Here’s a hearty and delicious Make-Ahead Sausage Casserole recipe that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner. You can assemble it the night before and just pop it in the oven the next day!
Make-Ahead Sausage Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer dish)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheeses)
- 4 cups cubed bread (day-old bread works best — white, sourdough, or French)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dry mustard powder (optional, for depth of flavor)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the sausage:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked.
- Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Prepare the casserole base:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, mustard powder, and garlic powder.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the cubed bread evenly in the dish.
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the bread.
- Add the shredded cheese on top.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over everything.
- Press down lightly with a spatula to help the bread soak up the liquid.
- Cover and refrigerate:
- Cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours.
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the casserole from the refrigerator while the oven heats.
- Bake, covered with foil, for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 20–25 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden.
- Serve:
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- You can make this up to 24 hours in advance.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave.
- Add-ins like sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be layered in for extra flavor and veggies.
Would you like a version that’s low-carb or dairy-free?