I can’t wait to share my favorite breakfast crowd-pleaser with you. This Savory Morning Sausage Casserole combines crispy hashbrowns, savory sausage, and melty cheese into one hearty dish that’ll make you the hero of any brunch gathering. The beauty of this recipe? You can prep it the night before, so while your coffee’s brewing, your breakfast is already bubbling away in the oven. And trust me, the aroma that fills your kitchen might just lure even the deepest sleepers to the table.
Why You’ll Love this Savory Morning Sausage Casserole
When you’re looking for a breakfast that works harder than you do in the morning, this savory sausage casserole steps up to the plate.
I’m talking about a one-dish wonder that combines protein-packed sausage, veggies, and eggs in perfect harmony.
What makes it special? The make-ahead magic. Prep it the night before, refrigerate, and just pop it in the oven while you’re still rubbing sleep from your eyes.
Those crispy hashbrowns, melty cheese, and savory sausage create comfort in every bite.
Perfect for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or feeding hungry houseguests.
Who needs to stand at the stove flipping pancakes when this does all the work?
What Ingredients are in Savory Morning Sausage Casserole?
This hearty breakfast casserole brings together everything you love about a complete morning meal in one convenient dish. The combination of savory breakfast sausage, eggs, and vegetables creates a protein-packed start to your day that’ll keep everyone satisfied until lunch. And the best part? Most of these ingredients are probably already hanging out in your refrigerator or freezer.
- 1 pound pork breakfast sausage
- 10 ounces frozen hashbrowns (about 2 cups)
- 3/4 cup diced red pepper
- 3/4 cup diced onion
- 1-2 cups chopped spinach
- 10 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Feel free to customize this recipe based on what you have on hand. Not a fan of red peppers? Substitute green bells or even mushrooms. The spinach adds a nice nutritional boost, but you could swap in kale or leave it out altogether. And while sharp cheddar brings a nice flavor punch, any melty cheese would work—mozzarella, monterey jack, or even a Mexican blend could step in beautifully. Just make sure to keep the egg-to-milk ratio the same to maintain that perfect custardy texture when baked.
Make Ahead Tips for this Savory Morning Sausage Casserole
One of the greatest gifts you can give your future self is a breakfast casserole prepped and ready to go—especially on busy mornings when you need something substantial but don’t have time to cook from scratch.
- Overnight magic: Assemble the entire casserole the evening before, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply remove it from the fridge while your oven preheats, then bake as directed. You might need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since you’re starting with cold ingredients.
- Prep components separately: If you don’t want to assemble the whole casserole, you can still get ahead by cooking the sausage mixture with vegetables up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then just whisk the eggs and combine everything when you’re ready to bake.
- Freezer-friendly option: After baking and cooling completely, cut the casserole into individual portions and freeze them wrapped in plastic and foil. These single servings can be microwaved straight from frozen for about 2-3 minutes for the ultimate grab-and-go breakfast.
- Double batch strategy: While you’re at it, why not make two casseroles? Bake one now and freeze the second (unbaked) for another time. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding about 10 minutes to the cooking time.
How to Make this Savory Morning Sausage Casserole
This casserole comes together in just a few straightforward steps, and the payoff is absolutely worth it. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13 baking pan—this prevents any eggy bits from sticking and makes cleanup so much easier.
Next, grab a large skillet and cook 1 pound of pork breakfast sausage along with 3/4 cup diced red pepper and 3/4 cup diced onion. Break up the sausage with a wooden spoon as it cooks, creating those perfect little morsels that distribute flavor throughout the casserole.
Once the sausage is no longer pink and the vegetables have softened, drain off the excess grease—nobody wants a pool of oil in their breakfast! Now fold in 1-2 cups of chopped spinach and let it cook just for a minute or two until it wilts down. The color contrast between the bright green spinach and red peppers makes this dish not only delicious but beautiful too.
Set this mixture aside to cool slightly while you prep the egg mixture.
In a large bowl, whisk together 10 large eggs, 1/2 cup of whole milk, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper until well combined. Stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese (and who could blame you if a bit more “accidentally” falls in).
Add your sausage mixture to the eggs and gently combine everything. Pour this glorious concoction into your prepared baking dish, sprinkle with a little extra cheese if you’re feeling indulgent, and pop it in the oven.
Having the right breakfast casserole appliances will make preparation easier and ensure even cooking throughout your delicious morning creation.
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the eggs are set and the top is lightly golden. The casserole should have just the slightest jiggle in the center when it’s done. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving—if you can resist the aroma that long.
Savory Morning Sausage Casserole Substitutions and Variations
While the basic recipe for this sausage casserole is absolutely delicious, you might find yourself needing to swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge or pantry. That’s the beauty of a versatile dish like this.
Don’t have pork sausage? Turkey or chicken sausage works wonderfully, with a lighter flavor profile. Vegetarians can use plant-based sausage crumbles.
The veggies are totally customizable too. Think mushrooms instead of spinach, or bell peppers in any color you prefer. No hashbrowns? Cubed bread makes this more like a strata. Even the cheese can be swapped—try pepper jack for a spicy kick.
What to Serve with Savory Morning Sausage Casserole
Although this hearty sausage casserole can certainly stand on its own as a complete meal, pairing it with complementary sides elevates your breakfast or brunch spread to something truly special.
I love offering fresh fruit salad for a sweet contrast to the savory flavors—berries, melon, and citrus segments work beautifully. A basket of warm biscuits or crusty bread lets guests soak up every last bite.
For more substantial brunches, why not add a simple green salad with light vinaigrette?
And don’t forget the beverages—coffee, mimosas, or a spicy Bloody Mary complete the perfect morning gathering.
Leftovers and Storage for this Savory Morning Sausage Casserole
Luckily for busy households, this sausage breakfast casserole stores beautifully, making your morning meal prep a breeze for days to come.
Once cooled completely, I recommend portioning leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerating them for up to 3 days.
Need to keep it longer? Simply wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or pop it in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
The flavors actually deepen overnight, making day-two casserole even tastier.
Final Thoughts
After making this savory morning sausage casserole countless times, I’ve come to believe it’s the perfect solution for both everyday breakfasts and special gatherings.
The beauty lies in its versatility—swap vegetables based on what’s in your fridge, or try different cheese combinations for unique flavor profiles.
What I love most? The way it brings people together around the table.
There’s something magical about serving a hearty, homemade breakfast that didn’t require you to stand at the stove all morning. Can you think of a more welcoming way to start the day?
Like its dinner counterpart, this breakfast casserole freezes well for up to three months, making it an excellent make-ahead option for busy mornings.