Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole
Table of Contents
A quick and easy breakfast that’s both delicious and filling is a game-changer for those busy mornings. Enter the Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole—a crowd-pleasing dish that combines savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese all baked into one perfect meal. Whether you’re feeding the whole family or just looking for a no-fuss option for brunch, this casserole is a great choice. It’s a flexible recipe too, allowing you to add veggies or switch up the cheese for variety. Ready to dig in? Let’s break down why this casserole should be at the top of your breakfast list.
Ingredients for Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole
The Core Ingredients
When making a Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole, you don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients. In fact, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. At its core, this dish requires just a few basic ingredients: ground breakfast sausage, eggs, and cheese. These three staples are all you need for a delicious, comforting casserole.
- Sausage: I recommend using ground breakfast sausage, which has the right flavor and texture for this dish. You can use pork sausage or try a turkey or chicken version for a lighter alternative. The sausage adds savory, rich flavor to the eggs, and when cooked, it breaks into small crumbles that pair perfectly with the fluffy eggs.
- Eggs: You’ll need extra-large eggs to create that light, airy texture. The eggs serve as the base for this casserole, holding everything together and offering a soft, creamy consistency.
- Cheese: For this casserole, I use shredded cheddar cheese, but feel free to mix it up! You can go with a Colby Jack blend, a spicy Pepper Jack, or even a cheesy Italian blend. Cheese is the final touch that melts into a golden, gooey topping, making every bite extra satisfying.
Optional Add-ins and Variations
Although the base recipe is simple, you can personalize your Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole with a few add-ins. Want a kick? Try adding diced jalapeños or chopped onions for extra flavor. If you love veggies, sauté some bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach and mix them into the casserole. You can also add cream cheese or sour cream for a creamier texture if you’re looking for something a little richer. The beauty of this dish is that it’s completely customizable, depending on your taste!
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Sausage and Egg Casserole
Preparing the Sausage
Before you even think about mixing the eggs, you need to get your sausage cooking. First, heat a frying pan over medium-low heat and cook your ground sausage until it’s browned and crumbly. It will take about 8-10 minutes, and you’ll want to break it up into small pieces with a spatula as it cooks. Once it’s done, set the sausage aside to cool slightly. If you’re using a fatty sausage, you may want to drain any excess grease. The sausage is the star of this dish, so be sure to cook it thoroughly and allow the pieces to get a little crispy for extra flavor.
Preparing the Egg Mixture
While the sausage is cooking, grab a large mixing bowl and start whisking your eggs. You’ll need about 6 extra-large eggs for this Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole, but if you prefer a fluffier casserole, you can add a few extra eggs. To make the eggs rich and smooth, add in heavy cream, along with salt and pepper. The Dijon mustard in this mixture is a secret ingredient—it adds a slight tang that makes the dish even more delicious. Whisk until the egg mixture is smooth, and then stir in ¼ cup of your shredded cheese.
Assembling the Casserole
Now comes the fun part—assembling everything in your casserole dish! Start by spraying an 8×8 glass baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Pour in the egg mixture, then add the cooked sausage on top. Use a spoon to evenly distribute the sausage throughout the casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of shredded cheese over the top for that melty, golden finish.
Baking and Serving
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place your casserole dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 23-25 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. You can check for doneness by gently shaking the dish—if the middle isn’t jiggly, you’re good to go! Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting it into squares. Serve warm, and enjoy the easy, cheesy goodness of your Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole!
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Sausage and Egg Casserole
Adjusting Recipe Quantities
One of the greatest things about the Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole is its versatility. Need to feed a crowd? Simply double the recipe! Use a 9×13 glass baking dish instead of an 8×8, and adjust the cooking time slightly. You’ll want to bake it for 5-10 minutes longer, keeping an eye on the casserole to ensure it’s fully set and golden on top. If you’re scaling down, feel free to cut the recipe in half for a smaller family breakfast or meal prep.
Customizing for Dietary Needs
Whether you’re dealing with allergies or specific preferences, this casserole is adaptable to almost any dietary need. Want to go dairy-free? No problem! Omit the cheese and substitute the heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. For a gluten-free option, simply skip the bread (if you decide to add any) and ensure your sausage is gluten-free.
You can also spice up your casserole by using spicy sausage or adding jalapeños for some heat. Or, if you prefer a vegetarian version, swap out the sausage for a meat-free alternative like veggie sausage or tofu crumbles. The options are endless!
Making It Ahead of Time
This casserole is a dream when it comes to meal prep. You can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven while you enjoy your coffee. It’s a great option for busy weekdays or lazy weekends, and you can even serve it as a savory brunch dish at your next get-together.
Print
Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe
- Total Time: PT40M
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole is a simple, hearty breakfast perfect for busy mornings or casual brunch gatherings. Made with savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and gooey melted cheese, it’s packed with protein and flavor. The recipe is customizable with vegetables and spice variations and can be made ahead for meal prep or holiday breakfasts.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound ground breakfast sausage
- 6 extra-large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook ground sausage in a skillet over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes, breaking it into small pieces until browned. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Stir 1/4 cup of the shredded cheese into the egg mixture.
- Spray an 8×8 glass baking dish with non-stick spray, then pour in the egg mixture.
- Evenly distribute the cooked sausage over the top, then sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 23-25 minutes or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
- You can make this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight before baking.
- Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- Use spicy sausage or jalapeños if you prefer a kick.
- Substitute turkey or veggie sausage for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: PT15M
- Cook Time: PT25M
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 382mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.04g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 148mg
Keywords: Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole, breakfast casserole, sausage egg bake, gluten free breakfast, make ahead brunch, low carb breakfast, savory egg dish
FAQs
Can I make this casserole without sausage?
Yes! If you prefer not to use sausage, you can replace it with another protein, like bacon, turkey sausage, or even tofu crumbles for a vegetarian option. The eggs and cheese will still provide a creamy, delicious base for the casserole.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheating leftovers is easy and quick! You can reheat slices of your Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or pop it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, until heated through. Leftovers stay fresh for a few days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Can I freeze the casserole for later?
Absolutely! If you have leftovers or want to make the casserole ahead of time, you can freeze it. Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual. It’s a great way to enjoy a quick breakfast without the hassle of cooking every morning!
How do I prevent my casserole from being too dry?
To keep your Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole moist and fluffy, avoid overbaking it. Check it at the 23-minute mark, and if the center is no longer jiggly, it’s done! You can also add a little more cream or cheese for extra moisture. The key is to not overcook it, so it stays soft and juicy.
For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe article on easy breakfast casseroles for other quick and tasty options that your family will love!
Creative Variations of Sausage and Egg Casserole
Veggie Add-ins
While the Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole is delicious on its own, adding veggies can take it to a whole new level! If you’re looking to add some color and nutrients, consider incorporating veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. These veggies will add a savory depth to the casserole without overwhelming the flavors of the sausage and eggs. For extra flavor, sauté them along with the sausage before adding them to the egg mixture. This way, they cook through and blend beautifully with the other ingredients.
If you have picky eaters at home, adding finely chopped veggies can make it easier to sneak some extra nutrition into their meal. Not only will it make the casserole even more satisfying, but you’ll also get a burst of flavor that elevates every bite!
Spicy Casserole
For those who enjoy a little heat in their breakfast, consider adding a spicy twist to your Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole. A handful of jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper will bring that extra kick. You can also use spicy sausage for an even more intense flavor. If you like a zesty breakfast, this variation is the perfect choice to start your day with a bit of spice!
Sausage and Egg Casserole with Bread
Want to stretch your casserole a little further? Adding some cubed bread into the mix will give it a hearty, filling texture. The bread soaks up the flavors of the eggs and sausage, making each bite even more satisfying. If you’re hosting a larger brunch, this version is sure to keep everyone full and happy!