There are few dishes as comforting, flexible, and universally loved as an Easy Breakfast Casserole. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weekday morning, hosting a relaxed weekend brunch, or planning ahead for holidays, this classic breakfast bake delivers every time. It’s warm, filling, endlessly customizable, and — best of all — incredibly simple to prepare.

Breakfast casseroles have earned their place as a staple in American kitchens because they solve so many morning problems at once. They allow you to combine protein, carbs, and dairy into one satisfying dish, eliminate last-minute cooking stress, and stretch affordable ingredients into generous portions. This recipe focuses on balance: fluffy eggs, savory sausage, melty cheese, and soft bread baked together into a cohesive, golden casserole that slices beautifully and tastes even better.

What makes this easy breakfast casserole recipe stand out is its versatility. You can make it ahead, refrigerate it overnight, and bake it fresh in the morning. You can swap ingredients based on what you already have. You can feed picky eaters or adventurous ones without changing the base method. And once you master it, it becomes less of a recipe and more of a reliable kitchen formula.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Breakfast Casserole

This casserole isn’t just convenient — it’s dependable. It works for casual breakfasts, meal prep, potlucks, and celebrations alike.

Beginner-friendly: No complicated techniques or equipment
Make-ahead friendly: Assemble the night before and bake when ready
Budget-conscious: Uses simple, affordable ingredients
Customizable: Endless variations for meat, vegetables, and cheese
Crowd-pleasing: Feeds multiple people with minimal effort

From busy mornings to slow Sundays, this dish adapts effortlessly to your schedule.

Ingredients for Easy Breakfast Casserole

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture. Exact amounts can be adjusted slightly based on pan size and personal preference.

Ingredients:

Eggs
Milk
Day-old bread, cubed
Breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken), cooked and crumbled
Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
Onion, finely diced
Bell pepper, diced
Salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder
Paprika or smoked paprika
Butter or cooking spray for greasing

Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfectly baked breakfast casserole every time.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish generously with butter or cooking spray.
Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish.
Scatter the cooked sausage, diced onion, and bell pepper evenly over the bread layer.
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the sausage and vegetables, reserving a small amount for the top if desired.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until fully combined.
Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and fillings, pressing gently so the bread absorbs the liquid.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak, or cover and refrigerate overnight for a make-ahead option.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole Tips

One of the biggest advantages of this dish is how well it works as a make-ahead breakfast casserole.

Assemble everything the night before
Cover tightly and refrigerate
Bake fresh in the morning, adding 5–10 minutes if cold
Perfect for holidays, guests, or meal prep

Resting overnight actually improves the texture by allowing the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture.

Best Bread for Breakfast Casserole

Bread acts as the foundation, so choosing the right type matters.

White sandwich bread: Soft and neutral
French bread: Slightly chewy, great structure
Sourdough: Adds tang and depth
Whole wheat: Heartier and more filling

Day-old or slightly stale bread works best, as it absorbs liquid without becoming mushy.

Sausage Egg Casserole Variations

This recipe easily adapts to different preferences:

Meat-free: Omit sausage and add mushrooms or spinach
Spicy: Use spicy sausage or add chili flakes
Loaded: Add bacon, ham, or chorizo
Lighter: Use turkey sausage and reduced-fat cheese

Each variation keeps the core method intact while changing the flavor profile.

Cheese Options That Melt Beautifully

Cheese is where personality shines.

Cheddar for classic flavor
Monterey Jack for creaminess
Mozzarella for stretch
Pepper Jack for heat
Swiss for a brunch-style twist

Combining two cheeses often yields the best result.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this family breakfast bake with:

Fresh fruit or berries
Simple green salad
Toast or biscuits
Coffee, tea, or fresh juice

It’s filling on its own but pairs beautifully with lighter sides.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers store exceptionally well.

Refrigerate up to 4 days
Reheat slices in the oven or microwave
Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months

This makes it ideal for weekday breakfasts.

Fun Fact: Why Breakfast Casseroles Became Popular

Breakfast casseroles rose to popularity in mid-20th-century America when home cooks sought efficient, filling meals for families. Combining eggs, bread, and dairy into one dish reflected both practicality and abundance — values that still resonate today.

Final Thoughts

This easy breakfast casserole is more than just a recipe — it’s a solution. It simplifies mornings, feeds crowds, stretches ingredients, and delivers comfort in every bite. Once you make it, it’s bound to become part of your regular rotation, customized again and again to suit your table.

Easy Breakfast Casserole

A hearty, make-ahead breakfast casserole with eggs, sausage, bread, and melted cheese baked to golden perfection.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Servings: 6 people

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 320

Ingredients

Casserole Base

6 eggs large
2 cups milk
3 cups bread cubed
1 lb breakfast sausage cooked and crumbled
2 cups shredded cheese

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Baking dish
Whisk
Oven

Method

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
Layer bread cubes, sausage, and vegetables in the dish.
Whisk eggs, milk, and seasonings together.
Pour egg mixture over the casserole and top with cheese.
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until set and golden.

Notes

Can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning.

Easy Breakfast Casserole: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Morning Favorite