Ultimate Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Bake is a perfect make-ahead dish that combines savory crumbled sausage, fluffy beaten eggs, creamy milk, buttery toasted bread cubes, and gooey shredded Cheddar cheese. This hearty breakfast bake comes together easily, making it an excellent choice for feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying a comforting breakfast any day of the week.
You’ll love how effortlessly this casserole can be prepped the night before, allowing all flavors to meld and the bread cubes to soak up the custard mixture, resulting in a rich, savory bake that’s tender on the inside and slightly crisp on top. The combination of seasoned sausage and melting cheese guarantees a satisfying burst of flavor with every bite. It’s versatile enough to be served for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground 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
Instructions
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Crumble sausage into a medium skillet and cook over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together mustard powder, salt, eggs, and milk.
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Add cooked sausage, toasted bread cubes, and shredded cheese to the egg mixture. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
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Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for 45 to 60 minutes.
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Uncover, reduce oven temperature to 325°F (165°C), and bake for another 30 minutes or until set.
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Serve hot and enjoy your delicious breakfast bake!
My Best Tips for Success
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Use mild or spicy sausage depending on your heat preference.
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Toasting bread cubes helps them absorb the egg mixture without becoming soggy.
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Don’t skip the overnight chill it improves flavor and texture.
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Cover the casserole during the first baking phase to keep it moist.
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Let the bake rest for a few minutes before slicing for cleaner pieces.
Delicious Variations to Try
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Add diced bell peppers or onions to the sausage for extra flavor and texture.
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Substitute milk with half-and-half or cream for a richer bake.
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Fold in cooked spinach or kale for a veggie boost.
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Swap Cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella cheese.
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Top with fresh herbs like chives or parsley after baking for freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, prepare the night before and bake in the morning.
Can leftovers be refrigerated or frozen?
Store refrigerated for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
It should be set in the center and golden on top; a knife inserted should come out clean.
Can I use other bread types?
Yes, white, whole wheat, or gluten-free bread works well.
Is it possible to make it vegetarian?
Omit sausage and add hearty vegetables or meat substitutes.
How to reheat?
Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Ultimate Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Bake
- Total Time: 9 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Warm, comforting casserole with savory sausage, toasted bread cubes, creamy eggs, milk, and melted Cheddar cheese. Perfect for make-ahead breakfasts or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
1 lb ground sausage
1 tsp mustard powder
½ tsp salt
4 large eggs, beaten
2 cups milk
6 slices white bread, toasted and cubed
8 oz shredded mild Cheddar cheese
Instructions
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Cook sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, crumble sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
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Make egg mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together mustard powder, salt, eggs, and milk until smooth.
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Assemble bake: Stir in cooked sausage, toasted bread cubes, and shredded cheese. Mix gently to coat evenly.
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Chill overnight: Pour mixture into a greased 9×13‑inch baking dish. Cover and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight to let flavors blend and bread absorb custard.
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Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for 45–60 minutes until nearly set.
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Finish baking: Uncover, reduce heat to 325°F (165°C), and bake 30 minutes more until golden and fully set.
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Serve: Let rest briefly before cutting. Serve warm.
Notes
Use mild or spicy sausage to taste. Toasted bread absorbs liquid without getting soggy. Refrigerate overnight to improve texture. Cover baking dish initially for moisture. Cool slightly before cutting for neat slices.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 recipe
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 170 mg
Keywords: breakfast sausage casserole, make ahead breakfast bake, cheesy egg bake, sausage and egg casserole, brunch casserole recipe
