There’s something downright comforting about waking up to a warm, cheesy breakfast that’s loaded with savory sausage and fresh veggies. This Cheese & Sausage Egg Bake Recipe hits that perfect balance—rich, filling, and ridiculously easy to whip up. Let me tell you why it quickly became a staple in my kitchen.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Cheese & Sausage Egg Bake Recipe has been one of my go-to dishes when I want something hearty for brunch that practically makes itself overnight. Whether it’s busy mornings or feeding a crowd, this recipe really delivers.
- Super versatile: You can customize it with your favorite veggies or cheese and it still turns out delicious every time.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it the night before, so mornings are stress-free but still tasty.
- Packed with flavor and nutrition: Sausage, eggs, fresh veggies, and cheese combine to fuel your day right.
- Feeds a crowd easily: Perfect for potlucks, holiday brunches, or Sunday family dinners without extra fuss.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The ingredients in this Cheese & Sausage Egg Bake Recipe come together to deliver layers of flavor and texture that feel indulgent but simple. Each element plays an important role, whether it’s juicy sausage, melty cheese, or crisp veggies—here’s why I pick each one.
- Sausage: Adds a savory, meaty base with a nice fat content that keeps the bake moist and flavorful. Removing the casing and browning helps deepen the taste.
- Olive oil: Just a splash to help soften veggies and add a hint of richness without overpowering.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the veggie mix with aromatic warmth that pairs beautifully with the sausage.
- Fresh spinach: Wilted spinach gives a subtle earthiness and a fresh pop of green without weighing down the dish.
- Bell peppers: Diced peppers bring vibrant color and a slight sweetness that balances the savory sausage.
- Yellow onion: Adds a mild bite and sweetness when cooked down with the other veggies.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to season throughout so every bite is perfectly balanced.
- Eggs: The binding agent that holds everything together into a fluffy casserole when baked.
- Milk: Keeps the eggs tender and creamy for that rich custardy texture.
- Shredded cheese: I usually use a sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack because they melt beautifully and contribute a gooey finish.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about the Cheese & Sausage Egg Bake Recipe is how easily you can switch things up to fit your mood, season, or what’s in your fridge. I often mix in mushrooms or swap bell peppers for zucchini depending on the time of year.
- Variation: Once, I switched the sausage to spicy chorizo and added jalapeños—my guests were hooked! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses or add herbs like thyme or parsley for a fresh twist.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheese & Sausage Egg Bake Recipe
Step 1: Get your sausage beautifully browned
I start by removing the casing from the sausage (if it has one) and browning it over medium heat in a large skillet. This step really deepens the sausage’s flavor and releases some of its fat, which adds richness to the dish. Even if your sausage is pre-cooked, I recommend giving it a quick brown—it makes a difference you’ll notice. Once browned, spread the sausage evenly in your greased casserole dish and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté your veggies to tender perfection
Using the same skillet, add a touch of olive oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic, diced bell peppers, yellow onions, and fresh spinach. Cook gently until the veggies soften and the spinach wilts—around 6 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper towards the end to brighten the flavors. Then, mix these veggies into your casserole dish with the sausage, ensuring everything’s evenly distributed.
Step 3: Whisk eggs, milk, and cheese for a creamy custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and half of the shredded cheese. This mixture is the binding magic that transforms your bake into a fluffy, creamy delight. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and vegetable layer, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Add a little more salt and pepper if you like—it’s your flavor playground.
Step 4: Bake or refrigerate for later
If you’re ready to dig in, pop the dish into a preheated oven at 375ºF (191ºC) for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges turn golden and the center is set but still moist. I usually let it cool for at least 15 minutes to make slicing easier. Prefer convenience? Cover and refrigerate your unbaked casserole for up to 24 hours—then bake fresh in the morning!
Top Tip
Over time, I’ve learned a few little tips that really take this Cheese & Sausage Egg Bake Recipe from good to great. These tweaks make sure your bake is perfectly moist without being soggy, and bursting with flavor.
- Brown the sausage thoroughly: Taking the extra minute to brown the sausage enhances the flavor and renders enough fat to cook the veggies, so they soak up that seasoning beautifully.
- Season veggies midway: Adding salt and pepper after the veggies soften helps highlight their natural sweetness and ensures balanced flavor throughout.
- Use freshly shredded cheese: It melts better than pre-shredded varieties (which often have anti-caking agents) and makes your bake extra gooey and yum.
- Rest before serving: Let the casserole cool for at least 15 minutes after baking so the eggs set perfectly and your slices hold together nicely.
How to Serve Cheese & Sausage Egg Bake Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top my slices with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or scallions for a fresh, bright bite that cuts through the richness. A dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of your favorite salsa also adds a fun zing whenever I want a little extra flair. Trust me, these tiny touches make the dish feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Since the egg bake is packed with protein and veggies, I like to keep sides simple. A side of crispy breakfast potatoes or fresh fruit salad rounds out the meal perfectly. For brunch with guests, I sometimes serve it alongside warm buttermilk biscuits or a crusty baguette to soak up any leftover cheesy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
One time for a holiday brunch, I baked this egg bake in individual ramekins for a personalized touch, and it wowed everyone at the table. You could also cut the casserole into cute bite-sized squares and serve on a platter as a hearty appetizer. Adding colorful garnishes like cherry tomato halves or microgreens turns it into a real showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Cheese & Sausage Egg Bake Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. From my experience, it stays fresh and tasty for up to 5 days. Just reheat individual portions in the microwave and you’re good for a quick, satisfying breakfast or snack.
Freezing
I often make a double batch and freeze one casserole unbaked for hectic weeks. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil—freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual. It’s a total lifesaver for unexpected guests or no-plan mornings.
Reheating
Leftovers reheat wonderfully. I prefer to microwave single servings to maintain moisture and avoid drying out. If you’re reheating a whole casserole, cover with foil and warm at 350ºF (177ºC) for about 15-20 minutes to retain that just-baked texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. You can use breakfast sausage, spicy Italian sausage, or even chorizo depending on your preference. Just be sure to adjust seasoning accordingly since some sausages can be saltier or spicier.
Yes, prepping the bake completely the night before is a great time-saver. Simply cover the unbaked casserole tightly and refrigerate it overnight. Then bake fresh in the morning, which means minimal effort before you enjoy a warm, fresh breakfast.
I personally love sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack for this recipe because they melt well and give a rich flavor. However, feel free to use mozzarella, pepper jack, or a cheese blend depending on your taste. Avoid very hard cheeses as they may not melt as smoothly.
You can easily swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or skip it entirely and add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or extra peppers. Using a flavorful cheese and seasoning the veggies well will keep the dish tasty and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Cheese & Sausage Egg Bake Recipe holds a special place in my regular kitchen lineup because it’s both comforting and flexible. Whether you make it for family brunches or weekday breakfasts, it offers hearty, satisfying flavors without fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it—you might just find yourself making it week after week like I do!
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Cheese & Sausage Egg Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Egg Bake Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and customizable dish featuring sausage, vegetables, eggs, and cheese. Perfect for meal prep, it can be baked immediately, refrigerated overnight, or frozen for later. Ideal for feeding a crowd, it offers a delicious and convenient breakfast solution.
Ingredients
Meat
- 12 ounces sausage (casing removed)
Vegetables
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 cups fresh spinach (90 g)
- 2 large bell peppers (diced)
- ½ medium yellow onion (diced)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Dairy
- 12 large eggs
- ½ cup milk (120 g, any type)
- ½ cup shredded cheese (56 g, any flavor; divided)
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Prepare the casserole dish: Spray a 7 x 11-inch or 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray and set aside. If baking immediately, preheat oven to 375ºF (191ºC).
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage until slightly cooked and browned. If using fully cooked sausage, this step can be shortened or skipped. Transfer cooked sausage evenly into the prepared casserole dish and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: Add a little olive oil to the skillet if needed. Sauté minced garlic, fresh spinach, diced bell peppers, and diced onion until vegetables are tender and spinach is wilted, about 6-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper during the last minute of cooking.
- Combine sausage and vegetables: Remove skillet from heat and add the cooked vegetable mixture into the casserole dish with the sausage. Stir roughly to distribute the mixture evenly.
- Mix eggs and cheese: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and ¼ cup of shredded cheese. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the sausage and vegetable mixture in the casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of shredded cheese on top and add additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake the casserole: If not baked immediately, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, preheat oven to 375ºF (191ºC). Bake casserole for approximately 45 minutes or until edges start to brown. Let cool at least 15 minutes before serving.
- Storage and reheating: Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave as needed. This casserole can also be frozen (baked or unbaked) for up to 2 months. For unbaked frozen casserole, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350ºF (177ºC) for about 20 minutes until heated through.
Notes
- This casserole can be customized with different vegetables, cheeses, or meats based on preferences.
- For a quicker version, use fully cooked sausage.
- You can prepare the casserole the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
- Freezing the casserole allows easy meal prep and stress-free entertaining.
- Allow the casserole to cool before covering tightly for freezing to avoid condensation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 197 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 303 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 223 mg
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