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Kid-Approved Cheesy Breakfast Casserole with Sausage

breakfast casserole with sausage - featured image

A simple, crowd-pleasing breakfast casserole made with breakfast sausage, eggs, milk, bread, and cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy mornings, potlucks, and make-ahead meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb breakfast sausage (Jimmy Dean recommended)
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • 6 cups cubed day-old bread (French, sourdough, or white)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar recommended)
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes. Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan for flavor.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until light and frothy, about 30 seconds. Add milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk until well combined and smooth.
  4. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the bread.
  5. Slowly pour the egg mixture over the bread and sausage, ensuring even distribution. Gently press down on the bread cubes with a spatula to help them absorb the custard. Let sit for 5-10 minutes if time allows.
  6. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  7. Bake for 35-45 minutes, until the center is set (no jiggle) and the top is golden brown and bubbly. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting. Serve warm, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best texture; fresh bread can become mushy. For a make-ahead option, assemble the casserole the night before, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, and add 5-10 minutes to the baking time. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, bake, cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, cheesy breakfast casserole, sausage casserole, make-ahead breakfast, kid-friendly breakfast, easy breakfast recipe