If you’ve been searching for a comforting, flavorful breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Sausage Egg Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines savory Italian sausage, a luscious blend of three cheeses, and a rich custard made from eggs, milk, and a hint of Dijon mustard—all layered over crunchy seasoned croutons. The overnight soak lets every bite come together beautifully, ensuring you wake up to a dish that is both easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself, this recipe is a surefire way to start your morning with joy and satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sausage Egg Bake Recipe relies on simple but outstanding ingredients, each playing a key role in delivering texture, flavor, and that inviting aroma. From the spicy richness of Italian sausage to the melty, tangy mix of cheddar, Swiss, and pepper jack cheeses, every element contributes to the magic happening in your baking dish.
- 1 pound Italian Sausage: Adds a spicy, savory base that sets the tone for the dish.
- 5 ounces seasoned croutons: These create a crispy foundation that soaks up the custard perfectly without getting soggy.
- 1 ¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and vibrant color to the cheese blend.
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese: Provides a creamy, nutty depth that balances the cheddar’s bite.
- 1 ¼ cups shredded pepper jack cheese: Adds a subtle kick and melty texture to keep things interesting.
- 8 eggs: The heart of the custard, binding everything together with richness.
- 2 cups half-and-half: Makes the custard luxuriously creamy without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1½ cups whole milk: Lightens the custard just enough for a smooth consistency.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: A secret ingredient that lifts the flavors with a gentle tang.
- 1 tablespoon minced onion: Adds a subtle savory note, preventing any blandness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances every ingredient’s natural goodness.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Adds mild heat and spice to keep the dish lively.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish): A fresh, green pop of color and mild herbiness to finish.
How to Make Sausage Egg Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Crust
Start by lightly greasing a 9 x 13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread the seasoned croutons evenly across the bottom. These croutons aren’t just about crunch—they serve as the base that holds moisture and ensures each bite has a perfect texture. Set your crust aside while you move to the next step.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks so it crumbles nicely. Once cooked through, drain it on paper towels to remove excess grease. This step is crucial because the sausage flavor is the backbone of the dish, bringing savory, spicy richness that melds beautifully with everything else.
Step 3: Layer Cheese and Sausage
Using a box grater, shred the cheddar, Swiss, and pepper jack cheeses. Scatter the cheeses evenly over the crouton base—expect an irresistible, melty blanket of color and flavor. Then layer the browned sausage on top of the cheese, creating a hearty middle layer that promises a perfect balance of creamy cheese and savory meat.
Step 4: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, half-and-half, whole milk, Dijon mustard, minced onion, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. This custard mixture is what binds your bake, infusing it with moisture and richness. The mustard and onion might seem small but they add subtle complexity that elevates the entire dish.
Step 5: Combine and Chill Overnight
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and cheese layers in your baking dish. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate overnight—or for at least 8 hours. This resting time lets the croutons soak up the custard and flavors fully, resulting in a cohesive and tender bake that’s ready to impress the next morning.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the dish from the fridge, uncover, and bake the egg bake for about 1 hour, until the edges are set and the top is golden. Let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes after baking to allow the custard to finish setting—this also makes it easier to slice and serve.
How to Serve Sausage Egg Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your egg bake with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley not only adds a lively green pop but also lends a subtle herbal freshness that perfectly contrasts the rich, savory flavors. If you love a bit of heat, a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika can add exciting layers to your plate.
Side Dishes
This bake stands on its own but pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad for a touch of natural sweetness or a crisp green salad to lighten the meal. For a brunch spread, consider serving with warm, buttery toast or crispy roasted potatoes to round out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make your brunch special? Serve the Sausage Egg Bake Recipe in colorful individual ramekins for a fun, personalized touch. You can also cut it into neat squares and arrange on a platter with fresh herbs and slices of avocado for a beautiful brunch centerpiece that invites guests to dive in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover sausage egg bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When covered properly, it retains moisture and flavor, making it an excellent ready-to-eat option for busy mornings or quick lunches.
Freezing
This egg bake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. They keep well for up to 2 months, so you can prepare big batches ahead of time and enjoy convenience without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Reheating
For best results, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, around 15-20 minutes, or microwave slices on medium power in short bursts to avoid overcooking. The texture remains wonderfully creamy and satisfying.
FAQs
Can I make the Sausage Egg Bake Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the Italian sausage with vegetarian sausage crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers to maintain that savory depth without meat. Just adjust the seasoning to keep the flavor punch.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the bake overnight?
While you can bake it immediately, refrigerating overnight allows the croutons to soak in the egg mixture fully, creating a custard that’s tender and flavorful throughout. The resting time truly transforms the texture.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese blends. Mozzarella adds stretchiness, Gouda brings smokiness, and feta offers tang. The three-cheese mix in the recipe balances sharpness, creaminess, and a hint of spice perfectly, but it’s yours to customize!
How spicy is this sausage egg bake?
The Italian sausage adds a mild to moderate spice level. If you prefer less heat, choose mild Italian sausage or turkey sausage. For more kick, try a spicy chorizo or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture.
Can I prepare this dish for a crowd?
Definitely. This recipe serves about 8, and scaling up is easy—just use a larger baking dish or multiple pans. It’s a fantastic brunch option for gatherings because it can be made ahead and serves many with minimal fuss.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about waking up to a Sausage Egg Bake Recipe that’s been quietly waiting in the fridge, ready to delight you with every cheesy, savory bite. It’s comforting, effortless, and guarantees smiles at the breakfast table. Give this recipe a go, and soon it will be one of your cherished go-to meals—perfect for lazy weekends, busy mornings, or anytime you want to feel a little extra loved by your food.
Print
Sausage Egg Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 11 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This savory Sausage Egg Bake is a hearty and delicious breakfast casserole perfect for feeding a crowd. It combines Italian sausage, a blend of cheddar, Swiss, and pepper jack cheeses, and seasoned croutons, all soaked in a rich egg custard made with half-and-half and whole milk. Prepared the night before and baked until golden, it’s an easy make-ahead dish that delivers comforting flavors and satisfying texture, perfect for brunch or holiday mornings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian Sausage
- 5 ounces seasoned croutons (one package)
- 1 ¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 ¼ cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups half-and-half (one pint)
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon minced onion
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish and Croutons: Lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Spread the seasoned croutons in a single layer on the bottom of the dish and set aside.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain the cooked sausage on paper towels to remove excess fat.
- Layer Cheese and Sausage: Using a box grater, shred the cheddar, Swiss, and pepper jack cheeses. Evenly scatter the shredded cheeses over the croutons in the baking dish. Then layer the browned sausage evenly on top of the cheese.
- Mix Egg Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, whole milk, Dijon mustard, minced onion, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble and Refrigerate: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered sausage, cheese, and croutons in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the custard to soak into the bread.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge, uncover, and bake for 1 hour until the eggs are set and the top is golden and slightly puffed.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the casserole to sit for 15-20 minutes after baking to set up for easier slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
- For best results, prepare the casserole the night before to let the flavors develop and the custard soak thoroughly.
- You can substitute Italian sausage with breakfast sausage if preferred.
- Feel free to use your favorite cheese blend or adjust cheese quantities to taste.
- Seasoned croutons add extra flavor; plain croutons or cubed stale bread can be used as alternatives.
- Make sure to let the casserole rest after baking to make slicing cleaner and to enhance texture.
- This dish can be reheated covered in the oven or microwave for leftovers.
