Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole is a delicious and convenient breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches. This one-dish meal combines flavorful sausage, eggs, cheese, and bread for a hearty, satisfying start to your day. Using chicken or turkey sausage instead of pork makes it lighter and more versatile. It’s simple to prepare, easy to customize, and great for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead.
Why You’ll Love This Sausage and Egg Casserole
You’ll love this casserole because it’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and is packed with protein to keep you full. It’s a family-friendly dish that can be customized with your favorite veggies or cheeses. Plus, it stores well for easy reheating throughout the week. This casserole delivers comforting, savory flavors without any fuss, making breakfast or brunch something everyone looks forward to.
What You’ll Need
To make this Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole, you’ll need just a handful of simple, accessible ingredients:
- 1 pound of chicken or turkey sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread (such as French bread or a sturdy white bread)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend like Monterey Jack and cheddar)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or oregano
- Optional: fresh parsley or chives for garnish
These ingredients create a balanced casserole with protein, carbs, and veggies. Using chicken or turkey sausage keeps it pork-free while still flavorful. The bread soaks up the egg mixture to give a soft, custardy texture, and cheese adds a creamy, melty finish.
How to Make Sausage and Egg Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked (about 7-8 minutes). Remove from heat and drain any excess grease.
- Sauté veggies: In the same skillet, add chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 8 eggs, 2 cups of milk, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Assemble casserole: Spread the bread cubes evenly in the baking dish. Layer cooked sausage and sautéed veggies over the bread. Sprinkle 2 cups shredded cheese on top. Pour the egg mixture evenly over everything, pressing lightly to soak the bread.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
You Must Know
Before you dive into making this Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole, there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time. First, using day-old bread or slightly stale bread is key. Fresh bread can become too soggy once soaked in the egg mixture, which may affect the texture of your casserole. If you only have fresh bread, you can lightly toast it beforehand to help it hold up better during baking.
Next, be mindful of the sausage you choose. Opting for chicken or turkey sausage is not only a great way to avoid pork, but these sausages also tend to have less fat, making the dish lighter. If you prefer more flavor, you can select spicy varieties or add extra seasoning, but keep in mind the salt content since sausages can already be salty.
The balance of egg to milk is also critical. Too much milk can make the casserole runny, while too little can result in a dry texture. Following the measurements carefully helps maintain that perfect custardy consistency.
Finally, allowing the casserole to rest for several minutes after baking is essential. This resting time lets the casserole set fully and makes slicing easier without falling apart. Garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives not only adds color but also a fresh flavor boost.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To perfect your Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole, a few cooking techniques can make all the difference. First, ensure the sausage is thoroughly cooked before assembling the casserole. This step prevents any raw bits and enhances the flavor by allowing the sausage to brown nicely. Don’t skip draining any excess grease from the pan—it keeps the casserole from becoming too oily.
When sautéing onions and peppers, cook them until they’re soft but not mushy. This retains some texture and adds sweetness that balances the savory sausage. Be careful not to overcook the garlic as it can turn bitter.
When pouring the egg mixture over the layered ingredients, gently press the bread down so it absorbs the liquid evenly. This ensures every bite has that creamy, custardy texture without dry spots.
During baking, avoid opening the oven frequently. Opening the door lets out heat, which can affect cooking time and texture. Use the suggested bake time as a guide but always check for doneness by inserting a knife in the center — it should come out clean when the eggs are set.
Finally, after baking, let the casserole rest before serving. This final step solidifies the structure, making clean slices easier and the casserole more visually appealing.
Add Your Touch Sausage and Egg Casserole
One of the best things about this Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole is how easy it is to customize to your own tastes and dietary needs. While the base recipe is delicious on its own, adding your personal flair can make it even more special.
Consider mixing in your favorite vegetables to boost nutrition and flavor. Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or even diced tomatoes work wonderfully and add a fresh element. You can also swap bell peppers for jalapeños if you like a little heat. Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary can add a fragrant touch and elevate the dish.
Cheese lovers can experiment with different types: sharp cheddar gives a classic flavor, while mozzarella melts beautifully for a gooey finish. Pepper jack adds a mild spicy kick, and feta or goat cheese introduces a tangy twist.
If you want to make this casserole vegetarian, simply replace the sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives or hearty veggies like roasted sweet potatoes and mushrooms. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based milk and cheese substitute.
Storing & Reheating
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Storing and reheating your Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole is simple, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers. After baking, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to eat, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. To retain the best texture, avoid overheating which can dry out the eggs.
For longer storage, the casserole freezes well. Slice it into servings and place them in airtight freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Frozen casserole pieces can last up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Chef’s Helpful Tips FOR Sausage and Egg Casserole
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To get the best results, use day-old bread so it absorbs the egg mixture without getting soggy. Cook the sausage fully and drain any fat to avoid greasiness. Don’t overcook the veggies—just soften them for the best texture. Press the bread down gently when pouring the eggs so everything soaks evenly. Finally, let the casserole rest after baking to make slicing easier.
FAQ FOR Sausage and Egg Casserole
Can I use fresh bread?
Yes, but toast it lightly so it doesn’t get mushy.
Can I swap chicken sausage for turkey?
Absolutely! Both work great.
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Is it okay to freeze the casserole?
Yes, slice and freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I add veggies?
Definitely! Spinach, peppers, or mushrooms all work well.
Conclusion
The Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole is a fantastic, crowd-pleasing breakfast that’s both simple to make and packed with flavor. With wholesome ingredients like chicken sausage, eggs, bread, and cheese, it offers a satisfying start to your day while being easy to customize and store. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals ahead, this casserole saves time without sacrificing taste. Give it a try and enjoy a warm, comforting breakfast that everyone will love!
The Best Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole: Simple & Delicious
Description
A quick, hearty casserole with chicken sausage, eggs, cheese, and bread — perfect for breakfast or brunch any day of the week.
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch dish.
Cook sausage until browned; drain excess fat. Sauté onion, peppers, and garlic until soft.
In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and seasoning.
Layer bread cubes, sausage, veggies, and cheese in dish. Pour egg mixture evenly over.
Bake 45-50 minutes until eggs are set and top is golden.
Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use day-old bread or lightly toast fresh bread to prevent sogginess.
Swap sausage type or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms to customize.
Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.