Sausage and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
Hearty breakfast casserole layering seasoned ground sausage, sharp cheddar, and cubed bread bound with eggs and country gravy for a comforting make-ahead morning dish. Crispy bread top and creamy interior make this ideal for feeding a crowd at brunch or weekend breakfast. The gravy mix seasons throughout rather than serving as a side, creating savory depth without extra steps.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 325°F.
- 2
Cook crumbled sausage in large skillet over medium heat until browned, stirring occasionally.
- 3
Drain sausage and spread in lightly greased 11x7-inch baking dish.
- 4
Sprinkle cheese evenly over sausage.
- 5
Whisk together eggs, water, milk, and gravy mix in medium bowl until well blended.
- 6
Pour egg mixture over cheese.
- 7
Arrange bread cubes evenly over mixture.
- 8
Drizzle butter over bread if desired.
- 9
Sprinkle with paprika.
- 10
Bake uncovered for 40 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
- 11
Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Tips
Assemble casserole up to 12 hours ahead; cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes if starting cold.
Substitute half-and-half for milk to create a richer, more custard-like texture throughout.
Use day-old bread cubes to prevent sogginess; fresh bread absorbs too much liquid.
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat covered at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
Assemble through step 9, cover tightly, refrigerate up to 12 hours. Bake from cold, adding 5-10 minutes to baking time.
Let stand 10 minutes before cutting. Serve warm with fresh fruit, toast, or a simple side salad.
Common Mistakes
Use fresh bread cubes to avoid mushy, overly wet casserole; day-old bread holds structure better.
Do not skip draining sausage to prevent greasy, separated filling.
Pour egg mixture slowly and evenly to avoid bread floating and cooking unevenly.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
lighter option
FAQ
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble completely through sprinkling paprika, cover with foil, and refrigerate up to 12 hours. Bake from cold, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time. Do not freeze after assembly as eggs may become watery.
What if I don't have country gravy mix?
Whisk 2 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon each garlic and onion powder into the egg mixture instead. Adjust seasoning to taste.
How long does leftovers keep?
Cover and refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days. Reheat covered at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Do not freeze after baking due to texture changes in eggs.