Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole is a hearty and simple dish that combines savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese all baked together into one delicious meal. It’s perfect for busy mornings when you want something comforting but don’t have a lot of time to fuss in the kitchen. The sausage adds a nice spice and texture while the eggs hold everything together in a warm, satisfying way.
I love making this casserole for weekend breakfasts or brunches because it’s super easy to prepare ahead of time. I usually mix everything in a big bowl the night before and then pop it in the oven in the morning. It’s also great because you can customize it with your favorite cheese or add in veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms if you want, but it tastes fantastic just as is.
When it’s done baking, I like to serve it with some fresh fruit or a simple green salad on the side to lighten things up. It’s one of those recipes that always gets compliments because it’s warm, filling, and full of flavor without a lot of effort. Plus, leftovers reheat well, so it’s a perfect make-ahead option for busy days.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: This is the heart of the dish, giving it a nice savory flavor. If you want a leaner option, try turkey sausage or chicken sausage instead. For a vegetarian version, crumbled plant-based sausage works well too.
Eggs: Use large eggs for the best texture and binding. They create that fluffy, custard-like base that holds the casserole together. If dairy-free, swap milk for almond or oat milk.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds a creamy, sharp taste. You can substitute with mozzarella for a milder flavor or pepper jack for some spice. For lactose intolerance, try dairy-free cheese blends.
Hash Browns or Bread (Optional): These ingredients add texture and make the casserole more filling. Frozen hash browns are convenient, but day-old bread cubes work great too. Skip this if you want a lower-carb meal.
How Do You Get the Sausage and Eggs to Cook Evenly in the Casserole?
Even cooking is key to a perfect casserole. Here’s what I do:
- Cook the sausage first: Browning it ensures it’s flavorful and fully cooked, so no surprises later.
- Mix eggs and milk well: Whisking until smooth helps the eggs cook evenly and results in a light, creamy texture.
- Layer thoughtfully: Spread hash browns or bread first (if using), then sausage and cheese, and finally pour the egg mixture on top to soak through.
- Don’t overfill your dish: To avoid spills and uneven cooking, leave about half an inch of space at the top.
- Bake uncovered: This helps the top get golden and slightly crispy, giving a nice contrast to the creamy inside.
Once baked, let it rest for a few minutes so it sets perfectly for easy slicing. This method gives you a casserole that’s tender inside with just the right amount of browning on top.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch casserole dish – perfect size to bake the casserole evenly and hold all the ingredients without spilling.
- Large skillet – you’ll brown the sausage here, which builds great flavor and texture.
- Mixing bowl – use this to whisk eggs, milk, and spices smoothly together.
- Whisk – helps blend the eggs and milk fully for a creamy, uniform texture.
- Spatula – great for spreading ingredients evenly and pressing the egg mixture into the dish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap breakfast sausage for spicy chorizo or Italian sausage to add a bold twist to the flavor.
- Add diced bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms for a boost of color and extra veggies.
- Use pepper jack or mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar for a milder or creamier taste.
- Stir in fresh chopped herbs like chives or basil after baking to brighten the flavor.
Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, crumbled
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley or fresh chopped parsley for garnish
- 4 cups frozen hash browns or cubed bread (optional for extra texture)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 35-40 minutes to bake. After baking, allow 5 minutes to cool before serving. So plan for roughly an hour from start to table, making it a quick and easy breakfast or brunch option.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Sausage:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the crumbled sausage until it’s browned and cooked through. Break it into small pieces as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
2. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using) until smooth and fully combined.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
If you want extra texture, spread the frozen hash browns or cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the casserole dish. Next, layer the cooked sausage evenly over that base (or directly in the casserole if skipping hash browns/bread). Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sausage. Then gently pour the egg mixture over all the layers, pressing down lightly with a spatula to help the eggs soak through evenly.
4. Bake and Serve:
Bake the casserole uncovered in your preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. It’s ready when the eggs are set, the top is golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley. Cut into squares and serve warm, ideally alongside fresh fruit or a light green salad.
Can I Use Frozen Sausage in This Casserole?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the sausage before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Cook it thoroughly to avoid any cold spots in the casserole.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. It also freezes well—just thaw overnight before reheating.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to stir in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or onions when mixing the eggs for a veggie boost. Just sauté any raw veggies beforehand to avoid extra moisture.
