Are you tired of chaotic morning meal preparations? Imagine waking up to a mouthwatering breakfast that's already prepped and ready to bake, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas! This Make Ahead Sausage Breakfast Casserole is not just a recipe—it's a morning game-changer that combines the savory goodness of breakfast sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese into one incredible dish. Perfect for busy families, weekend brunches, or anyone who wants a delicious, stress-free breakfast that looks like it took hours to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 cups cubed bread
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole cooks evenly throughout.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the pound of breakfast sausage. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the 6 large eggs. Add the 2 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined and frothy.
- In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, evenly distribute the 4 cups of cubed bread. This will serve as the base for your casserole.
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the cubed bread in the baking dish.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and sausage, ensuring that all the bread is soaked in the liquid. Gently press down on the bread cubes with a spatula or the back of a spoon to help them absorb the mixture.
- Sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- If you are making this casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. If you are baking it immediately, proceed to the next step.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing into squares. This will make serving easier.
- Serve warm, and enjoy your delicious make-ahead sausage breakfast casserole!
Tips
- Choose high-quality bread: Use day-old bread or slightly stale bread cubes for better absorption of the egg mixture.
- Customize your cheese: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with different cheese blends like Swiss, monterey jack, or a mix.
- Make-ahead magic: This casserole can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Check for doneness: The casserole is ready when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let it rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to set and make cutting easier.
- Enhance with extras: Add diced bell peppers, onions, or swap sausage for bacon to create your own signature version.
- Storage tip: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 180mg
