Name: Festive Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese 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 about waking up to the warm, inviting aroma of a baked breakfast that instantly sets a festive mood. This Festive Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe combines hearty sausage and melty cheddar cheese with soft bread soaked in a savory egg mixture, making it the perfect holiday morning treat or weekend brunch showstopper.

The image shows a close-up of a baked dish in a clear glass pan on a white marbled surface, with a wooden spatula holding a portion of it. The dish has three main layers: a bottom layer of light golden bread pieces that look soft and fluffy with slight crisp edges, a middle layer of brown, cooked sausage chunks scattered unevenly, and a top layer of melted yellow cheese that melts into the bread and sausage, with some parts crisped and browned. The background is softly blurred, showing hints of a white plate with dark blueberries and a glass of orange juice. The 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 and Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Festive Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Festive Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made countless breakfast casseroles over the years, but this one has a special place on my holiday table. It’s simple to prep ahead, feeds a crowd, and hits that perfect balance between rich sausage, sharp cheddar, and tender, custardy bread. Plus, it comes together effortlessly — no fancy ingredients or complicated steps.

Make-ahead convenience: Prep it the night before for stress-free mornings.
Comfort food with a twist: Dry mustard adds a subtle tang that wakes up the flavors.
Feeds a crowd: A 9x13 dish means leftovers for days or a crowd of hungry family and friends.
Customizable: Easy to swap ingredients or add veggies if you want to get creative.

The image shows a clear rectangular glass baking dish filled with a layered breakfast casserole. The top layer is golden melted cheddar cheese mixed with browned sausage pieces and chunks of toasted bread. The casserole has an uneven surface with crispy browned bits around the edges, and the bread inside looks soft with some toasted spots. The baking dish sits on a wooden cutting board on a white marbled surface. Around it, there is a white bowl of blueberries on the left, a glass of orange juice above, two brown eggs in a white container to the right, a salt and pepper shaker on the bottom left, a green, white, and red checkered cloth underneath the baking dish at the bottom, and a wooden spatula on the right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Festive Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe is all about simple ingredients that create a cozy, satisfyingly savory dish. Each component plays its part—from the bread soaking up that cheesy egg custard to the savory, seasoned sausage adding hearty flavor and texture.

Flat lay of a mound of fresh ground pork sausage, six whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of whole milk, a small white bowl with dry yellow mustard powder, a small white bowl with coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white bowl with freshly ground black pepper, six thick slices of rustic day-old bread cubed, and a small white bowl filled with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, all arranged in 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: Brings savory richness and a bit of spice to the dish, plus texture contrast with the soft bread.
Eggs: The binder that sets the casserole into a custardy delight.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess, ensuring the egg custard is silky, not rubbery.
Dry mustard: A secret weapon – it adds a subtle depth that brightens the cheesy, savory notes.
Kosher salt and black pepper: For balanced seasoning; kosher salt’s coarse grains distribute flavor beautifully.
Day-old bread: Perfect for soaking up the egg mixture without turning mushy — plus, cubing makes layering easier.
Sharp cheddar cheese: For melty, tangy richness that pairs perfectly with the sausage.

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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 to keep this recipe classic, but I sometimes swap in spicy breakfast sausage or add diced bell peppers for some color and sweetness. Feel free to adjust cheese types—try pepper jack for a kick or Swiss for a milder, nutty flavor. This casserole welcomes your personal touch!

Variation: One Christmas, I added sautéed mushrooms and spinach. It was a big hit and a sneaky way to get some greens on the table.
Make it vegetarian: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage for a meat-free version.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or swap cheddar for pepper jack if you like heat.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free bread cubes to make it suitable for gluten sensitivities.

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

Step 1: Prep the base with bread cubes

Start by greasing your 9x13 baking dish thoroughly. Spread the cubed day-old bread evenly across the bottom. Day-old bread holds up beautifully in this recipe, soaking up the egg mixture without turning to mush. I always toss my bread cubes in a single layer for even soaking and a nice texture in the final bake.

Step 2: Brown the sausage

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground pork sausage, breaking it up as it browns. Once it’s fully cooked and a bit crispy around the edges, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole flavorful but not greasy. Spread this over the bread cubes for that meaty layer that makes this recipe sing.

Step 3: Whisk the egg mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, dry mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese—this is where the magic builds, melding creamy custard and melty cheese that binds everything together.

Step 4: Assemble and soak

Pour the egg and cheese mixture evenly over the sausage and bread cubes in your prepared baking dish. Press down gently with a fork to encourage the bread to soak up as much of the egg custard as possible. This step ensures every bite is custardy and flavorful.

Step 5: Chill before baking

Cover the casserole tightly with foil and refrigerate it overnight or for at least 2 hours. This soak time lets the bread absorb the egg mixture fully, resulting in that perfect texture we all love in a breakfast bake.

Step 6: Bake to golden perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole covered with foil for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the top turns a tempting golden brown and the center sets. Let it sit for 10 minutes before slicing so it finishes setting and serves cleanly.

Top Tip

Over the years, I learned a few tricks for making this casserole just right so it’s moist but not soggy, flavorful without being overwhelming. These tips really helped me get consistent results every time I bake it.

Use day-old bread: Fresh bread gets too soggy; letting it dry out for a day helps it hold up nicely while soaking the custard.
Drain the sausage well: Excess grease makes the casserole runny and greasy, so don’t skip this step.
Don’t skip pressing the egg mixture in: This step helps the bread absorb the custard fully for a creamy, uniform texture.
Let it rest before cutting: The casserole holds together much better if it cools a bit after baking.

How to Serve Festive Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe

festive breakfast casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top mine with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives to add a pop of color and a fresh, mild onion flavor. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of maple syrup — it might sound unusual, but that sweet-savory combo is pure comfort in every bite.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad if you’re serving brunch. For a heartier meal, I love to add crispy roasted potatoes or some lightly dressed arugula — the peppery bite helps cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday mornings, I assemble servings on individual plates and top each slice with a fried egg or some avocado slices for an extra special touch. Layering with colorful veggies or even swapping sausage for smoked salmon makes a beautiful centerpiece for your festive table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I find that the casserole retains its moisture well, just cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out in the fridge.

Freezing

I often freeze leftovers in single-serving portions wrapped in foil and placed in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. This casserole freezes surprisingly well without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

I prefer to reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes to keep the top crispy and the inside warm and custardy. Microwaving works in a pinch but sometimes makes the bread a bit soft, so I save that for quick lunches rather than brunches.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of sausage for this casserole?

Absolutely! You can swap the ground pork sausage for turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based sausage if you prefer. Just cook it thoroughly before adding it to the casserole.

What kind of bread works best?

Day-old, firm white or whole wheat bread cubes work best because they soak up the custard without falling apart. Avoid fresh, soft bread as it may become too mushy.

Can I prepare this casserole the morning I want to bake it?

While it’s possible to assemble and bake right away, letting the casserole sit covered in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight ensures the bread absorbs the egg mixture fully, improving texture and flavor.

How do I know when it’s fully cooked?

The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the center is set, not jiggly. A toothpick inserted in the center will come out clean. Let it rest for 10 minutes after baking for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe has become such a tradition in my house — it’s my go-to for holiday mornings that call for something warm, hearty, and made with love. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your recipe rotation for birthdays, Christmas, or just because you want to make a morning special. Give it a try—you won’t regret waking up to this delicious feast!