Name: Festive Breakfast Casserole with Sausage 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 teaspoon dry mustard; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 6 slices day-old bread, cubed; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

There's something irresistible about waking up to the warm, savory aroma of a Festive Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Recipe filling your kitchen. It's like a cozy holiday hug on a plate—perfect for sharing around the table with family or friends and making mornings feel extra special.

A wooden spoon holds a thick slice of a layered baked dish with a golden crust. The top layer has browned, chunky pieces of sausage with a rough texture. Beneath this is a soft, yellow layer that looks like cooked egg mixed with chunks of fluffy bread, which are light brown on the edges and creamy inside. The slice is lifted above a glass baking dish filled with the same baked casserole, showing similar uneven layers of sausage, melted cheese, and bread pieces in a creamy yellow base. Everything sits on a white marbled surface, with a blurred glass of orange juice and some blueberries in the background. 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 Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Festive Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Festive Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Festive Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Recipe is one of my go-to dishes whenever I want to impress guests without standing over the stove the whole morning. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together quickly — making it a true lifesaver for holiday mornings or weekend brunches.

Make-Ahead Magic: You can prep it the night before, which is a total game-changer for busy holiday mornings.
Comfort Food Vibes: The melty cheddar cheese combined with savory sausage and soft, egg-soaked bread is pure indulgence.
Feeds a Crowd: This casserole generously serves about eight people, so it's perfect for family gatherings or a festive brunch crew.
Simple Ingredients: You likely already have everything needed — no specialty trips required.

A rectangular clear glass baking dish holds a layered casserole placed on a round wooden board over a white marbled surface. The casserole's top layer is a mix of melted yellow and light golden cheese with crispy, browned bits scattered evenly. Underneath, chunks of light golden toasted bread and browned sausage pieces are visible, creating a textured and uneven surface that hints at multiple layers of bread and cooked sausage inside. Near the dish, there is a glass of orange juice, a white bowl filled with blueberries, two eggs, salt and pepper shakers, and a wooden spatula resting on a checkered cloth with green, white, and red squares. The scene is bright and clean, showing a homemade breakfast dish ready to be served photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The harmony of simple, wholesome ingredients is what makes this Festive Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Recipe so delicious. Each element plays its part — sausage adds depth, eggs bind everything together, and the bread absorbs all those flavors beautifully. Here’s why I pick these ingredients:

Flat lay of a mound of fresh raw ground pork sausage, six whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl filled with whole milk, a small white bowl with bright yellow dry mustard powder, a small white bowl containing coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white bowl with cracked black pepper, six rustic day-old bread cubes arranged neatly, and a small white bowl heaped with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, all arranged with 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: Adds a rich, savory flavor and a satisfying texture.
Large eggs: The binding agent that turns the casserole into a custardy delight.
Whole milk: Balances richness and keeps the casserole moist and tender.
Dry mustard: Just a subtle kick of tang to elevate the flavors.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the ingredients without overpowering.
Black pepper: Gives a gentle heat and depth of flavor.
Day-old bread: Perfect for soaking up the egg mixture without turning mushy.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Provides that melty, slightly tangy, ooey-gooey goodness.

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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

I love swapping out the bread type sometimes depending on what I have around — sourdough or a rustic country loaf works beautifully and gives the casserole a lovely texture. Feel free to add your favorite veggies or even swap the sausage for turkey sausage if you want a lighter version.

Variation: One holiday, I tossed in some sautéed bell peppers and onions — it gave the casserole a nice sweet-savory twist that everyone couldn’t get enough of.
Make it vegetarian: Simply replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a hearty plant-based version.
Spice it up: A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce in the egg mixture instantly makes the flavor profile bolder.

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

Step 1: Prep the Bread Base

Start by greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish — trust me, this step keeps everything from sticking and makes cleanup easier! Next, spread out your cubed day-old bread evenly across the bottom. Using bread that's a day or two old is ideal because it soaks up the egg mixture perfectly without turning mushy.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground pork sausage until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Don’t rush this — browning the sausage well adds that savory depth that makes this casserole sing. Once done, drain any excess grease, then spread the sausage evenly over the bread cubes in your baking dish.

Step 3: Mix the Egg Custard

Grab a bowl and whisk together eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper until fully combined and slightly frothy. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese last — this ensures every bite gets melty cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Assemble and Chill

Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the sausage and bread, then use a fork to press down gently. This helps the bread absorb the custard evenly. Cover your dish tightly with foil and pop it in the fridge overnight or for at least 2 hours. This overnight soak really makes a difference by melding the flavors beautifully.

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 turns a gorgeous golden brown and the center feels set to the touch. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving — patience here means easier slicing and better flavor.

Top Tip

Over the years, I learned that a few simple tweaks can make your Festive Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Recipe truly shine. These tips saved me from the usual sogginess and bland bites, elevating the dish every time.

Use Day-Old Bread: Fresh bread gets mushy fast; slightly stale bread holds up better in the custard.
Don’t Skimp on Browning the Sausage: It adds essential flavor depth, so cook it until it’s well browned but not burnt.
Press Gently Before Refrigerating: This ensures every piece of bread soaks up the egg mixture evenly.
Bake Covered First: Keeps the casserole moist; removing the cover toward the end gives it a beautifully golden top.

How to Serve Festive Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Recipe

festive breakfast casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving — it adds a fresh pop of color and a subtle herbal note that lifts the entire dish. For a festive touch, a little dusting of paprika or a few halved cherry tomatoes on the side brighten the plate beautifully.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or some fresh fruit salad for balance. I also love setting out some crusty bread rolls and a pot of coffee or hot cocoa for the full festive breakfast spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday mornings, I’ve served this casserole in layered glass dishes to show off the colorful layers of bread, sausage, and cheese. For a brunch buffet, cut into individual portions and place each square in mini pie dishes or ramekins — they’re perfect for grab-and-go serving and look charming on a table set for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your feast, wrap leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. This casserole keeps well for up to 4 days — perfect for quick breakfasts or snack attacks. Just remember to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep the texture intact.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole both before and after baking. When freezing before baking, prep the whole dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. You’ll just need to thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed. If freezing after baking, slice into portions and wrap individually for easy reheating later.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes until warmed through and crispy on top. For single slices, a quick zap in the microwave works fine, but the oven is my favorite for keeping that texture just right.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of sausage in this casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based sausage if you prefer. Just be mindful of any added seasoning and adjust salt accordingly.

Is it okay to use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?

You can, but day-old bread works better because it absorbs the egg mixture without falling apart. If you only have fresh bread, try to dry it out a bit by toasting or leaving it uncovered for a few hours.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the bread for a gluten-free variety. Make sure your sausage and other ingredients don’t contain gluten. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish without worry.

How far in advance can I assemble the casserole?

Assembling the casserole the night before is perfect for deep flavor infusion. You can refrigerate it covered overnight for up to 24 hours before baking. Just keep it chilled until ready to cook.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Recipe has become a holiday classic in my home — it brings everyone together effortlessly and fills the room with warm, comforting smells. I can’t recommend it enough if you want a dish that's both festive and fuss-free. Give it a try and watch how it becomes your new favorite go-to for celebratory mornings!