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This Grilled Cheese Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole is a tried-and-true crowd-pleaser that brings together everything people love about a cozy morning meal. Thick slices of Texas toast, golden American cheese, flavorful sausage, and creamy eggs all bake together into one bubbling dish that feels both special and incredibly easy. If you want comfort food that serves a hungry group and feels like a big warm hug, this casserole is your answer.
After I first tried this on a holiday morning, it quickly became our family breakfast tradition. There is something about that smell from the oven that just draws everyone to the kitchen and makes breakfast feel like a little celebration.
Ingredients
- Pork breakfast sausage: Adds a punch of savory flavor that ties together the richness of the eggs and cheese Choose high quality ground sausage for the best taste
- Large eggs: Make the bake tender and hold everything together Use fresh eggs for the fluffiest result
- Butter: Helps the bread get perfectly crisp and golden Color and flavor depend on a good quality unsalted butter
- Whole milk: Gives the most luscious custard for soaking into the bread Full fat milk is key for a creamy bite
- Kosher salt and coarse black pepper: Basic seasoning so each element shines Use fresh ground black pepper for a balanced sharpness
- Ground mustard: Brightens up the richness with subtle zest Check freshness as older mustard loses flavor
- Texas toast: The perfect thick cut bread that crisps while staying soft inside Look for fresh bakery slices if you can
- American cheese: Melts to a signature creamy layer that pulls like a classic grilled cheese Deli slices melt the smoothest and make neat layers
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Sausage:
- Cook the pork breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium high heat Stir and crumble the sausage as it cooks for four to five minutes or until it is deeply browned Remove and drain the sausage on a plate lined with paper towels to keep things from getting greasy
- Scramble the Eggs:
- Add a tablespoon of butter to the same skillet over medium heat Whisk ten of the eggs with a quarter cup of milk along with a pinch of salt and pepper until there are no steaks Pour into the pan and gently scramble Stir over low heat just until the eggs are starting to set They should be creamy and glossy not dry
- Assemble the Base Layer:
- Mist a nine by thirteen baking dish with nonstick spray Arrange six slices of Texas toast to cover the bottom Press down gently then top each slice with one piece of American cheese covering as much bread as possible
- Add Sausage and Eggs:
- Scatter the browned sausage as evenly as possible over the cheesy bread layer Spoon the scrambled eggs over the sausage followed by another layer of American cheese for maximum melt
- Mix and Pour Custard:
- Whisk the remaining eight eggs with three quarters cup of milk and a dash of ground mustard until smooth Slowly pour this mixture all over the casserole letting it soak in and moisten every bit of bread
- Top with Bread:
- Lay the remaining slices of Texas toast over the top This locks in the custard and gives every serving a crispy lid
- Brush with Butter and Bake:
- Melt the last three tablespoons of butter Brush a generous coat over the top layer of bread Cover with foil and bake in a three seventy five degree oven for twenty minutes Uncover and bake twenty minutes more until the top is deeply golden and toasted
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Nothing beats the way this casserole crisps on the top I still remember my son’s third birthday when he ate so many pieces I started calling it his breakfast cake The cheesy gooey layers make every slice a favorite
Storage Tips
Let the casserole cool to room temperature before covering tightly and refrigerating It keeps well for four days and tastes just as good reheated Slices freeze beautifully wrapped tightly and you can thaw overnight or bake straight from frozen for a quick hot meal
Ingredient Substitutions
Turkey or chicken sausage is a great lighter option Cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack can replace American for a sharper flavor If you do not have Texas toast use any thick sandwich bread in a pinch
Serving Suggestions
I love to put out a bowl of fresh berries or a green salad on the side For something a little decadent sometimes we serve with maple syrup or berry jam If your crowd loves spice add salsa or hot sauce to the table
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Cultural Background
This recipe is all about bringing people together the way a classic diner breakfast might do Families have gathered for decades around grilled cheese and eggs and casserole style makes it even more shareable I like to think of it as weekend brunch in one big dish
Common Recipe Questions
- → What bread works best for this dish?
Thick-sliced Texas toast is traditional, but sturdy breads like French, sourdough, or brioche hold up well and absorb the egg mixture deliciously.
- → Can I prepare this ahead?
Yes, assemble everything the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning for a warm, easy breakfast.
- → Is it possible to use a different sausage?
Tuck in turkey, chicken, or vegetarian sausage for a lighter or meatless take, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- → How do I prevent soggy bread?
Use thick slices, avoid oversoaking with custard, and bake uncovered at the end for a crisp, golden top layer.
- → What sides complement this hearty bake?
Serve with fresh fruit, a simple green salad, roasted potatoes, or berries for contrast and freshness.
- → Which cheeses can I use besides American?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or provolone melt well and offer distinct flavors to suit your taste.