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Perfect Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe for a Crowd

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This make-ahead breakfast casserole is loaded with savory sausage, gooey cheddar cheese, and soft custard-like bread. Perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal morning effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound breakfast sausage
  • 10 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 8 cups cubed bread (about 6–8 slices)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat and let cool slightly.
  2. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes. If bread is fresh, toast lightly at 350°F for 5 minutes to dry it out.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth.
  4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread cubed bread evenly in the dish. Sprinkle cooked sausage over the bread.
  5. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and sausage, pressing down gently with a spatula to help absorption.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  7. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  8. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from fridge and let sit on counter for 15-20 minutes.
  9. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, until top is golden brown, edges are bubbly, and center is set. If browning too quickly, tent with foil for last 15 minutes.
  10. Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

For best texture, refrigerate overnight. Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting. Let casserole rest after baking for clean slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, sausage casserole, cheesy breakfast casserole, make-ahead breakfast, crowd-pleasing breakfast