There’s something truly comforting about waking up to the aroma of a warm Cheesy Breakfast Casserole baking in the oven. I remember the first time I made this delicious breakfast bake—it was one of those busy weekend mornings where I needed something hearty but hands-off. The smell of melted cheese mingling with eggs and savory sausage was like a cozy hug for my whole family. From that moment, this cheese breakfast casserole became our go-to morning treat for holidays, sleepovers, or simply when life was a little too hectic for anything fancy.
What You’ll Need for This Cheesy Breakfast Casserole
Alright girlfriend, here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll want to gather before we dive into this cheesy breakfast casserole magic. I’m always sure to use quality sharp cheddar for a bold flavor, but sometimes I mix in mozzarella for that extra melty stretch. Also, for my easy breakfast casserole, I like to stick to simple ingredients—you know, things you might already have stocked.
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (I always go for the mild, but spicy works if you like a kick!)
- 6 large eggs (room temperature is best for fluffy texture)
- 1 cup whole milk (half-and-half works too if you want it richer)
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 cups bread cubes (day-old or lightly toasted bread holds up better)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (a little goes a long way for depth)
- Optional: 1 cup diced bell peppers or spinach (secret veggie boost for the kids!)
When making this cheesy breakfast casserole, try to find your bread from the bakery section for the freshest taste—you can also use a good-quality sandwich loaf. I’ve learned the trick of toasting bread cubes lightly beforehand to avoid sogginess in the final casserole. For the sausage, I buy in bulk from the meat department and freeze in portions—perfect for multiple casserole breakfasts without breaking the bank.
If you ever have leftovers from your cheese breakfast casserole fixings, like extra shredded cheese or eggs, I keep them in airtight containers in the fridge. It’s such a great way to cut down on food waste and have ready ingredients for a fast egg and cheese casserole next week. For more tips on how to prep ingredients efficiently, I love this guide on Cheesy Overnight Hash Brown Egg Casserole from The Food Charlatan, which also gives terrific ideas for ingredient variations.
Let’s Make This Cheesy Breakfast Casserole Together
Ready to get your hands a little messy and make this cheesy breakfast casserole come alive? I’ll walk you through each step just like I do in my kitchen, where this breakfast bake usually takes me about 45 minutes from start to finish.
- Brown the Sausage – Grab a skillet and cook your breakfast sausage over medium heat until nicely browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat. I learned the hard way that skipping this step makes the casserole greasy and less flavorful, so take your time here. While the sausage is cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Bread Cubes – If you didn’t toast your bread cubes ahead of time, you can spread them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 10 minutes just until slightly golden. This little breakfast casserole trick helps soak up the egg mixture better without turning mushy.
- Mix the Eggs and Milk – In a large bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Don’t worry if your mixture looks thin; it will puff up as it bakes, creating that fluffy texture we love.
- Assemble the Casserole – Combine the browned sausage, toasted bread cubes, and optional veggies if you’re using. Pour them into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle about two cups of that shredded cheddar evenly over the top, saving the rest for a melty finish later.
- Add the Egg Mixture – Slowly pour the egg mixture over everything, making sure to coat all bread pieces. This step is where your casserole starts coming together. Trust me, if you let it sit for just a minute or two, the bread will soak up the custard wonderfully.
- Bake – Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Then, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Your cheesy breakfast casserole should smell heavenly by now—that’s a sure sign it’s ready!
I usually multitask while the casserole is baking—tidying up the kitchen or setting the table. And if you ever want to make this ahead, it works beautifully as an overnight breakfast casserole; just refrigerate it covered after assembling and bake when you wake up. For some extra technique pointers, this Cheesy Breakfast Casserole {Quick + Simple} from Lil’ Luna is a fantastic resource.
How I Love to Serve This Cheesy Breakfast Casserole
Serving up this cheesy breakfast casserole is one of my favorite parts of the day because it brings everyone together around the table. My family always loves this dish best with a side of fresh fruit—something like sliced oranges or berries really brightens up the rich flavors of the casserole.
I also often pair it with crispy bacon or a fresh green salad when I want to add a little crunch and freshness. This easy breakfast casserole feels like the centerpiece, so the sides are simple but thoughtfully picked. For holidays or brunches, I like to lay out some warm biscuits or this Southern Squash Casserole as a veggie side—everyone loves that combo!
This cheese breakfast casserole is perfect for so many occasions: family weekends, holiday mornings, or even quick post-sleepover breakfasts that don’t require me standing over the stove for hours. Presentation-wise, I sprinkle a little chopped parsley or fresh chives over the top just before serving—it’s a small touch that makes this egg and cheese casserole look special without any extra fuss.
If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t panic! Leftover cheesy breakfast casserole packs perfectly for weekday breakfasts or even lunch. Reheat it in the oven or microwave, and it tastes just as good the next day. A fun twist I tried recently was adding a dollop of sour cream or salsa on top for some extra flavor. Friends always ask for this cheesy breakfast casserole recipe when they visit—it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!
Your Cheesy Breakfast Casserole Questions Answered
I get tons of questions about this cheesy breakfast casserole, so let’s chat about some of the most common ones I hear from friends and readers like you!
Can I make this cheesy breakfast casserole without meat?
Absolutely! You can easily switch out the sausage for extra veggies or even add mushrooms and spinach for a lighter cheese breakfast casserole. My family actually loves it both ways.How do I avoid a soggy breakfast bake?
This was a tricky one for me at first! I found that using day-old toasted bread and allowing the egg mixture to soak in for a good 5 minutes before baking really helps avoid sogginess. Also, don’t skip the step of draining your sausage well.Can I prepare this as an overnight breakfast casserole?
Yes! A big yes. Assemble the whole dish the night before, cover tightly, and bake the next morning. It saves so much time and tastes just as delicious. I often do this for holiday mornings.What type of cheese do you recommend for the best egg and cheese casserole?
Sharp cheddar is my favorite for that rich, cheesy flavor. But mixing in mozzarella or Monterey Jack can give your casserole a nice melty texture without overpowering it.How do I store leftovers?
I keep leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven. It’s just as good warmed up!Is it okay to freeze cheesy breakfast casserole?
It sure is! You can freeze before or after baking. If freezing beforehand, just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. I trust these tips from Breakfast Casserole | Tastes Better From Scratch for freezing and reheating.Can I swap the bread for hash browns?
For sure! A breakfast bake with hash browns is another favorite around here. You might love the texture of a cheesy overnight hash brown egg casserole like the one at The Food Charlatan.By the way, I’ve even swapped in some leftover mashed potatoes for a fun twist—my family calls that the “comfort upgrade!” If you ever want more swaps and substitutions, pop over to my Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup page for ideas on cozy meals with cheese.
My Final Thoughts on This Cheesy Breakfast Casserole
I won’t lie—this cheesy breakfast casserole holds a very special place in my heart and my family’s weekend traditions. The way it smells while baking, the melty cheese, the fluffy egg texture, and the way it brings everyone to the table? That’s kitchen magic to me.
My Cheesy Breakfast Casserole Pro Tips:
- Always use day-old bread cubes lightly toasted to keep texture perfect
- Brown and drain sausage completely to avoid greasiness
- Let your casserole soak a few minutes before baking for best custard soak-in
I’ve experimented with plenty of variations, like swapping sausage for bacon or ham, adding mushrooms and spinach for a veggie-packed cheese breakfast casserole, and even using gluten-free bread with great results. My hubby swears by the traditional sausage version, while my girls love it when I sneak in peppers and extra cheese.
I hope you’ll make this cheesy breakfast casserole your own and fill your kitchen with the same cozy morning feeling my family enjoys. Cooking is about joy and nourishment, right? And nothing says “family” quite like sharing a warm breakfast bake together.
Before you go, don’t miss trying related comforting recipes like Cheesy Green Bean Casserole or share this recipe with friends who need a little cheesy goodness in their lives. If you ever want to chat about your own cheesy breakfast casserole successes (or mishaps—I’ve had plenty!), you know where to find me right here at Delilita.
Here’s to many mornings of cheesy, melty, satisfying breakfast casseroles ahead!
If you want to peek at other takes on the classic easy breakfast casserole, check these out: the savory Cheesy Breakfast Casserole {Quick + Simple} recipe by Lil’ Luna, a tasty Cheesy Overnight Hash Brown Egg Casserole, or the all-time favorite Breakfast Casserole | Tastes Better From Scratch. Happy cooking, friend!
Cheesy Breakfast Casserole
A hearty and comforting Cheesy Breakfast Casserole loaded with eggs, cheese, and savory ingredients, perfect for a family brunch or easy morning meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup bread cubes
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well blended.
- Layer bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle cooked sausage, chopped onion, and bell peppers over the bread cubes.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is set and cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, add diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. This casserole can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.