If you're looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing breakfast that's both simple and satisfying, a Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe is just what you need. It's perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or any day you want an effortless dish that feeds a group with minimal fuss. The combination of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, melty cheese, and optional fresh veggies comes together in a golden, bubbly bake that feels both homey and special.
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Why This Recipe Works
This casserole strikes the perfect balance of textures and flavors while keeping things incredibly approachable. You get the satisfying richness of sausage paired with fluffy eggs and sharp cheese that melts into every bite - all without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Consistent Texture: The eggs bake smoothly around sausage and a light crust forms on top, creating that irresistible mix of soft and slightly crispy.
- Deep, Balanced Flavor: Spices like garlic powder and smoked paprika boost the savory notes without overpowering the dish.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together effortlessly, with optional vegetables that add fresh bursts of color and flavor.
- Fast Prep, Big Payoff: It all comes together in under an hour, making it easy to serve a hearty breakfast any time you want.
Ingredient Game Plan
To get the best results on this Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe, I focus on quality and balance. Fresh eggs and flavorful sausage make all the difference, while the cheese should melt well and complement the richness without being too sharp. I like to add veggies when I want a lighter, fresher edge.
- Breakfast Sausage: Choose a flavorful sausage that you enjoy-Italian or spicy sausage both work wonderfully and give character to the dish.
- Eggs: Use large, fresh eggs to create a silky custard; freshness impacts both texture and flavor.
- Milk: Whole milk enriches the casserole, but you can use 2% if needed for a lighter version.
- Cheese: Cheddar melts beautifully here, but a blend like Monterey Jack or Gouda adds creaminess and depth.
- Bread Cubes (Optional): If you want a more filling casserole, add cubed slightly stale bread for a tender crumb.
- Vegetables (Optional): Bell peppers, spinach, and onions add nice texture and freshness without overshadowing the main flavors.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Cook Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe
Step 1 - Prep & Season
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing your baking dish. I like a 7x11 or 8x11-inch dish for even baking. Next, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles as it browns. Once nicely browned and aromatic, drain any excess fat. This keeps the casserole from getting greasy while preserving all that meaty flavor. Meanwhile, whisk together eggs, milk, and seasonings-salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika-into a smooth mixture. You'll notice it turns slightly frothy, which helps the eggs bake tender.
Step 2 - Build Flavor
Layer your baking dish with cooked sausage first, then add any veggies you want-diced bell peppers, spinach, or onions are my favorites for a pop of color and freshness. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top to ensure every bite has gooey, melty goodness. If you're using bread cubes, sprinkle them as the final layer; they'll soak up egg mixture and bake into the perfect tender topping. Pour your egg mixture slowly and evenly over everything to keep the layers intact.
Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture
Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. I usually start checking around 30 minutes-the edges should turn golden brown and the center will be fully set but still tender. Avoid underbaking to prevent runny eggs, but also don't overbake or the casserole might dry out. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when it's done. Once out, let it rest for about five minutes; you'll find that helps it set further and makes slicing easier.
Pro Moves I Swear By
I've made this casserole countless times, and I learned a few tricks that saved me from past blunders. Keeping the sausage drained avoids a greasy finish, and giving the casserole time to rest lets everything set just right.
- Doneness Cue: Look for golden edges and a set center that jiggles slightly but isn't liquid.
- Temperature Trick: Use an oven thermometer to ensure steady 375°F for perfectly even cooking.
- Make-Ahead Move: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning for convenience.
- Skip This Pitfall: Don't overload with too many veggies-balance is key to keeping the egg custard creamy and the flavors focused.
Serve It Up
Finishing Touches
I love finishing this Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe with a light sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives for a fresh pop of color and flavor. A spoonful of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream also works beautifully if you want a little extra zing or creaminess. The tender eggs and melty cheese provide a rich base that welcomes little finishing extras with open arms.
Great Pairings
You'll enjoy this casserole alongside crisp, fresh fruit or a simple green salad to balance the richness. For crunch, try toasted English muffins or crusty bread. I sometimes serve it with roasted breakfast potatoes seasoned with rosemary and paprika-the combo of soft eggs and crispy potatoes is always a winner.
Easy Plating Wins
For an everyday breakfast, slice the casserole into squares and serve directly from the baking dish with minimal fuss. For a special brunch, plate slices individually and garnish with a few fresh herb sprigs or a wedge of tomato. I find serving it on colorful plates instantly ups the wow factor without adding prep time.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in airtight containers or tightly wrapped foil in the refrigerator. The casserole keeps well for 3 to 4 days, and you'll notice the eggs firm up a bit more over time but still retain their creamy texture. Reheat gently to keep it from drying out.
Freezer Notes
This casserole freezes great. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven to preserve texture. Avoid microwaving from frozen as it can make eggs rubbery.
Reheating Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe Without Drying Out
To reheat, I prefer the oven or air fryer at 325°F-cover loosely with foil and heat until warmed through, about 15 minutes. This method keeps the casserole moist and the cheese melty. If you're short on time, microwave it covered with a damp paper towel on medium power in 30-second bursts, checking often to avoid dryness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Simply omit the sausage and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or tomatoes. You might want to boost the seasoning and cheese for added richness.
You can, but note that the texture may change. Use your favorite milk alternative and egg replacer, and expect a slightly different but still tasty casserole.
Don't overbake, and rest the casserole for a few minutes after baking. Also, keep the sausage drained and consider covering the dish with foil if browning happens too fast.
Yes! Use a larger baking dish and adjust baking time slightly-start checking doneness around 40 minutes. You might want to spread the casserole thinner for more even baking.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe is a brilliant way to start your day or gather around the table with family and friends. It's hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly flexible-allowing you to adapt the layers to whatever you have on hand or whatever mood you're in. I find that once you get the hang of building the layers and timing the bake just right, this dish quickly becomes a go-to, whether for busy mornings or relaxed weekends. Give it a try, and I'm confident it'll earn a regular spot in your breakfast rotation.
PrintComplete Recipe
Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe
A delicious and easy sausage and egg casserole featuring savory sausage, eggs, cheese, and optional vegetables baked to golden perfection. Perfect for breakfast or brunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, or spicy sausage
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or preferred cheese blend
- 2 cups bread cubes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Optional Vegetables
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- ½ cup chopped spinach
- ¼ cup diced onions
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 7x11-inch or 8x11-inch baking dish to prepare it for the casserole.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage while breaking it into small crumbles. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
- Whisk Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until the mixture is fully blended and smooth.
- Assemble Casserole: Evenly spread the cooked sausage, any desired optional vegetables (bell peppers, spinach, onions), and shredded cheese in the greased baking dish. If using, sprinkle the bread cubes evenly on top.
- Pour Egg Mixture: Carefully pour the prepared egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes until the center is fully set and the top has turned golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute the sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Use any cheese blend of your choice such as mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavors.
- Adding vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini can increase the nutritional value.
- If using bread cubes, slightly stale bread works best for texture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives.
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