Hearty Make-Ahead Sausage & Cheddar Breakfast Casserole
This hearty make-ahead breakfast casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or for easy meal prep. With savory sausage, sharp cheddar, and eggy bread, it's a delicious and satisfying way to start your day.
Equipment
- large skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- large bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 1 loaf day-old bread (about 12-16 slices)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 10 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (any kind)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, sautéed Optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the breakfast sausage in a large skillet until no longer pink, then drain excess grease and set aside.
- Tear or cube the bread into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage and optional sautéed vegetables over the bread, then top with shredded cheese.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread, meat, and cheese, ensuring all bread pieces are saturated.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), then remove the casserole from the refrigerator and uncover.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the casserole is set, golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For best results, allow the casserole to chill overnight. This gives the bread ample time to soak up the egg mixture, resulting in a more flavorful and cohesive casserole. You can also customize this casserole with various vegetables or different types of cheese to suit your taste.