If you are looking for a warm, hearty dish that combines comforting flavors with simple ingredients, this Classic Breakfast Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It is a fantastic morning meal that brings together savory sausage, fluffy eggs, melty cheddar cheese, and crisp vegetables baked with day-old bread for a satisfying texture. Whether for a family breakfast or a weekend brunch with friends, this casserole is sure to become your go-to recipe whenever you want to impress with minimal fuss. The harmony of flavors makes it a timeless option that feels both indulgent and nourishing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret behind this Classic Breakfast Casserole Recipe’s amazing taste and texture. Each component plays a vital role—from the rich eggs, which bind it all together, to the day-old bread that soaks up the savory custard and the cheddar that adds a gooey, golden finish.
- 1 pound breakfast sausage: Provides rich, savory flavor and hearty protein.
- 6 large eggs: The base that holds the casserole together with a fluffy, tender texture.
- 2 cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps soften the bread for a custardy feel.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle bite and liveliness to each bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle savory depth that complements the sausage.
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread: The perfect texture absorber, creating a tender yet slightly chewy base.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into golden goodness for a rich, cheesy top layer.
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper: Adds fresh color and a slight crunch for balanced texture.
- 1/4 cup diced onion: Brings sweetness and a flavor punch when baked.
How to Make Classic Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Sausage
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it’s beautifully browned and fully cooked through. Don’t forget to drain the excess grease — this keeps the casserole from becoming overly greasy while maintaining that rich sausage flavor.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined. This mixture forms the creamy custard that soaks into the bread cubes and ties all the delicious ingredients together.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Evenly spread the cubed day-old bread in the prepared baking dish, creating a solid base. Then layer the cooked sausage across the bread, followed by diced bell peppers, onions, and a generous sprinkling of shredded cheddar cheese. These layers build both flavor and texture contrast in every bite.
Step 4: Pour Egg Mixture and Let It Rest
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the assembled layers, making sure to press down lightly so the bread absorbs the custard well. Allow the casserole to sit for 10 minutes at room temperature — this crucial step helps the bread soak up all those savory flavors before baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown. Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly to make slicing easier and to let the flavors settle beautifully.
How to Serve Classic Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or sliced green onions adds a brilliant pop of color and a fresh bite that brightens up each serving. A dollop of sour cream or a side of salsa can also introduce exciting layers of flavor that complement the rich, cheesy casserole perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Classic Breakfast Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides. Consider a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette, fresh fruit salad, or even some roasted asparagus or sautéed mushrooms to round out your breakfast or brunch plate with varied textures and tastes.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for personal portions that look inviting and feel warm right out of the oven. Another idea is to sprinkle extra herbs and cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking for a little extra flair and gooey indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This recipe reheats very well, making it perfect for meal prep or quick weekday breakfasts where you want something delicious without the morning hassle.
Freezing
This breakfast casserole freezes beautifully when wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and foil or stored in a freezer-safe container. Freeze portions or the entire dish for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw it thoroughly in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, which usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual slices on medium power to keep the texture moist and delicious without drying out the eggs or bread.
FAQs
Can I make this Classic Breakfast Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the breakfast sausage for plant-based sausage or extra vegetables like mushrooms and spinach. The cheese and eggs provide plenty of flavor and protein to keep it satisfying without meat.
What type of bread works best for the casserole?
Day-old white or whole wheat bread cubes are ideal as they soak up the egg mixture well without collapsing too much. Avoid very soft or fresh bread as it can turn mushy quickly and affect the casserole’s texture.
Can I use other cheese varieties instead of cheddar?
For sure! While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a bit of heat. Mixing cheeses can also add complexity and appeal to the dish.
Is it possible to assemble the casserole the night before?
Yes! This recipe actually benefits from an overnight soak. Assemble the dish the night before, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The casserole is done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set without wobbling. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, not wet egg.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Breakfast Casserole Recipe is truly a gem that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish. I encourage you to give it a try for your next breakfast or brunch — it’s easy to prepare, a joy to share, and guaranteed to bring smiles around the table. Once you taste that perfect blend of savory sausage, creamy eggs, and melty cheese, you’ll understand why it’s become such a beloved morning staple.
Print
Classic Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten
Description
This Classic Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and delicious dish perfect for brunch or a weekend breakfast. Featuring savory breakfast sausage, fresh eggs, day-old bread, and melted cheddar cheese baked to golden perfection, it combines simple ingredients into a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare ahead of time.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
Egg Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Others
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced onion
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Mix Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Evenly spread the cubed day-old bread in the prepared baking dish. Layer the cooked sausage over the bread, then scatter the diced bell pepper and onion evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Add Egg Mixture: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the assembled ingredients, pressing down lightly so the bread soaks up the liquid for a cohesive bake.
- Rest Before Baking: Allow the casserole to sit for about 10 minutes so the bread fully absorbs the egg mixture, which improves the texture.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing into 8 servings. This helps it hold its shape for perfect servings.
Notes
- For convenience, assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- You can substitute breakfast sausage with bacon or ham for variety.
- Using day-old bread is essential as it soaks up the egg mixture better than fresh bread.
- Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition.
