Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage

Featured in: Quick Weeknight Meals

This hearty morning casserole combines browned sausage, sautéed bell peppers and onions layered over cubed bread and shredded cheddar. An egg and milk mixture seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika is poured over before baking until set and golden. Ready in just over half an hour, it’s an easy way to satisfy a crowd with bold, comforting flavors. Variations include swapping turkey or plant-based sausage or adding extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 11:09:00 GMT
Golden-brown Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage Casserole, bubbly cheese, ready to serve with fresh salsa. Pin
Golden-brown Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage Casserole, bubbly cheese, ready to serve with fresh salsa. | forkandbloom.com

A hearty and flavorful breakfast casserole packed with sausage, eggs, and cheese—perfect for busy mornings and guaranteed to please a crowd.

This casserole quickly became my go-to for weekend breakfasts when I need something filling yet simple.

Ingredients

  • Protein: 1 pound (450 g) breakfast sausage casings removed
  • Vegetables: 1 cup (120 g) diced bell peppers (any color), 1/2 cup (60 g) diced onion
  • Bread & Dairy: 4 cups (200 g) cubed day-old bread (white or whole wheat), 1 1/2 cups (180 g) shredded cheddar cheese, 8 large eggs, 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) milk
  • Seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Cooking: 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter.
Step 2:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3:
Add diced bell peppers and onion to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 4:
Spread cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer the cooked sausage and vegetables over the bread.
Step 5:
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sausage mixture.
Step 6:
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole.
Step 7:
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is lightly golden.
Step 8:
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
A close-up of a steaming Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage Casserole, showcasing fluffy eggs and savory sausage. Pin
A close-up of a steaming Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage Casserole, showcasing fluffy eggs and savory sausage. | forkandbloom.com

My family loves gathering around the table on Sunday mornings enjoying this warm comforting meal together.

Required Tools

Large skillet, Mixing bowls, Whisk, 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, Knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains Eggs, Milk (Dairy), Wheat (Gluten), and possibly Soy (in some sausages and bread). Check sausage and bread labels for additional allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 410, Total Fat 26 g, Carbohydrates 19 g, Protein 23 g

Hearty Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage Casserole bubbling in a baking dish, promising a delicious, easy breakfast! Pin
Hearty Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage Casserole bubbling in a baking dish, promising a delicious, easy breakfast! | forkandbloom.com

This casserole is a perfect balance of savory flavors and makes busy mornings stress free.

Recipe Q&A

Can I substitute the breakfast sausage?

Yes, turkey or plant-based sausage can be used for a lighter or vegetarian variation without sacrificing flavor.

What bread works best in this dish?

Day-old white or whole wheat bread cubes absorb the egg mixture well and provide a sturdy base for the casserole.

How can I add more vegetables?

Chopped spinach or mushrooms can be sautéed with the peppers and onions for added nutrition and flavor.

Is it necessary to drain the cooked sausage?

Draining excess fat after browning helps prevent the casserole from becoming greasy and balances the texture.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

This casserole can be assembled a few hours in advance and refrigerated until baking for convenience on busy mornings.

What spices enhance the flavor?

Salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika create a warm, smoky undertone complementing the sausage and eggs.

Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage

Savory casserole with sausage, eggs, cheese, and bell peppers, ready in under 35 minutes.

Prep duration
10 min
Cooking duration
25 min
Complete duration
35 min


Skill level Easy

Origin American

Yield 6 Portions

Dietary specifications None specified

Components

Protein

01 1 pound breakfast sausage, casings removed

Vegetables

01 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
02 1/2 cup diced onion

Bread & Dairy

01 4 cups cubed day-old bread (white or whole wheat)
02 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
03 8 large eggs
04 1 1/2 cups milk

Seasonings

01 1/2 teaspoon salt
02 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
03 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Cooking

01 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)

Directions

Step 01

Prepare oven and baking dish: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.

Step 02

Cook sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage, breaking it into pieces, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 03

Sauté vegetables: Add diced bell peppers and onion to the skillet and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 04

Assemble casserole base: Spread cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish, then layer the cooked sausage and vegetables on top.

Step 05

Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sausage and vegetable mixture.

Step 06

Combine and pour egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Pour evenly over the casserole layers.

Step 07

Bake casserole: Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until eggs are set and top is lightly golden.

Step 08

Rest before serving: Allow casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Necessary tools

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about anything.
  • Contains eggs, milk (dairy), wheat (gluten), and possibly soy depending on sausage and bread.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Calories: 410
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Carbs: 19 g
  • Protein: 23 g