Name: Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound sausage (breakfast, Italian, or spicy); 6 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or preferred cheese blend; 2 cups bread cubes (optional); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ cup diced bell peppers (optional); ½ cup chopped spinach (optional); ¼ cup diced onions (optional)

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 10 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, crowd-pleasing breakfast that doesn’t require you to hover over a stove at the crack of dawn, the Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole is your new best friend. This dish is a glorious symphony of tender sausage, fluffy eggs, rich cheese, and your favorite add-ins, layered together and baked to perfection. Whether you’re serving family brunch, fueling up before a busy day, or just treating yourself on a weekend, this casserole is everything you love about breakfast rolled into one cozy, convenient dish.

Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about the Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole is how straightforward yet satisfying the ingredients are. Each component brings just the right texture, flavor, and color to make every bite exciting. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

1 pound sausage: Choose breakfast, Italian, or spicy sausage—this is where the casserole gets its savory backbone, so pick your favorite!
6 large eggs: The base that holds it all together, giving that signature fluffy texture.
1 cup milk: Adds creaminess and lightness, making the eggs luscious instead of dense.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and offers sharp, melty goodness in every bite. Try other cheese blends if you feel adventurous!
2 cups bread cubes (optional): Adds heartiness and soaks up the egg mixture, especially lovely if you have leftover bread to use up.
½ teaspoon salt: Essential for waking up all the flavors.
½ teaspoon black pepper: For just the right touch of warmth and depth.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a subtle aromatic boost, tying everything together.
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika: Offers a gentle smoky note and a pop of color—this tiny detail goes a long way!
½ cup diced bell peppers (optional): Adds color, crunch, and natural sweetness.
½ cup chopped spinach (optional): Sneak in some greens for freshness and contrast.
¼ cup diced onions (optional): Sauté these first for mellow, sweet flavor if you’re feeling fancy.

How to Make Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Before you dive in, go ahead and set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give your baking dish a quick greasing with butter or nonstick spray; it not only prevents sticking but also adds a touch of flavor and makes cleanup easier later. Prepping your pan first means there’s no pause in your flow once things get moving.

Step 2: Prepare the Sausage

Grab your favorite skillet and brown the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. You want nicely crumbled pieces for that perfect bite in every slice. When the sausage is fully cooked and browned, drain off any extra grease—this keeps the casserole flavorful but not too heavy. Set the cooked sausage aside while you move on to the eggs.

Step 3: Mix the Egg Mixture

In a big bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Give it a good whisk so the eggs and spices are fully blended. This step is where the magic starts, setting up that signature fluffy, custardy base the Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole is known for.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

In your greased baking dish, begin with a layer of cooked sausage, then scatter any veggies you’re using—think peppers, spinach, and onions for extra color and flavor. Sprinkle the cheese all over, then top with bread cubes if you want an extra hearty casserole. Finally, pour your egg mixture slowly and evenly over the whole thing, making sure it soaks into every nook and cranny.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the assembled casserole into the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for the center to be set and the top gorgeously golden brown. It should feel firm (not jiggly) if you give the dish a gentle shake. Trust me, the aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once it’s done, let the Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole cool for about 5 minutes. This little rest allows everything to firm up, making it easier to slice into neat squares. Serve it warm, and watch those happy smiles appear!

How to Serve Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole

Garnishes

Add some sparkle to your casserole with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or even green onions. A dash of extra shredded cheese right out of the oven will melt into the golden top for extra decadence. A swirl of hot sauce or salsa on top is a welcome kick for spice lovers.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with crispy hash browns, a fresh fruit salad, or simple buttered toast. For a holiday brunch, serve with a leafy green salad and a side of roasted tomatoes to round things out and keep the meal light but satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking mini Easy Sausage and Egg Casseroles in muffin tins for individual servings, perfect for brunch buffets or meal prep. You can also layer the cooked casserole into warm tortillas for breakfast burritos, or sandwich a square between toasted English muffins for a grab-and-go breakfast sandwich the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover leftover casserole tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more irresistible the next morning!

Freezing

The Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole is a superstar when it comes to freezing. After baking and cooling, slice into portions, wrap individually, and freeze for up to two months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge for best results when ready to reheat.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave slices for one to two minutes until warmed through, or place in a low oven (about 300°F) covered with foil for 15 minutes. This keeps the casserole moist and fluffy, without drying out the eggs or cheese.

FAQs

Can I make the Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole the night before?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed. It’s a game changer for holiday mornings or when you want to sleep in.

Does this recipe work without bread?

Yes, the bread is totally optional. Leaving it out gives you a lighter, more traditional egg bake. If you want something heartier or need to use up stale bread, toss it in for extra substance.

Can I use different kinds of cheese?

Definitely! Cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Swiss, pepper jack, or a blend. Each type brings its own personality; just use what you love or already have in your fridge.

What other veggies can I add?

This casserole is endlessly customizable. Try mushrooms, tomatoes, kale, jalapeños, or even cooked broccoli. Just remember to sauté moisture-rich veggies first to prevent the casserole from getting watery.

Is the Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole gluten-free?

As long as you skip the optional bread or use a gluten-free bread, this dish works beautifully for gluten-free diets. Always check your sausage to make sure there are no hidden gluten ingredients, just to be safe!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a breakfast or brunch staple that’s both comforting and adaptable, the Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole truly ticks every box. It’s the ultimate make-ahead meal for busy families, special occasions, or just treating yourself on a slow morning. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why everyone keeps coming back for more!