Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage

Featured in: Breakfast & Brunch

This hearty dish combines browned sausage, sautéed bell peppers and onions layered with cubed bread and shredded cheddar cheese. An egg and milk mixture seasons the casserole before baking until golden and set. Ready in just 35 minutes, it offers a comforting meal full of rich flavors and textures. Variations include turkey or plant-based sausage and added vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and taste.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:38:00 GMT
Golden-brown Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage Casserole, a savory breakfast bake with bubbly cheese top. Save
Golden-brown Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage Casserole, a savory breakfast bake with bubbly cheese top. | berrycottage.com

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

I love making this casserole on busy weekend mornings because it fills the house with a delicious aroma and keeps everyone happy.

Ingredients

  • Breakfast sausage: 1 pound (450 g), casings removed
  • Diced bell peppers: 1 cup (120 g), any color
  • Diced onion: 1/2 cup (60 g)
  • Cubed day-old bread: 4 cups (200 g), white or whole wheat
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 1/2 cups (180 g)
  • 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:
Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and 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. Saute for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly softened.
Layer 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 to 25 minutes or until the eggs are set and the top is lightly golden.
Cool before serving:
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
A close-up of a steaming Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage Casserole fresh from the oven, ready to serve. Save
A close-up of a steaming Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage Casserole fresh from the oven, ready to serve. | berrycottage.com

This casserole always brings our family together on weekend mornings, sharing stories while enjoying a warm meal.

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 or bread. Check sausage and bread labels for additional allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 410 calories, 26 g total fat, 19 g carbohydrates, 23 g protein

Cheesy, delicious Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage Casserole with visible sausage crumbles and colorful veggies. Save
Cheesy, delicious Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage Casserole with visible sausage crumbles and colorful veggies. | berrycottage.com

This sausage casserole is a simple and satisfying way to start your day with a smile.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?

Yes, turkey sausage works well as a lighter alternative and maintains great flavor in this dish.

How do I ensure the casserole isn’t soggy?

Using day-old cubed bread helps absorb moisture, preventing sogginess while keeping a tender texture.

What vegetables complement this casserole?

Diced bell peppers and onions add sweetness and texture; adding spinach or mushrooms also enhances flavor.

Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate overnight before baking to save time in the morning.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Substitute the bread with gluten-free varieties and ensure sausage is gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.

Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage

Savory sausage, eggs, and cheese baked into a warm, satisfying dish ready in under 40 minutes.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Lily Anderson


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 6 Portions

Dietary considerations None specified

Components

Protein

01 1 pound 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 whole milk

Seasonings

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

Cooking

01 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)

Directions

Direction 01

Prepare oven and dish: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.

Direction 02

Cook sausage: Brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon until fully cooked, approximately 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Direction 03

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

Direction 04

Assemble casserole base: Evenly spread cubed bread in the prepared baking dish, then layer the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture over the bread.

Direction 05

Add cheese layer: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sausage and vegetables.

Direction 06

Prepare egg custard: Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and optionally smoked paprika in a large bowl until well combined.

Direction 07

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

Direction 08

Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy information

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice if you have concerns.
  • Contains eggs, milk (dairy), wheat (gluten), and possibly soy depending on sausage and bread used.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 410
  • Fats: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Proteins: 23 g