There’s nothing quite like waking up to a hot, savory meal that’s ready to go. This easy make-ahead Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate morning comfort food. It solves the dilemma of wanting a hearty, satisfying breakfast without the hassle of cooking first thing. Whether you’re prepping for a busy week, hosting a holiday brunch, or simply treating your family on a lazy weekend, this recipe is your secret weapon. It’s packed with eggs, sausage, and cheese, all layered over hearty bread for a dish that’s both incredibly simple and deeply satisfying.
We designed this recipe to be as flexible as it is delicious. It’s the perfect base for you to customize with your favorite ingredients. Forget complicated steps and long ingredient lists; this is the one breakfast casserole recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Why This is The Only Breakfast Casserole Recipe You Need
This isn’t just another egg bake; it’s a carefully crafted recipe designed for maximum flavor and minimal effort. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and convenience.
- Perfectly Make-Ahead: Assemble it the night before and simply bake it in the morning. It’s a game-changer for Christmas morning or any special gathering.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The classic combination of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
- Completely Customizable: Swap the sausage for bacon, add your favorite veggies, or try different cheeses. We’ll give you plenty of ideas to make it your own.
- No More Soggy Casseroles: Our method ensures the bread soaks up the egg mixture perfectly, creating a custardy texture without becoming soggy. It’s a common problem with many recipes, but we’ve got you covered. For other easy and delicious casserole ideas, check out this amazing Tater Tot Casserole.
Essential Ingredients
The foundation of a great breakfast casserole is using simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need.
Core Components
- Sausage: A one-pound roll of breakfast sausage provides the savory, meaty base. Feel free to use mild or hot, depending on your preference.
- Bread: We recommend using day-old, sturdy bread like French bread or sourdough. It absorbs the egg mixture without falling apart. Even a simple loaf like Amish White Bread works wonderfully.
- Eggs: The star of the show! You’ll need a dozen large eggs to create the rich, custardy filling.
- Milk: Whole milk adds richness and moisture. You can substitute with 2% milk if you prefer.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese provides a tangy, gooey topping. Freshly grated cheese melts best!
- Seasonings: A simple mix of dry mustard powder, salt, and pepper enhances all the flavors.
Optional Add-Ins & Variations
Make this recipe your own! Here are a few tried-and-true variations:
- Vegetarian Delight: Omit the sausage and load it up with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, onions, and bell peppers.
- Different Meats: Try cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, or even chorizo for a spicy kick.
- Cheese Swaps: Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a Mexican cheese blend all work wonderfully.
Step-by-Step Guide to Your Best Ever Breakfast Casserole
Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time. Our goal is to make this the easiest Breakfast Casserole you’ve ever made.
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until it’s browned and crumbled. Drain off any excess grease and set it aside.
- Prepare the Base: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cube your day-old bread and spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the bread, followed by half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese layers. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to ensure it’s soaking up the liquid.
- Chill (The Secret Step!): Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, which is key to a perfect texture.
- Bake to Perfection: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. If you love grab-and-go breakfasts, you might also enjoy these Easy Egg Muffins.
Pro Tips for a Foolproof Casserole
Want to guarantee your breakfast casserole is a showstopper? Here are a few expert tips.
- Use Dry, Stale Bread: Fresh bread is too soft and will lead to a soggy casserole. If your bread is fresh, you can toast the cubes in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to dry them out.
- Don’t Skip the Chill Time: The overnight rest is crucial. It’s what transforms the dish from a simple egg bake into a cohesive, flavorful breakfast casserole.
- Bring to Room Temp Before Baking: For more even cooking, let the casserole sit on the counter for about 20-30 minutes before putting it in the oven.
- Check for Doneness: The casserole is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The internal temperature should be at least 160°F.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
This recipe is designed for convenience. You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat individual slices in the microwave for a quick and easy breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can freeze it either baked or unbaked. For an unbaked casserole, assemble as directed, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking. To freeze a baked casserole, let it cool completely, then wrap it securely and freeze. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be made ahead. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This overnight chill is actually a crucial step for the best texture.
The key to preventing a soggy casserole is using day-old, stale bread. Dry bread absorbs the egg mixture without becoming mushy. If your bread is fresh, simply cube it and toast it lightly in the oven to dry it out before assembling.
The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the center is set. To be sure, insert a knife into the middle of the casserole. If it comes out clean, it’s ready. The internal temperature should be at least 160°F (71°C).
This recipe is very versatile! You can swap the sausage for cooked bacon or ham. For a vegetarian option, use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers. You can also use different cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a Swiss and cheddar blend.
The Perfect Breakfast Casserole Recipe
This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a solution for effortless entertaining and stress-free mornings. It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table.
Breakfast Casserole (The Perfect Easy Make-Ahead Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the breakfast sausage until fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom. Top with the cooked sausage and 1 cup of the shredded cheese.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the casserole and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Tip 2: Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before baking for more even cooking.
Tip 3: Customize with your favorite vegetables like sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
Share Your Creation!
We know you’ll love this easy and delicious Breakfast Casserole. If you make it, we’d be thrilled to see it! Snap a photo and share your masterpiece with us on Pinterest. Your feedback and creations inspire our community of home cooks. Don’t forget to leave a comment below with any questions or variations you tried!
