Print

Make-Ahead Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole: Easy 10-Min Prep

make-ahead cheesy sausage breakfast casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

This make-ahead cheesy sausage breakfast casserole is a crowd-pleaser with a golden, crispy top and creamy interior. With just 10 minutes of active prep, it’s perfect for holiday mornings or busy weekdays.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound breakfast sausage
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 6 cups cubed day-old bread
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brown the sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through (6-8 minutes). Leave about a tablespoon of fat in the pan. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Whisk the egg mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until completely combined (about 30 seconds).
  3. Layer the bread: Spread the cubed bread evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Do not press down.
  4. Add the sausage: Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the bread.
  5. Add the cheese: Mix cheddar and Monterey Jack together. Sprinkle about three-quarters over the sausage and bread. Reserve the rest for the top.
  6. Pour the egg mixture: Slowly pour the egg mixture over everything, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure all bread is soaked.
  7. Top with remaining cheese: Sprinkle reserved cheese on top. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight (8-12 hours ideal).
  8. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Keep foil on and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15-20 minutes until golden brown and center is set (knife inserted in middle comes out clean).
  9. Rest: Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes before cutting.
  10. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with sliced green onions. Cut into squares and serve warm.

Notes

Day-old bread is essential for best texture. Overnight refrigeration allows flavors to meld. Let casserole sit at room temperature 20 minutes before baking if refrigerated overnight. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread. For dairy-free, use unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, sausage casserole, make-ahead breakfast, cheesy breakfast casserole, holiday breakfast, brunch recipe

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/make-ahead-cheesy-sausage-breakfast-casserole-easy-10-min-prep/