Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage

Featured in: Rustic Breads & Bakes

This hearty breakfast bake brings together browned sausage, sautéed bell peppers and onions layered over cubed bread. Topped with shredded cheddar and an egg-milk mixture, it bakes to a golden, custardy finish in under 30 minutes. Easy to prepare and rich in savory flavors, it’s a satisfying start to busy mornings and appeals to a crowd. Variations include turkey sausage or extra vegetables like spinach, making it versatile for different tastes.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 11:21:00 GMT
Golden-brown Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage Casserole, bubbly with cheese, ready to be served. Save
Golden-brown Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage Casserole, bubbly with cheese, ready to be served. | cloverhearth.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 has become a go-to in my household for quick weekend breakfasts that everyone enjoys.

Ingredients

  • Breakfast sausage: 1 pound 450 g, casings removed
  • Bell peppers: 1 cup 120 g diced, any color
  • Onion: 1/2 cup 60 g diced
  • Day-old bread: 4 cups 200 g cubed, white or whole wheat
  • Cheddar cheese: 1 1/2 cups 180 g shredded
  • Eggs: 8 large
  • Milk: 1 1/2 cups 360 ml
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Smoked paprika: 1/4 teaspoon optional
  • Butter: 1 tablespoon for greasing 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 steaming, savory serving of Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage Casserole, fresh from the oven, looks delicious. Save
A steaming, savory serving of Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage Casserole, fresh from the oven, looks delicious. | cloverhearth.com

This recipe often brings the family together on weekend mornings sharing stories and smiles around the breakfast table.

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 bread. Check sausage and bread labels for additional allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories 410 Total Fat 26 g Carbohydrates 19 g Protein 23 g per serving

Close-up of a hearty Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage Casserole, overflowing with sausage and veggies. Save
Close-up of a hearty Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage Casserole, overflowing with sausage and veggies. | cloverhearth.com

This easy sausage casserole is sure to become a breakfast favorite. Enjoy the delicious flavors with minimal effort.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?

Using day-old bread helps absorb moisture without sogginess. Also, drain excess fat from the cooked sausage before layering.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the layers and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for best texture and flavor.

What are some good vegetable additions?

Spinach, mushrooms, or extra diced bell peppers add color and nutrition without altering the core flavors.

Is there a suitable alternative for pork sausage?

Turkey sausage or plant-based sausage work well as lighter or vegetarian-friendly options.

How can I enhance the seasoning?

Adding smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce before serving intensifies the savory depth and adds a hint of spice.

Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage

Sausage, eggs, cheese, and bell peppers baked together for a flavorful morning dish.

Prep duration
10 minutes
Cook duration
25 minutes
Overall time
35 minutes
Recipe by Clover Hearth Emily Dawson

Recipe type Rustic Breads & Bakes

Skill level Easy

Culinary roots American

Servings made 6 Portion size

Diet preferences None specified

What you'll need

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)

How to make it

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 into crumbles, 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. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.

Step 04

Assemble base layers: Spread cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish, then layer with cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Prepare custard mixture: Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) in a large bowl.

Step 07

Combine and bake: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the 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 cutting and serving.

Equipment needed

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

Allergy details

Be sure to review every ingredient for potential allergies, and talk to a medical expert if you’re unsure.
  • Contains eggs, milk (dairy), wheat (gluten), and possibly soy depending on sausage or bread brands.

Nutrition information (each portion)

Only use this data as a helpful reference—it’s not intended to replace professional health guidance.
  • Calorie count: 410
  • Fat content: 26 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 19 grams
  • Proteins: 23 grams