Easy Sausage Egg Bake Casserole

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There’s nothing quite like walking into the kitchen on a busy morning to the aroma of a perfectly baked sausage egg casserole. This beloved breakfast dish has earned its place on tables across America for one simple reason: it’s absolutely foolproof. Whether you’re hosting brunch, preparing meals for the week, or just looking for a savory breakfast idea that impresses without the stress, this sausage egg bake casserole delivers every single time.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility and simplicity. You prepare everything the night before, refrigerate overnight, and simply pop it in the oven come morning. No early rising to stand over a stove. No scrambling eggs one pan at a time. Just pure, delicious comfort food that emerges from the oven golden, fluffy, and absolutely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Sausage Egg Bake Casserole

This breakfast casserole checks every box for the modern home cook. It’s perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a hot, homemade breakfast throughout the week. The sausage egg bake casserole feeds a crowd effortlessly, making it ideal for holiday brunches, overnight guests, or family gatherings. Best of all, the hands-on time is minimal just 5 minutes of actual work before the refrigerator does the heavy lifting.

The flavor profile is pure comfort: savory ground beef sausage, creamy eggs and milk binding everything together, and sharp Cheddar cheese adding depth. Mustard powder provides a subtle complexity that elevates this dish beyond ordinary breakfast fare, while toasted bread cubes create textural interest that keeps every bite interesting.

Ingredients for Sausage Egg Bake Casserole

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make this sausage egg bake casserole perfectly, gather these essential tools:

• Medium skillet – for browning the sausage
• Medium mixing bowl – for combining wet ingredients
• Whisk or mixing spoon – for blending ingredients smoothly
• 9×13 inch baking dish – the foundation of your casserole
• Oven – preheated to proper temperatures during baking
• Measuring cups and spoons set – for precise ingredient portions

Having quality kitchen utensils makes the preparation process smoother and more enjoyable. A reliable measuring cups and spoons set ensures your ingredient ratios are accurate every time, contributing to consistent, delicious results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Stage (Evening Before):

1. Crumble the ground beef sausage into a medium skillet
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sausage is evenly browned with no pink remaining
3. Drain the sausage thoroughly to remove excess fat
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together mustard powder, salt, beaten eggs, and milk until well combined
5. Add the cooked sausage, toasted bread cubes, and shredded Cheddar cheese to the egg mixture
6. Stir gently but thoroughly until all components are evenly coated
7. Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, distributing ingredients evenly
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or a fitted lid
9. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight (up to 24 hours works beautifully)

Baking Stage (Morning Of):

1. Remove the sausage egg bake casserole from the refrigerator 15 minutes before baking
2. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)
3. Ensure the casserole is still covered and place it in the preheated oven
4. Bake covered for 45 to 60 minutes, depending on your oven’s characteristics
5. The casserole should look set around the edges but may still jiggle slightly in the center
6. Remove from the oven and carefully uncover (watch for steam!)
7. Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C)
8. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven for an additional 30 minutes
9. The casserole is finished when it’s completely set throughout and the top is light golden brown
10. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

The secret to an outstanding sausage egg bake casserole begins with overnight refrigeration. This resting period allows the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture, creating a cohesive, evenly-textured dish rather than distinct layers. Don’t skip this step.

Choose quality ground beef sausage with good fat content this ensures the casserole stays moist and flavorful. Avoid ultra-lean varieties, as they can result in a dry finished product. Similarly, don’t underestimate the importance of toasting your bread before cubing. Toasted bread maintains its structure during baking and won’t turn to mush.

Brown your sausage thoroughly and drain it well. Any excess fat left in the sausage can create an oily layer on top of your casserole, detracting from the overall quality. Taking an extra 30 seconds to drain properly pays dividends in the final result.

For the smoothest preparation and cleanup, use a reliable cutting board when preparing ingredients and a quality chef’s knife for any cutting needs. These tools make quick work of ingredient preparation.

Customization Ideas

Feel free to make this sausage egg bake casserole your own. Swap the white bread for whole wheat or sourdough for different flavor notes. Experiment with cheese varieties sharp Cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère all work beautifully. Add diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the egg mixture for extra vegetables. Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, sage, or parsley complement this dish wonderfully. Some cooks add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra umami depth.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

The sausage egg bake casserole can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance, making it perfect for busy schedules. After baking, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm the entire casserole covered in a 325-degree oven for about 15 minutes.

This casserole also freezes beautifully. Cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as directed above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this sausage egg bake casserole without refrigerating overnight?

While overnight refrigeration is highly recommended for best texture and flavor integration, you can bake it immediately if necessary. Simply follow the baking instructions as written the results may be slightly less cohesive but still delicious.

What type of sausage works best?

Ground beef sausage is traditional and provides excellent flavor. You can substitute ground turkey sausage for a leaner option, though the result may be slightly drier. Ensure whatever sausage you choose is fully cooked and drained before adding to the mixture.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Simply double all ingredients and use a large 9×13 dish per batch. You may need to extend baking time by 10-15 minutes due to the increased volume.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes! After baking and cooling completely, wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and herbs for a vegetarian version. The rest of the recipe remains identical.

How do I know when the casserole is completely done?

The casserole should be set throughout with no jiggling in the center when gently shaken. The top should be light golden brown, though not deeply browned.

Easy Sausage Egg Bake Casserole

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This sausage egg bake casserole is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast solution. Prepare the night before, refrigerate overnight, and simply bake in the morning for a golden, fluffy, crowd-pleasing dish that impresses every time.

• Author: Alice
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 75-90 minutes
• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes (mostly inactive)
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef sausage
1 teaspoon mustard powder
½ teaspoon salt
4 large eggs, beaten
2 cups milk
6 slices white bread, toasted and cut into cubes
8 ounces mild Cheddar cheese, shredded

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Instructions

1. Crumble sausage into a medium skillet. Cook over medium heat until evenly brown; drain.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together mustard powder, salt, eggs and milk.
3. Add the sausage, bread cubes, and cheese, and stir to coat evenly.
4. Pour into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Cover, and chill in the refrigerator for 8 hours, or overnight.
6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
7. Cover, and bake 45 to 60 minutes.
8. Uncover, and reduce temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
9. Bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until set.

Notes

For best results, use quality ground beef sausage with good fat content. Toast bread before cubing to maintain structure. Drain cooked sausage thoroughly to prevent an oily layer on top. This casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.