Make Ahead Sausage Breakfast Casserole
A hearty make-ahead sausage breakfast casserole with cheesy, bread, and egg layers, perfect for feeding a crowd or weekend brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Generously grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Cook sausage until browned; drain well.
- Arrange bread slices to form a 'crust' on the bottom of the pan.
- Spoon cooked sausage over the bread.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the sausage.
- Combine beaten eggs and half and half with salt; mix well.
- Pour the egg mixture over the cheese and sausage layers.
- Cover the casserole with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate overnight before baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, you can substitute the bulk sausage with turkey sausage or a plant-based alternative for a lighter option. If you don’t have half and half, you can use a mix of milk and heavy cream. To save time in the morning, you can prepare the casserole the night before and simply bake it in the morning for a delicious breakfast. This recipe can also be customized with vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a side salad for a balanced breakfast. For a special touch, consider serving it alongside a slice of Grape Cream Cheese Pie for a delightful brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, warm individual portions in the microwave or bake the whole casserole at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. This ensures that the flavors blend nicely and the cheese melts perfectly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Make Ahead Sausage Breakfast Casserole contains roughly 2043 calories, with 51g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 159g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (103% of the Daily Value), calcium (61% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While Colby or Cheddar cheese is recommended, you can experiment with other cheese varieties such as Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a spicy Pepper Jack for added flavor. Mixing different cheeses can enhance the dish and give it a unique taste.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this casserole gluten-free by using gluten-free bread. There are many delicious gluten-free bread options available, so you can enjoy the same great taste without the gluten. Be sure to check the sausage and other ingredients for gluten as well.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole is done when it is puffed up and golden brown on top, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary based on your oven, so it's a good idea to start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested bake time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).