bread or sourdough, day-old preferred)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar recommended)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the sausage (about 8 minutes). Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breakfast sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if more than a tablespoon or two. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the bread. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes. If bread is fresh, toast cubes in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to dry them out. If using day-old bread, skip toasting.
  3. Whisk the egg mixture. In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Whisk vigorously until smooth and slightly frothy, about 1 minute.
  4. Layer the casserole. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage over the bread, followed by half of the shredded cheese. Repeat with remaining bread, sausage, and cheese. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the entire dish, making sure to get the edges. Gently press down with a spatula to help the bread absorb the liquid.
  5. Let it rest (optional but recommended). If making ahead, cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. If baking right away, let sit on the counter for 15 minutes while the oven preheats.
  6. Bake. Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove plastic wrap (if refrigerated) and cover dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until top is golden brown and center is set (a knife inserted into the center comes out clean).
  7. Rest before serving. Let casserole sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes before cutting. Sprinkle with chopped green onions if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

For best results, use day-old bread to avoid sogginess. If the top browns too quickly but the center isn’t set, tent with foil for remaining baking time. Let the casserole rest before cutting for cleaner slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, make-ahead breakfast, sausage casserole, brunch recipe, easy breakfast, egg casserole, holiday breakfast

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/easy-make-ahead-breakfast-casserole-with-sausage-best-recipe/