Why this is the perfect breakfast:
There is nothing quite as satisfying as a hearty, cheesy breakfast bake. This dish is the ultimate “set it and forget it” meal. It takes minimal prep work—just browning the meat and whisking the eggs—and then the oven does the rest. It’s baked in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Perfect for feeding a crowd on a Saturday morning, a holiday brunch, or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this casserole is packed with protein and savory flavors. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility: you can swap out the sausage for bacon or ham, add in bell peppers and onions, or change up the cheese based on what you have in your fridge.
Full Recipe: Cheesy Sausage & Egg Breakfast Bake
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings
Ingredients
· 1 lb (450g) Ground Sausage (Breakfast sausage or spicy Italian sausage works best—remove casings if using links)
· 10 Large Eggs
· 1/2 cup Milk (whole or 2% for creaminess; you can also use half-and-half)
· 2 cups Shredded Cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a “Mexican blend” are excellent choices. The image shows a well-melted, golden-orange cheese, so sharp cheddar or a Colby-Jack mix is perfect.)
· 1 tsp Garlic Powder
· 1/2 tsp Salt (adjust depending on how salty your sausage is)
· 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
· 1 tbsp Fresh Dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill—this is the green herb visible on top in the photo)
· Optional: 1/2 cup diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra texture.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (or deep square pan like the one in the photo) with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground sausage and cook until it is completely browned and crumbled, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks (about 8–10 minutes). Once cooked, drain off any excess grease. Note: If using the optional veggies, sauté them with the sausage until softened.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined and slightly frothy.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the cooked sausage evenly across the bottom of your greased baking dish. (If you are adding any sautéed veggies, mix them in now). Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top of the entire casserole. Finally, garnish with the fresh or dried dill.
Step 5: Bake
Place the dish on the center rack of the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the eggs are set in the center and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown (like in your photo). To check if it’s done, insert a knife in the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows it to firm up so you get clean cuts. Serve warm with a side of fresh fruit, hash browns, or a slice of toast.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Bake:
· Get it golden: Broil the casserole for the last 1–2 minutes at the end if you want the cheese to get extra brown and crispy like the picture.
· Cheese combo: For the gooiest result, shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded bagged cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly.
· Make ahead: You can assemble this the night before! Just assemble everything (except the fresh dill), cover with foil, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake as directed, adding about 10 minutes to the cook time since the dish will be cold.