Classic Egg Casserole Recipe for Easy Breakfasts

Kickstart Your Mornings with the Ultimate Easy Breakfast Casserole

Are you tired of the same old breakfast routine? Do you crave a hearty, satisfying meal that’s both simple to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser? If you’re looking for that perfect dish to simplify your mornings or elevate your brunch game, a classic egg casserole is your answer. This recipe is a winner for busy weekdays and leisurely weekends alike, transforming humble ingredients into a comforting masterpiece. Imagine waking up to the aroma of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese – all baked to golden perfection. This breakfast casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s an embrace of comfort and convenience, especially when you realize you can prep it the night before for an effortless morning bake. Let’s dive into creating this foundational recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Egg Casserole

The beauty of this classic egg casserole lies in its adaptable nature and the comforting combination of staple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create a dish that’s both visually appealing and incredibly delicious:

• 1 pound savory breakfast sausage: Look for a good quality, fully cooked sausage for ease, or raw pork sausage that you’ll brown yourself. The savory, slightly spiced notes are crucial for the casserole’s depth. *Substitution: Ground turkey or chicken sausage can be used for a lighter option. For a vegetarian twist, use plant-based sausage crumbles that are pre-cooked.*
• 8 large eggs: The backbone of our casserole, providing that creamy, custardy texture. Whisk them well to ensure even cooking.
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2% recommended): This adds richness and moisture to the egg mixture, allowing the bread to soak up beautifully. The fat content contributes to a creamier result. *Substitution: Almond milk (unsweetened) or half-and-half for extra richness.*
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: A secret weapon for adding a subtle tang and complexity that cuts through the richness. *Substitution: A pinch of dry mustard powder.*
• ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds a gentle warmth.
• 8 cups cubed day-old bread: The star that absorbs all the delicious eggy, cheesy goodness. Stale bread is key here; it holds its shape better than fresh bread. Think challah, brioche, or even a sturdy sourdough. Aim for cubes about 1 inch in size. *Substitution: French bread or even good quality white bread.*
• 2 cups shredded cheese: A melty cheese blend is ideal. Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix provides that irresistible gooey factor and nutty flavor. *Substitution: Gruyere for a sophisticated nutty flavor, or a simple blend of mozzarella and cheddar.*
• Optional additions: ½ cup chopped onion, ½ cup chopped bell pepper (sautéed with sausage), a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper for extra warmth.

Your Breakfast Casserole Timeline

This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal morning fuss. The prep time is relatively short, especially if you use pre-cooked sausage. The cook time is straightforward, allowing you to multitask or relax. Compared to many elaborate breakfast dishes, this egg casserole is a weeknight hero. The ability to prepare it up to 24 hours in advance makes it incredibly efficient for busy mornings or when hosting guests.

The Art of Assembling Your Delicious Egg Casserole

Follow these simple steps to create a breakfast casserole that’s truly irresistible. Seasoning at each stage ensures flavor permeates every bite.

Step 1: Prep the Bread “Base”

Generously butter or grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This is crucial for preventing sticking and ensuring a beautiful, golden crust. Evenly distribute the cubed day-old bread into the prepared dish. If you’re adding any optional sautéed vegetables like onions or bell peppers, you can sprinkle them over the bread at this stage. The goal here is to create an even layer that will absorb all the goodness to come.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

If you’re using raw sausage, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until it’s nicely browned and crumbled. Drain off any excess grease thoroughly – this step helps prevent a greasy casserole and ensures the sausage flavor is concentrated. If you’re using pre-cooked sausage, you can skip this step or briefly warm it in the skillet. Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined and slightly frothy. This mixture will form the creamy custard base. Pour half of this egg mixture evenly over the bread and sausage. Then, sprinkle about half of your shredded cheese over the top. Pour the remaining egg mixture over everything, ensuring it seeps down into the bread. Finally, top with the rest of the shredded cheese.

Step 4: Chill (Optional) or Bake

For an Overnight Casserole: Cover the assembled casserole tightly with plastic wrap, then foil, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight (up to 24 hours). This allows the bread to fully soak up the custard, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful casserole. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

For Same-Day Baking: If you’re not prepping ahead, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. The casserole is ready when the center is set (no longer jiggly) and the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. You can insert a knife into the center; it should come out clean.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once baked to perfection, let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period is important as it allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to cut and preventing it from falling apart. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors!

Nutritional Snapshot

While exact nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, a typical serving of this classic egg casserole (assuming 8 servings) is approximately:

• Calories: 350-450 kcal
• Protein: 20-25g
• Fat: 20-30g
• Carbohydrates: 15-25g
• Fiber: 1-3g

Note: These are approximate values. Using leaner sausage, lower-fat milk, and less cheese will reduce calories and fat.

Healthier Swaps for a Lighter Casserole

You don’t have to sacrifice flavor for a healthier breakfast. Consider these easy modifications:

• Leaner Protein: Swap pork sausage for turkey sausage or lean chicken sausage. For a vegetarian and protein-rich option, use crumbled firm tofu or textured vegetable protein (TVP) seasoned like sausage.
• Whole Grains: Use whole wheat bread or a hearty multigrain bread for added fiber.
• Dairy Choices: Opt for skim or 1% milk and use a reduced-fat cheese blend.
• Veggies Galore: Load up on nutrient-dense vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, broccoli florets, or diced zucchini. Sauté them before adding to the casserole for better texture and flavor.

Perfect Pairings for Your Egg Casserole

This classic egg casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to create a complete brunch spread:

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A bright, refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
• Crispy Bacon or Ham: For the ultimate indulgent breakfast.
• Home Fries or Roasted Potatoes: A carb-lover’s dream.
• A Green Salad: A light side salad with a vinaigrette can balance the heaviness.
• Toast or Muffins: If you need extra bread-based goodness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Casserole Perfection

Even simple recipes have potential pitfalls. Here’s how to ensure your egg casserole turns out perfectly every time:

• Using Fresh Bread: It becomes mushy. Always use day-old or slightly stale bread.
• Not Draining Grease: Excess grease from sausage can make the casserole oily.
• Overmixing the Egg Mixture: Whisk until just combined; overbeating can result in a tougher texture.
• Skimping on Resting Time (if prepping ahead): Allowing the bread to soak properly is key to texture and flavor.
• Cutting Too Soon: Let the casserole rest after baking for easier slicing.

Storing and Reheating Your Casserole

Leftovers are a breakfast blessing! Once cooled, store any remaining egg casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you have a few options:

• Oven Reheat: For the best texture, reheat individual portions or a larger portion in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through. This usually takes 15-25 minutes depending on the size.
• Microwave Reheat: For a quick fix, microwave a slice on medium power until heated through. Be aware that the texture might be slightly softer than oven-reheated.

Your Go-To for Effortless, Delicious Mornings

This classic egg casserole recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a little strategic planning, can yield an incredibly satisfying and comforting meal. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a Tuesday morning or hosting a laid-back brunch, this dish is guaranteed to impress with its rich flavors and tender texture. The ability to prepare it the night before makes it an absolute lifesaver. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bake up some happiness. Your mornings (and your guests) will thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Classic Breakfast Beef Sausage and Egg Casserole

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This hearty and flavorful breakfast casserole is made with savory beef sausage, fluffy eggs, creamy cheeses, and perfectly soaked bread. It’s ideal for a cozy family breakfast or a brunch gathering. Prep it the night before for an easy morning bake!

• Author: Chef Sally

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Meat:1 lb beef sausage (mild or spicy).Egg Mixture:8large eggs.2 cupswhole milk.½ cupheavy cream.1 tspsalt.½ tspblack pepper.½ tspgarlic powder.½ tsponion powder.Bread:6 cups cubed bread (day-old or lightly toasted).Cheese:1 cupshredded cheddar cheese.1 cupshredded mozzarella cheese.Optional Garnish:¼ cup chopped green onions.
• Egg Mixture:8large eggs.2 cupswhole milk.½ cupheavy cream.1 tspsalt.½ tspblack pepper.½ tspgarlic powder.½ tsponion powder.Bread:6 cups cubed bread (day-old or lightly toasted).Cheese:1 cupshredded cheddar cheese.1 cupshredded mozzarella cheese.Optional Garnish:¼ cup chopped green onions.
• 8large eggs.2 cupswhole milk.½ cupheavy cream.1 tspsalt.½ tspblack pepper.½ tspgarlic powder.½ tsponion powder.
• 2 cupswhole milk.½ cupheavy cream.1 tspsalt.½ tspblack pepper.½ tspgarlic powder.½ tsponion powder.
• ½ cupheavy cream.1 tspsalt.½ tspblack pepper.½ tspgarlic powder.½ tsponion powder.
• 1 tspsalt.½ tspblack pepper.½ tspgarlic powder.½ tsponion powder.
• ½ tspblack pepper.½ tspgarlic powder.½ tsponion powder.
• ½ tspgarlic powder.½ tsponion powder.
• ½ tsponion powder.
• Bread:6 cups cubed bread (day-old or lightly toasted).Cheese:1 cupshredded cheddar cheese.1 cupshredded mozzarella cheese.Optional Garnish:¼ cup chopped green onions.
• Cheese:1 cupshredded cheddar cheese.1 cupshredded mozzarella cheese.Optional Garnish:¼ cup chopped green onions.
• 1 cupshredded cheddar cheese.1 cupshredded mozzarella cheese.
• 1 cupshredded mozzarella cheese.
• Optional Garnish:¼ cup chopped green onions.

Instructions

1. 1️⃣Preheat and Prepare:Preheat your oven to350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.2️⃣Cook the Beef Sausage:In a large skillet, cook the beef sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Break it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.3️⃣Prepare the Egg Mixture:In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.4️⃣Assemble the Casserole:Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish.Evenly distribute the cooked beef sausage over the bread.Pour the egg mixture over the bread and sausage, ensuring all the bread cubes are soaked.Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top.5️⃣Bake:Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for30 minutes.Remove the foil and bake for an additional15–20 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown and bubbly.6️⃣Serve:Allow the casserole to cool for5 minutesbefore slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired, and serve warm.
2. 2️⃣Cook the Beef Sausage:In a large skillet, cook the beef sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Break it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.3️⃣Prepare the Egg Mixture:In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.4️⃣Assemble the Casserole:Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish.Evenly distribute the cooked beef sausage over the bread.Pour the egg mixture over the bread and sausage, ensuring all the bread cubes are soaked.Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top.5️⃣Bake:Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for30 minutes.Remove the foil and bake for an additional15–20 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown and bubbly.6️⃣Serve:Allow the casserole to cool for5 minutesbefore slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired, and serve warm.
3. 3️⃣Prepare the Egg Mixture:In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
4. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish.Evenly distribute the cooked beef sausage over the bread.Pour the egg mixture over the bread and sausage, ensuring all the bread cubes are soaked.Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top.5️⃣Bake:Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for30 minutes.Remove the foil and bake for an additional15–20 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown and bubbly.6️⃣Serve:Allow the casserole to cool for5 minutesbefore slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired, and serve warm.
5. Evenly distribute the cooked beef sausage over the bread.
6. Pour the egg mixture over the bread and sausage, ensuring all the bread cubes are soaked.Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top.5️⃣Bake:Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for30 minutes.Remove the foil and bake for an additional15–20 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown and bubbly.6️⃣Serve:Allow the casserole to cool for5 minutesbefore slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired, and serve warm.
7. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top.5️⃣Bake:Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for30 minutes.Remove the foil and bake for an additional15–20 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown and bubbly.6️⃣Serve:Allow the casserole to cool for5 minutesbefore slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired, and serve warm.
8. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for30 minutes.Remove the foil and bake for an additional15–20 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown and bubbly.6️⃣Serve:Allow the casserole to cool for5 minutesbefore slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired, and serve warm.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional15–20 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown and bubbly.6️⃣Serve:Allow the casserole to cool for5 minutesbefore slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired, and serve warm.
10. 6️⃣Serve:Allow the casserole to cool for5 minutesbefore slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh in the morning.Cheese Substitutions: Swap cheddar and mozzarella for Monterey Jack or Gouda for a flavor twist.Bread Tip: French bread or sourdough works best for its texture and flavor.
Cheese Substitutions: Swap cheddar and mozzarella for Monterey Jack or Gouda for a flavor twist.Bread Tip: French bread or sourdough works best for its texture and flavor.
Bread Tip: French bread or sourdough works best for its texture and flavor.