Lightning-Fast Sausage Casserole

Featured in: Daybreak Buddy Bites

This dish features browned sausage sautéed with bell peppers and onion, layered over cubed bread and shredded cheddar. A whisked mixture of eggs, milk, and spices is poured over all before baking until golden and set. Ready in just over half an hour, it blends protein and vegetables for a filling and comforting start to the day. Variations can include turkey sausage or extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, with optional spice enhancers for added flavor.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:35:00 GMT
Golden-baked Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage Casserole, with cheese bubbling atop a hearty breakfast. Save to Pinterest
Golden-baked Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage Casserole, with cheese bubbling atop a hearty breakfast. | buddybiteskitchen.com

A hearty and flavorful breakfast casserole packed with sausage, eggs, and cheese—perfect for busy mornings and guaranteed to please a crowd.

This casserole quickly became my go-to recipe when mornings get hectic but the family still needs a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

  • Breakfast sausage: 1 pound (450 g), casings removed
  • Bell peppers: 1 cup (120 g) diced (any color)
  • Onion: 1/2 cup (60 g) diced
  • Day-old bread: 4 cups (200 g) cubed (white or whole wheat)
  • Cheddar cheese: 1 1/2 cups (180 g) shredded
  • Eggs: 8 large
  • Milk: 1 1/2 cups (360 ml)
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Smoked paprika: 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
  • Butter: 1 tablespoon (for greasing the baking dish)

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter.
Cook Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Sauté Vegetables:
Add diced bell peppers and onion to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
Assemble Casserole:
Spread cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer the cooked sausage and vegetables over the bread.
Add Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sausage mixture.
Mix Eggs and Milk:
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole.
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is lightly golden.
Cool and Serve:
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
A close-up of a steaming Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage Casserole, perfect for a satisfying, quick meal. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of a steaming Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage Casserole, perfect for a satisfying, quick meal. | buddybiteskitchen.com

Preparing this casserole has created many fun weekend breakfast moments with my family gathered around the table enjoying warm, comforting food.

Required Tools

Large skillet Mixing bowls Whisk 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish Knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains Eggs Milk (Dairy) Wheat (Gluten) and possibly Soy (in some sausages and bread). Check sausage and bread labels for additional allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 410 Total Fat: 26 g Carbohydrates: 19 g Protein: 23 g per serving

This warm, cheesy Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage Casserole looks amazing, ready to serve with your favorite hot sauce. Save to Pinterest
This warm, cheesy Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage Casserole looks amazing, ready to serve with your favorite hot sauce. | buddybiteskitchen.com

This sausage casserole is a breakfast winner that you can prep quickly and enjoy any day of the week.

Common Recipe Questions

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?

Use day-old bread to absorb moisture effectively and ensure the sausage is fully cooked and drained of excess fat before layering.

Can I prepare the casserole in advance?

Yes, assemble the layers and cover the dish; refrigerate overnight and bake just before serving for convenience.

What substitutions work well for the sausage?

Ground turkey or plant-based sausage alternatives provide lighter or vegetarian-friendly options without sacrificing taste.

How can I enhance the vegetable content?

Add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or other favorite veggies sautéed with the bell peppers and onions for extra nutrition and flavor.

What spices complement this casserole best?

Smoked paprika adds warmth and depth, while black pepper and salt balance flavors; hot sauce or salsa can be served on the side for a spicy kick.

Lightning-Fast Sausage Casserole

A flavorful blend of sausage, eggs, cheese, and bread baked for a quick hearty start.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Created By Max Buddyfield

Recipe Category Daybreak Buddy Bites

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Recipe Yield 6 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences None specified

What You'll Need

Protein

01 1 lb breakfast sausage, casings removed

Vegetables

01 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
02 1/2 cup diced onion

Bread & Dairy

01 4 cups cubed day-old bread (white or whole wheat)
02 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
03 8 large eggs
04 1 1/2 cups milk

Seasonings

01 1/2 teaspoon salt
02 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
03 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Cooking

01 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.

Step 02

Cook sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and fully cooked, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 03

Sauté vegetables: Add diced bell peppers and onion to the skillet and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 04

Assemble layers: Spread cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer the cooked sausage and vegetables over the bread.

Step 05

Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sausage and vegetable mixture.

Step 06

Prepare egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using.

Step 07

Combine and bake: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until eggs are set and the top is lightly golden.

Step 08

Rest before serving: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Warnings

Review each ingredient carefully for allergens. If unsure, consult with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains eggs, milk (dairy), wheat (gluten), and possibly soy depending on sausage and bread.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for general information only. Always consult a healthcare professional for dietary concerns.
  • Calorie Count: 410
  • Fat Content: 26 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 19 grams
  • Protein Content: 23 grams