When it comes to feeding my family, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are simple, delicious, and won’t break the bank. One of my absolute go-to dishes is this Easy Cheesy Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole. It’s hearty, comforting, and budget friendly—plus, it’s perfect whether you’re cooking for a weekend breakfast, meal prepping for busy mornings, or hosting brunch with friends.
This casserole checks all the boxes: it’s easy to make, uses affordable ingredients, and is a family favorite every time I pull it out of the oven. There’s just something about the combination of fluffy eggs, savory sausage, melted cheese, and bread that makes everyone come back for seconds.
In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make this recipe, why it’s such a great choice for budget-friendly meal planning, and even share a few tips for customizing it to your taste.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’ve tried plenty of breakfast casseroles over the years, but this one stands out for a few reasons:
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Budget Friendly – The ingredients are simple and inexpensive. Eggs, bread, cheese, and sausage are staples you can find on sale or in bulk, making this a recipe that fits perfectly into a money-saving meal plan.
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Feeds a Crowd – This casserole makes a big pan, so it’s great when family visits or if you want leftovers for the week.
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Make Ahead – You can prep it the night before and just bake it in the morning. That’s a lifesaver for holidays or busy mornings.
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Customizable – You can swap in different meats, veggies, or cheeses depending on what you have on hand.
My family always looks forward to it, especially on lazy Saturday mornings when we can sit down together and enjoy a filling meal without rushing out the door.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Easy Cheesy Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole:
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1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey both work great)
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8 large eggs
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2 cups milk
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6 slices of bread (day-old bread works perfectly)
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
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½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
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Cooking spray or butter (to grease your baking dish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Cook the Sausage
Start by browning your breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks, and once it’s fully browned, drain any excess grease. -
Prepare the Bread
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Tear the bread slices into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly across the bottom of the dish. -
Layer the Ingredients
Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the bread. Then, add 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheese on top. -
Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings until fully combined. -
Pour and Top
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top. -
Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden and bubbly. -
Cool and Serve
Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for Success
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Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Just pop it in the oven in the morning for an easy breakfast.
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Use What You Have: Swap in leftover bread, bagels, or even croissants. This makes it even more budget-friendly.
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Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions for extra nutrition and flavor.
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Try Different Meats: Ham, bacon, or even leftover rotisserie chicken can work well in place of sausage.
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Cheese Variety: Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack add fun flavor twists.
Why This Recipe is Budget Friendly
One of the reasons I keep coming back to this recipe is how affordable it is. Eggs are one of the cheapest sources of protein, bread is inexpensive, and cheese and sausage can often be bought in bulk or on sale.
If you’re looking for ways to stretch your grocery budget, casseroles like this are perfect. You can feed a family of 4–6 people with this dish for just a few dollars. Plus, it reheats well, so you don’t have to worry about food waste—just store leftovers in the fridge and reheat for a quick breakfast during the week.
When you’re trying to save money in the kitchen, recipes that use everyday pantry and fridge staples are the best. That’s why this casserole has earned a permanent spot in my family’s meal rotation.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, here are a few easy and affordable sides:
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Fresh fruit or a fruit salad
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Hash browns or roasted potatoes
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Biscuits or toast
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A simple green salad (if serving it as brunch)
Storing and Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: You can freeze portions of the casserole for up to 2 months. Just wrap tightly and reheat when ready.
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Reheating: Warm in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cheesy Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole has been a family favorite in my kitchen for years. It’s simple, filling, and, most importantly, budget friendly. Whether I’m cooking it for my family on a weekend morning, making it ahead for busy weekdays, or serving it to guests at brunch, it never disappoints.
If you’re looking for more budget-friendly recipes that your family will love, be sure to check out my recipe collection here: Budget Friendly Recipes.