Name: Festive Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground pork sausage; 6 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded; 1 teaspoon dry mustard; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 6 slices day-old bread cubed

There's something truly comforting about waking up to the savory aroma of sausage mingling with melted cheese and fluffy eggs. This Festive Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe hits all the right notes for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug on a cold morning.

The image shows a close-up of a baked dish in a clear glass pan on a white marbled surface, with a wooden spatula holding a portion of it. The dish has three main layers: a bottom layer of light golden bread pieces that look soft and fluffy with slight crisp edges, a middle layer of brown, cooked sausage chunks scattered unevenly, and a top layer of melted yellow cheese that melts into the bread and sausage, with some parts crisped and browned. The background is softly blurred, showing hints of a white plate with dark blueberries and a glass of orange juice. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Festive Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Festive Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many holiday mornings this casserole has saved for me — it’s easy to prep ahead, bursts with comforting flavors, and pleases just about everyone seated at the breakfast table.

Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it the night before so your morning feels relaxed, not rushed.
Flavor-packed layers: Sausage, sharp cheddar, and a hint of dry mustard create a savory, balanced taste.
Feeds a crowd easily: The 9×13 dish size is just right for family gatherings or festive brunches.
Comfort breakfast, elevated: It’s familiar yet special—perfect for creating lasting memories with loved ones.

The image shows a clear rectangular glass baking dish filled with a layered breakfast casserole. The top layer is golden melted cheddar cheese mixed with browned sausage pieces and chunks of toasted bread. The casserole has an uneven surface with crispy browned bits around the edges, and the bread inside looks soft with some toasted spots. The baking dish sits on a wooden cutting board on a white marbled surface. Around it, there is a white bowl of blueberries on the left, a glass of orange juice above, two brown eggs in a white container to the right, a salt and pepper shaker on the bottom left, a green, white, and red checkered cloth underneath the baking dish at the bottom, and a wooden spatula on the right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Festive Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe plays a key role. The savory pork sausage adds richness, while the eggs and milk form the custardy base that holds everything together. Cubed bread soaks up the eggy goodness perfectly, and sharp cheddar cheese adds depth and melty cheesiness—the little kick from dry mustard lifts the flavor beautifully.

Flat lay of a mound of fresh ground pork sausage, six whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of whole milk, a small white bowl with dry yellow mustard powder, a small white bowl with coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white bowl with freshly ground black pepper, six thick slices of rustic day-old bread cubed, and a small white bowl filled with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground pork sausage: Opt for a quality, well-seasoned sausage for maximum flavor without extra seasoning needed.
Eggs: Use large eggs for the perfect balance of custardy texture and structure.
Whole milk: It enriches the custard and keeps the casserole moist and tender.
Dry mustard: This tiny addition cuts through the richness and adds a subtle tang that wakes up the palate.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Simple seasonings that highlight all other flavors.
Day-old bread: Stale bread absorbs the custard without turning soggy; no fresh bread here!
Sharp cheddar cheese: Gives that classic cheesy bite and melty texture we all crave in casseroles.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

What I love most about this Festive Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe is how easily customizable it is. Feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have or what your family likes—don’t hesitate to make it truly yours!

Variation: I’ve sometimes added diced bell peppers or onions to the sausage for an extra veggie boost and a bit of sweetness—totally delicious and colorful.
Dairy-free swap: Use a plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese to accommodate lactose intolerance without losing texture.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños into the egg mixture if you want to jazz it up with some heat.
Change the bread: If you have leftover brioche or sourdough, those breads give the casserole a different flavor and texture I enjoy trying now and then.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep the base with bread cubes

Start by greasing your 9x13-inch baking dish really well—trust me, this helps prevent any sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Then, spread your day-old bread cubes evenly across the bottom. The bread is key because it soaks up the egg mixture, turning it into a custardy, soft layer instead of a soggy one. I usually cube the bread the night before and leave it out to dry just a bit if it’s not stale enough.

Step 2: Cook and layer the sausage

Next, brown your ground pork sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once it’s nicely browned, drain the excess grease—this step helps keep the casserole from being greasy. Spread the cooked sausage evenly over your bread cubes. You’re building flavor layer by layer, so take your time to distribute it well.

Step 3: Whisk and pour the custard mixture

In a bowl, whisk together six large eggs, one cup of whole milk, dry mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper until everything’s smooth and combined. Stir in the sharp cheddar cheese—resist the urge to skip this; it adds incredible melty flavor. Pour this mixture gently over the sausage and bread, then press down lightly with a fork so the bread really soaks up that custardy goodness.

Step 4: Chill before baking

Cover your dish with foil and pop it into the fridge. I often prep this the night before a holiday breakfast—it’s such a stress saver. Even if you don’t go overnight, at least 2 hours chilling helps the flavors meld and makes the casserole hold together beautifully while baking.

Step 5: Bake to perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the casserole covered for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the top is golden and the center feels set to the touch—not jiggly. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing; this helps everything firm up and makes serving way easier.

Top Tip

I’ve made this casserole countless times, and these little tips have really helped me nail it every time without stress or sogginess.

Day-old bread is a must: Fresh bread makes the casserole mushy, so use bread that’s at least a day old or intentionally dry out fresh bread in the oven for 10 minutes.
Drain cooked sausage well: This keeps excess grease from pooling in your casserole to maintain perfect texture.
Press gently after pouring eggs: Helps the custard saturate the bread deeply, giving that creamy yet structured bite.
Let it rest after baking: Waiting 10 minutes before serving makes slicing neat and helps flavors settle.

How to Serve Festive Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Sausage Breakfast Casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving—it adds a fresh, vibrant touch that brightens up the rich flavors. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of maple syrup on the side makes it even more special, especially with the slight kick from the dry mustard.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad for a burst of sweetness and color. I also like serving it alongside crispy roasted potatoes or a simple green salad to balance out the richness and keep things light. It’s a versatile breakfast star that plays well with many side dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches, I’ve tried serving individual portions in mini ramekins or muffin tins—perfect for passing around and portion control. Topping each with a tiny sprig of rosemary or a cherry tomato makes the presentation festive and inviting. It's a fun way to elevate the dish when entertaining guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep really well wrapped tightly in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend slicing the casserole before storing so it’s easier to grab just a piece or two. Reheating them gently helps keep that lovely creamy texture intact.

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully. I usually bake it fully, then cool completely before slicing and packing leftovers in airtight containers or freezer bags. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the oven to bring back that fresh-baked texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop my slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave slices covered loosely with a damp paper towel for 1-2 minutes if you're short on time, but the oven keeps it tasting freshest.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Festive Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out the sausage for plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms and add extra veggies like spinach or bell peppers to keep it hearty and flavorful.

What’s the best bread to use for this casserole?

Day-old white or whole wheat sandwich bread works best because it soaks up the custard perfectly without turning mushy. You can also experiment with brioche for a richer taste, but avoid super soft bakery bread.

Can I prepare this casserole completely the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate overnight. Just take it out about 15 minutes before baking to take the chill off for more even cooking.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the center is set — it shouldn’t jiggle when you gently shake the pan. A knife inserted in the middle should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings everyone together around the table with minimal fuss and so much flavor. Whether it’s Christmas morning or a weekend brunch, it feels like a little celebration every time. Try it out—you’ll see just how simple it is to make your mornings more joyful and delicious!