breakfast casserole 

A breakfast casserole is the best way to feed a crowd first thing in the morning. Just ask my mom! She’s been making her famous breakfast casserole recipe on Easter and Christmas morning for as long as I can remember. The rest of my family loves it because it’s hearty and flavorful, packed with potatoes, veggies, eggs, and cheese. My mom loves it because it’s easy to make and—even better—make ahead. She can prep the whole thing the night before and pop it in the oven when guests arrive the next day.

This easy breakfast casserole is infinitely adaptable and you can find variations and suggestions in the recipe Notes below. The version written below with sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, and cheddar cheese is generally the most popular with guests. You can assemble the entire dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.


Ingredients

  • 4 cups (175g or 6 oz) cubes of crusty bread*
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground pork sausage, casings removed*
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or Italian seasoning, optional
  • 3/4 cup (100g) chopped yellow onion (1/2 of a large onion)
  • garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups (275g or 9–10 oz) chopped bell peppers
  • 1 cup (100g or 3 oz) sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup roughly chopped fresh spinach
  • 12 large eggs
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2/3 cup (160ml) milk or half-and-half*
  • 1 cup (100g or 3.5 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese
  • optional garnish: green onion and/or chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Grease a 9×13-inch or any 3–4-quart oven-safe dish. Arrange bread cubes in an even layer in bottom of pan.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and rosemary/Italian seasoning, if using, and break up the sausage into bite-size pieces with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula as it begins to cook. Add the onion, garlic, peppers, mushrooms, and spinach and cook until everything has slightly softened and sausage is mostly cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.
  3. Remove sausage and vegetable mixture from heat and spread in an even layer on top of bread.
  4. Whisk the eggs, salt, pepper, milk, and cheese together. Evenly pour over sausage/vegetable mixture. Add another sprinkle of salt and pepper on top.
  5. Cover casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours. (When ready to bake, allow to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes as oven preheats.)
  6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C). Bake the casserole, uncovered, until the top is golden, edges are crisp, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 40–45 minutes.
  7. Cool for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.
  8. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave to your liking.
  1. Half Recipe: You can halve this recipe by halving all of the ingredients and using a 9×9-inch square pan. Bake time is slightly shorter, about 32–36 minutes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 212
  • Sugar: 3.1 g
  • Sodium: 343 mg
  • Fat: 12.8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11.2 g
  • Protein: 12.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 205.4 mg

Feeding a Crowd with Ease 

This casserole is perfect for big groups. It has lots of hash browns, sausage, and cheese. It cooks in about 50 minutes at 350°F. This means you can spend more time with your guests, not stuck in the kitchen. 

Perfect for Any Meal of the Day 

This dish is good for any time. It’s great for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. It’s versatile and can please many tastes. It’s perfect for any meal or event.

Large eggs8
Milk1 cup
Dried thyme1 tsp
Salt1/2 tsp 
Pepper1/4 tsp
Frozen diced hash browns24 oz 
Breakfast sausage1 lb 
Cheddar cheese2 cups 
Diced green onions (optional)To taste 
Cooking time50 minutes 

Ingredients for the Perfect Breakfast Casserole 

To make a tasty breakfast casserole with sausage, you need the right ingredients. A good breakfast casserole can make your day better. Let’s look at what you’ll need. 

Essential Ingredients You Need 

For a great meal, you’ll need these ingredients: 

  • 1 lb. breakfast sausage 
  • 12 large eggs 
  • 1 cup milk (consider lactose-free for sensitive diners) 
  • 2 cups frozen diced potatoes 
  • 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese 
  • 1/2 large yellow onion, diced 
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced 
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced 
  • 2 cups roughly chopped spinach 

This mix of ingredients gives great flavor. It also feeds 6-8 people, perfect for family or holiday meals. . 

Baking Your Casserole to Perfection 

Pour the mix into the greased dish. Sprinkle more cheese on top for extra flavor. Bake in the oven’s center for 40 to 45 minutes, or until firm and lightly browned. 

Ground Italian sausage1/2 lb 
Medium yellow onion1 (minced) 
Beaten eggs6 large 
Milk1/2 cup 
Chopped green pepper 1medium 
Frozen shredded potatoes2 cups
Grated colby jack cheese1 cup (divided) 
Salt1/4 tsp 

Tips for Making a Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole 

First, I get all the ingredients ready. This includes 12 eggs, 2 pounds of pork sausage, green onions, bell peppers, and shredded cheddar cheese. I mix them together in a big bowl and put them in a greased dish. When it’s time to bake, I take it out and preheat the oven. It might need 5 to 10 minutes more to cook right. 

Complementary Dishes 

I mix sweet and savory sides for flavor balance. 

Here are some ideas: 

  • Banana nut muffin cake 
  • Yogurt with homemade apple crisp granola 
  • Strawberry pancakes 
  • Pecan cinnamon roll biscuits 
  • Fresh fruit salad 
  • Hash browns or potato hash 
  • Homemade blueberry muffins 
  • Sheet pan eggs 

These pairings add variety and please everyone. 

Fresh orange juice 

  • Coffee brewed to perfection 
  • Mimosas for a touch of celebration 

These drinks make the brunch better and match the casserole’s flavours. 

Sweet Side DishesBanana nut muffin cake, Strawberry pancakes, Homemade blueberry
Savory SidesHash browns, Potato hash, Sheet pan eggs 
Fruits Fresh fruitFruit salad 
Dairy Yogurt parfaitCheese board 
Meat OptionsBacon, Sausage, Cured meats 

It’s perfect for busy mornings when you need a tasty breakfast fast. This casserole is more than food; it’s a way to share warmth and joy. It’s perfect for any time, fresh or made ahead. 

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