Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole – Easy Egg Bake Recipe

There’s something truly magical about waking up to the irresistible aroma of a hearty breakfast casserole baking in the oven. The scent of savory sausage mingling with melted cheese and golden eggs creates that cozy, comforting feeling we all crave, especially on chilly mornings or special holiday occasions.

This Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole represents everything I love about easy, satisfying breakfast recipes. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table, whether you’re hosting Christmas morning, having family over for brunch, or simply preparing a convenient make-ahead meal for busy weekday mornings.

Why This Breakfast Casserole Recipe Stands Out

What makes this sausage egg and cheese breakfast casserole truly special is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The hearty breakfast sausage provides that rich, meaty foundation that makes every bite satisfying. When you combine it with the creamy eggs, sharp cheddar cheese, and those wonderful seasonings, you create a symphony of breakfast perfection.

I especially love how versatile this recipe can be. You can easily adapt it to include hash browns for a more traditional breakfast casserole approach, or keep it lower carb by sticking with the basic ingredients. Either way, the result is always delicious and satisfying.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s make sure you have everything you need for this easy egg bake recipe. The ingredient list is beautifully simple, which is part of what makes this breakfast casserole so approachable for both novice and experienced cooks alike.

You’ll need one pound of quality breakfast sausage – I prefer the savory flavor of traditional pork breakfast sausage, but turkey sausage works wonderfully too if you’re looking for a lighter option. The dried minced onion adds that subtle aromatic quality that elevates the overall flavor profile.

For the egg mixture, you’ll need one dozen eggs, three-quarters cup of whole milk for richness and creaminess, along with salt and black pepper for seasoning. Finally, one cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese divided gives you that beautiful cheesy topping and throughout the casserole.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Sausage Base

Begin by browning your breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat. As the sausage cooks, use your spoon or spatula to break it up into smaller pieces. This ensures even cooking and creates that perfect crumbled texture that distributes beautifully throughout the casserole.

As the sausage starts to brown and develop that gorgeous golden color, sprinkle in your dried minced onion. The onion will soften and release its flavors, mingling beautifully with the savory sausage. This step creates the foundation of flavor that makes this breakfast casserole so memorable.

Creating the Perfect Egg Mixture

While your sausage is cooking, crack one dozen eggs into a large mixing bowl. I like to use a whisk to beat the eggs until they’re light and frothy. This incorporates air and ensures your egg bake will have that lovely, light texture rather than being dense or rubbery.

Add the whole milk, salt, and black pepper to your beaten eggs. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined. The milk not only adds richness but also contributes to that creamy texture we all love in a good breakfast casserole. Don’t be shy with the pepper – it adds a wonderful warmth that complements the sausage beautifully.

Assembling Your Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit while you assemble the casserole. This ensures your oven is perfectly heated and ready to go when you’ve finished preparing your dish.

Take your casserole dish and spread about three-quarters of the cooked sausage evenly across the bottom. This creates that wonderful meaty base that makes every bite satisfying. Then, sprinkle half of your grated sharp cheddar cheese over the sausage layer. The cheese will melt into the egg mixture as it bakes, creating pockets of cheesy goodness throughout.

Carefully pour your egg mixture over the sausage and cheese layers. Try to distribute it evenly so every section gets its fair share of the delicious egg base. The liquid will settle around the sausage and cheese, creating that perfect integration of flavors.

The Baking Process

Place your assembled casserole into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are golden brown and the center is nearly set but still has a slight jiggle. This is the perfect stage for adding your final toppings.

After the initial 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and top it with the remaining cheese and the reserved cooked sausage. This double layer of toppings creates that beautiful presentation and adds extra flavor and texture to the finished dish.

Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes. This final baking period allows the cheese to melt perfectly and the sausage to crisp up slightly. The result is a visually stunning breakfast masterpiece that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Variations and Customizations

One of the things I love most about this breakfast casserole recipe is how adaptable it is. If you’re looking to create a hash brown breakfast casserole variation, simply add a layer of thawed hash browns to the bottom of your dish before adding the sausage. This creates that classic breakfast casserole with biscuits and hash browns vibe that so many people adore.

For those who prefer a make ahead breakfast hash brown casserole approach, you can assemble everything the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just add about 10-15 minutes to your baking time since the ingredients will be starting from cold. This overnight breakfast casserole hash brown method is perfect for holiday mornings when you want minimal kitchen time.

Vegetarian friends can easily adapt this by substituting the sausage with sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers. The key is to cook your vegetables until they’re tender and have released their moisture to prevent a watery casserole.

Serving Suggestions

Once your casserole is perfectly baked and the cheese is gloriously melted, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the eggs to set completely and makes cutting into clean squares much easier.

Serve your cheesy sausage breakfast casserole with fresh fruit, toasted English muffins, or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It’s substantial enough to stand on its own but pairs beautifully with lighter sides to create a balanced breakfast or brunch spread.

Why This Recipe Works for Every Occasion

What makes this sausage hash brown breakfast casserole one of the best breakfast casserole recipes in my collection is its versatility. It’s equally perfect for Christmas morning when you want something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, or for busy weekday mornings when you need a nutritious breakfast that can be reheated quickly.

The easy breakfast casserole recipes like this one become family favorites because they’re reliable, delicious, and adaptable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this cheesy sausage creation delivers satisfaction every single time.

I’ve shared this recipe with countless friends and family members over the years, and it’s always met with rave reviews. There’s something about the combination of savory sausage, creamy eggs, and melty cheese that speaks to everyone’s comfort food cravings.

So whether you’re planning a special holiday brunch, looking for easy breakfast casserole recipes to simplify your mornings, or wanting to try your hand at a sausage hash brown breakfast casserole that will become a new family tradition, this recipe is your perfect starting point. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!