Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole is a simple, hearty dish that’s perfect for busy mornings or a cozy brunch. It combines flavorful sausage with fluffy eggs and a hint of cheese, all baked together in one dish. The texture is soft and satisfying, making it a great start to the day or a comforting snack anytime.
I love making this casserole when I want a no-fuss meal that still feels special. It’s one of those recipes where you can throw everything together quickly and pop it in the oven, then relax while it bakes. I find it tastes even better the next day, so it’s great for leftovers or feeding a crowd without any extra work.
My favorite way to serve it is straight from the pan with some fresh fruit or toast on the side. It’s also fun to jazz it up by adding veggies like spinach or bell peppers, but even plain, it always gets big smiles. Whenever I bring this casserole to a gathering, people always ask for the recipe, which feels like a little win in my kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: This gives the casserole its rich, meaty flavor. I like using mild sausage, but spicy works well if you want a bit of heat. For a lighter option, try turkey sausage or plant-based sausage.
Eggs: Eggs are the base that bind everything together and keep the casserole fluffy. Using large eggs is best, but you can swap for extra-large if needed—adjust the liquid slightly if you do.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds a nice tang. If cheddar isn’t your favorite, Monterey Jack or mozzarella make tasty alternatives. For a dairy-free dish, use a vegan cheese substitute.
Frozen Hash Browns: Thawed hash browns add great texture and a bit of crispiness. If you can’t find frozen, fresh shredded potatoes or even cooked diced potatoes work here, just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture.
Milk: Milk helps make the eggs tender and creamy. Whole milk is my go-to, but 2% or even unsweetened almond milk can be a good swap if you want to cut calories or avoid dairy.
How Do You Make Sure the Casserole Cooks Evenly and Sets Properly?
Getting the perfect texture means baking the mixture just right. Here’s what works for me:
- Preheat the oven fully before baking so the casserole starts cooking right away.
- Use a greased 9×13 inch dish to spread ingredients evenly; this helps the heat reach all parts consistently.
- Don’t cover the casserole—baking uncovered lets the top brown nicely and prevents sogginess.
- Check doneness by gently shaking the dish: the center should be firm and not jiggly.
- If the top browns too fast, tent loosely with foil partway through baking.
- Let it cool 5-10 minutes after baking; this helps the casserole finish setting and makes slicing easier.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – perfect size for even cooking and easy serving.
- Large mixing bowl – great for whisking eggs and combining all ingredients smoothly.
- Whisk – helps you blend eggs and milk without lumps.
- Skillet or frying pan – for browning sausage evenly before baking.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – lets you break up sausage and stir ingredients gently.
- Measuring cups and spoons – keep your ingredient amounts accurate for the best results.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap sausage for cooked bacon or ham for a different savory taste that still works well with eggs.
- Add diced bell peppers or spinach for a fresh veggie boost that adds color and nutrition.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a mild spicy kick that livens up the dish.
- Mix in some chopped onions or mushrooms sautéed in the pan with sausage to deepen flavor and texture.
Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, as preferred)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole milk or 2% for creaminess)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Butter or non-stick spray (for greasing the baking dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 35-45 minutes to bake. Letting the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving helps it set perfectly. Overall, plan for roughly 1 hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish using butter or non-stick spray. This prevents the casserole from sticking and makes serving easier.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula as it cooks. Continue until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat, then set the sausage aside.
3. Mix the Eggs and Other Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in the thawed hash browns, cooked sausage, and 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, combining everything evenly.
4. Assemble and Bake the Casserole:
Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese over the top. Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes. The casserole is done when it’s set in the middle and golden brown on top.
5. Cool and Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and, if you like, sprinkle with dried parsley for a bit of color and flavor. Allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving hot. Enjoy your hearty, delicious sausage and egg casserole!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?
Absolutely! If using fresh potatoes, shred them and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding to the casserole. This helps prevent sogginess and ensures a crispier texture.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it covered. When ready, bake it in a preheated oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I Substitute the Sausage With Another Protein?
Definitely! Cooked bacon, ham, or even cooked turkey sausage are great alternatives. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if needed to fully cook any raw meats beforehand.
