Name: Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground pork breakfast sausage; 1/2 cup diced yellow onion (about 1 small); 1/2 cup finely diced red pepper (about 1 small); 2 diced jalapeño peppers (or 1/4 cup finely diced green pepper for less spice); 1 (16-oz) box cornbread mix; 1 (15-oz) can cream-style corn; 2/3 cup water (or 1/3 cup water plus 1/3 cup buttermilk for richer flavor); 1 (8-oz) package shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese

There’s something so comforting about the blend of spicy sausage, sweet cornbread, and gooey cheese all baked into one cozy dish. This Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug—perfect for mornings, brunch, or even an easy dinner.

A white plate holds a single serving of a layered dish with a golden crumbly top crust. Below the crust, a mix of browned ground meat and soft yellow layers can be seen, giving a textured look. Bright green pieces of chopped scallions and small blocks of red bell pepper sit on top and around the dish, adding fresh color. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, and a silver fork with a striped cloth napkin is seen at the edge. In the blurred background, another white plate with a similar dish and a bowl of green leafy lettuce are visible. 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 Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of this Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe—it’s one of those dishes that always gathers everyone around the table. It’s rich but balanced, straightforward to make, and packs so much flavor that you’ll want to make it again and again.

Savory meets sweet: The combination of spicy breakfast sausage and sweet cornbread creates a perfect harmony that’s hard to beat.
One-pan goodness: Everything bakes together in a single dish, simplifying cleanup and dinner prep.
Flexible spice levels: You can easily adjust the heat by swapping jalapeños for green peppers if you prefer a milder version.
Comfort food at its best: Melty cheese and tender veggies make this casserole irresistibly cozy for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe brings together simple ingredients that complement each other beautifully. The spicy, savory sausage pairs perfectly with the naturally sweet cornbread mix and creamy corn, while the cheese melts into everything, rounding out the flavors.

Flat lay of raw ground pork breakfast sausage in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl filled with diced yellow onion, a small white bowl holding finely diced red bell pepper, two fresh green jalapeño peppers whole and uncut, a box of yellow cornmeal-ish cornbread mix arranged as loose powder on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl with creamy pale yellow cream-style corn, a small white bowl containing clear water, a small white bowl with shredded orange and white Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese, placed 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 breakfast sausage: Choose a flavorful, well-seasoned sausage as it’s the star protein that delivers richness and spice.
Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed with the sausage.
Red bell pepper: Brings a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
Jalapeño peppers (or green bell peppers): I love jalapeños for a gentle kick, but swapping them for green bell peppers is perfect if you want to keep it kid-friendly.
Cornbread mix: The base that gives this casserole its tender, crumbly texture—we use the boxed kind for convenience, but homemade works beautifully too.
Cream-style corn: Adds moisture and a lovely, creamy sweetness to the batter.
Water or buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a hint of tang and richness, but plain water works just fine if that’s what you have on hand.
Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese blend: I opt for a mix because cheddar brings sharpness and Monterey Jack melts superbly for that gooey, cheesy finish.

📝

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 tweaking this casserole depending on the season or who I’m cooking for. Feel free to swap out veggies, adjust spice levels, or experiment with different cheese blends to make this recipe truly your own.

Variation: Once, I added chopped fresh herbs like thyme and parsley, which gave the casserole a fresh twist that was surprisingly delicious.
Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cheese and substitute the buttermilk with almond milk for a tasty allergy-friendly version.
Extra veggies: Throw in some cooked corn kernels or diced zucchini for an extra pop of texture and nutrition.
Mild version: Replace jalapeños with green bell peppers to keep it kid-friendly without losing that lovely pepper crunch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe

A white plate holds a single serving of a baked dish with three visible layers: a golden brown top crust that looks firm and crumbly, a middle layer mixed with browned bits of cooked ground meat and cornbread with a moist, crumbly texture, and a bottom layer slightly thicker and golden. On top of the serving, there are scattered small diced red bell peppers and chopped green onions adding bright red and green color against the warm tones of the baked dish. A silver fork rests on the plate with its handle positioned to the left. A woman's hand holds the side of the plate. In the background, a white baking dish with the same baked food is partly visible, sitting on a white marbled surface, next to a striped white and black cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the sausage and veggies until golden and fragrant

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Crumble your ground sausage into the pan and cook until it just begins to brown. Then toss in your diced onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeños (or green pepper). Let everything cook together for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies soften and the sausage is nicely browned. Drain off any excess grease to keep the casserole from getting too oily, then set this flavorful mixture aside.

Step 2: Whip up the cornbread batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the cornbread mix with the cream-style corn and your chosen liquid—either water or a mix of water and buttermilk for that additional tangy richness. Stir gently just until everything’s moistened; a few lumps are okay because you don’t want to overmix and end up with a dry texture.

Step 3: Layer it up in your baking pan

Lightly grease an 11x7-inch baking dish. Spread about half an inch of the cornbread batter evenly across the bottom. Then layer the sausage and pepper mixture over that, followed by a generous sprinkling of shredded cheese. Finally, spread the remaining cornbread batter on top to seal everything in.

Step 4: Bake to golden perfection

Pop your pan in a 350°F oven and bake uncovered for 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before digging in—this extra time helps everything set for easier slicing and serving.

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours, here are the best tips that have helped me master this Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe so you can get it just right the first time.

Don’t skip draining the sausage: Excess fat can make the casserole greasy and soggy—drain it for a cleaner, balanced flavor.
Use buttermilk if you can: It gives the cornbread a nice tang and moist crumb that just feels more indulgent.
Layer with care: Spread the bottom batter evenly and avoid mixing layers to keep the texture distinct and appealing.
Let it rest: Waiting 10 minutes after baking really helps the casserole firm up, so it slices neatly and looks great on the plate.

How to Serve Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top mine with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions to add a fresh, bright contrast to all the richness. Sometimes a few dashes of hot sauce on the side are perfect for folks who want a little extra kick.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or even some fresh fruit salad to balance out all those savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch crowd, I like to bake this in individual ramekins for a personal touch. During holiday gatherings, topping each serving with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of honey adds a surprising and delightful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, I cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and keep them refrigerated. They stay delicious for up to 3 days—and honestly, it often disappears before then!

Freezing

This casserole freezes well if you want to prep ahead. I wrap the cooled dish tightly with foil and then plastic wrap before freezing for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, covered loosely with foil to keep it moist. It reheats beautifully without drying out, and the cheese stays melty and inviting.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! While ground pork breakfast sausage provides the classic flavor, you can substitute with turkey sausage or even spicy Italian sausage for a different twist. Just be mindful of seasoning and moisture content.

What can I substitute for the cornbread mix?

If you want to go homemade, you can use your favorite cornbread recipe instead of boxed mix. Just make sure your batter isn’t too thick or too thin to maintain the casserole’s perfect texture.

How spicy is this casserole with jalapeños?

The jalapeños add a mild to moderate heat that’s balanced by sweet corn and cheese. If you’re sensitive to spice or serving kids, swapping them for green bell peppers keeps things flavorful without the heat.

Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, swap the sausage for plant-based sausage crumbles or extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini. For vegan, also use dairy-free cheese and a vegan cornbread mix or recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe is a true family favorite in my house—it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a celebration of simple, honest flavors all working together. I love sharing it because I know it’ll bring comfort and smiles. Give it a try, and soon it might become your go-to dish for any day you crave a hearty, homey meal.