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A Make-Ahead Brunch Favorite for Holidays, Houseguests, and Hungry Mornings
If you’re hosting brunch, feeding a crowd, or just want a stress-free morning, this classic sausage and egg breakfast casserole has you covered. It’s hearty, comforting, and comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
This bake features savory sausage, fluffy eggs, melty cheese, and cubes of bread all soaked in a creamy custard. Whether it’s a holiday morning or a busy weekend, this casserole delivers warm, homey flavors—and you can prep the whole thing the night before.
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for flavor depth)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups cubed French bread or sourdough (day-old preferred)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Butter or cooking spray (for greasing dish)
Instructions
1. Brown the sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until fully browned and crumbled, about 8–10 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the egg mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Assemble the casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the dish. Top with the cooked sausage and sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top.
4. Pour the custard
Slowly pour the egg mixture over the bread, sausage, and cheese. Gently press down with a spatula to ensure all bread cubes are soaking in the liquid.
5. Chill (optional)
For best results, cover the dish with foil and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to soak in and creates a fluffier texture. If short on time, let it sit for at least 30 minutes before baking.
6. Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from the fridge while the oven heats. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set (no liquid jiggle when you shake the pan). If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil.
7. Cool and serve
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish, and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy: Use hot breakfast sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture.
- Cheese swap: Try shredded pepper jack, Swiss, or a cheddar blend for a flavor twist.
- Veg it up: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the layers.
- No Dijon? Leave it out, but it adds a subtle tang that enhances the egg custard.
Nutrition Overview
This sausage and egg breakfast casserole may taste indulgent, but it’s also packed with satisfying protein and important nutrients—making it a smart choice for feeding a crowd. Here’s why:
- High in Protein: With sausage, eggs, and cheese as the main ingredients, each serving provides a hefty dose of protein—ideal for keeping you full and energized throughout the morning.
- Balanced Carbs: The bread base delivers just enough carbohydrates to give the dish structure and texture, while also helping balance out the richness of the sausage and cheese.
- Calcium Boost: Thanks to the cheese and milk, you’ll get a good serving of calcium in each slice, which supports bone health.
- Customizable for Your Diet: Want to lighten it up? Use reduced-fat cheese, lean turkey sausage, or swap in plant-based milk. You can also add fiber and vitamins by mixing in vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving (1 of 8 servings):
Approximate values will vary based on brand and specific ingredients used.
- Calories: 330
- Protein: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Calcium: 15% DV
This breakfast casserole strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and nutritional fuel—especially when paired with fresh fruit or a side salad for brunch.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerator: After baking, this casserole will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven.
- Freezer: Wrap cooled slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat at 350°F until warmed through.
- Make-Ahead Tip: This dish is ideal for prepping the night before and baking fresh in the morning—perfect for holidays, brunches, or early game days.
How to Scale This Recipe for a Larger Crowd
Hosting a big family brunch or feeding a holiday crowd? This breakfast casserole is incredibly easy to scale up—and you can even bake it in batches ahead of time. Here’s how:
Double It (16–20 servings):
- Use 2 (9×13-inch) baking dishes
- Simply double all ingredients and prepare two casseroles side by side
- You can bake them together on the middle and lower racks, just rotate halfway through for even cooking
- Add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if both dishes are in the oven at once
Use a Sheet Pan for Extra Volume:
- A deep half-sheet pan (roughly 13×18 inches) can hold about 1.5x to 2x the original recipe
- Be sure it has at least a 2-inch rim to contain the egg mixture
- Check for doneness by inserting a knife in the center—it should come out clean
Make-Ahead Tip for a Crowd:
- Prep everything the night before, cover tightly with foil, and store in the fridge
- If you’re baking multiple pans, pull them out 30 minutes before baking to bring them closer to room temperature
- Label each dish if you’re doing variations (like vegetarian or gluten-free)
Suggested Portion Sizes:
- A 9×13 dish comfortably serves 8–10 people
- For 20 guests, prepare 2 pans
- For 30 guests, aim for 3 pans or 2 sheet pans
FAQ
Can I use different bread?
Yes! Day-old French bread, sourdough, or even a mix of rolls and sandwich bread will work. Just avoid very soft or thin-sliced breads—they may get mushy.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese. Be sure to check that your bread and sausage are dairy-free as well.
Does it reheat well?
It reheats beautifully! Just cover it with foil to retain moisture and pop it in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This classic sausage and egg breakfast casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish—easy to prep, even easier to love. It’s one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to, whether for a lazy Sunday morning or a holiday brunch.
Ready to serve up warm, cheesy comfort? Save or print this recipe and make it your go-to breakfast favorite.
Looking for more easy make-ahead breakfast ideas to feed your family or wow your brunch guests? This breakfast casserole recipe is just one of 12 crowd-pleasing make-ahead breakfast casseroles featured in our full roundup.
From cheesy sausage bakes to sweet French toast casseroles, each recipe is designed to be prepped ahead and baked fresh in the morning—perfect for holidays, weekends, or meal prep.
Browse all 12 make-ahead breakfast casseroles here:
https://divahomeinspiration.com/12-make-ahead-breakfast-casseroles-to-feed-a-crowd/
