If you’re hunting for a breakfast that checks all the boxes—comfort, heartiness, and pure morning joy—the Grilled Cheese Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole is your answer. Imagine layers of buttery grilled cheese sandwiches, fluffy scrambled eggs, and savory sausage, all baked together into one warm, golden casserole. This dish isn’t just perfect for feeding a hungry crowd—it transforms a busy morning into a special occasion. With every bite, you get cozy nostalgia and unbeatable flavor, making it a must-have for holiday brunches, lazy weekends, or anytime you want to spoil loved ones with a breakfast they’ll be talking about all week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Grilled Cheese Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole is that each simple ingredient brings an essential flavor or texture to the party. These aren’t fussy pantry items—just the building blocks of comfort, ready to create a truly unforgettable breakfast together.
- Beef Breakfast Sausage: Delivers savory, meaty richness and is the hearty base for the casserole.
- Large Eggs: These provide structure, fluffiness, and that classic breakfast flavor everyone craves.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create those irresistible buttery, golden grilled cheese tops.
- Whole Milk: Makes the eggs creamy and helps keep the casserole moist as it bakes.
- Kosher Salt: Balances the flavors and ensures every layer is perfectly seasoned.
- Coarse Ground Black Pepper: Lends a gentle warmth and depth to the egg and sausage filling.
- Ground Mustard: Gives a subtle tang and complexity that brightens up the whole dish.
- Texas Toast: Thick slices soak up the custard without getting soggy and provide the foundation for grilled cheese goodness.
- American Cheese: Melts like a dream, infusing the casserole with classic, gooey cheese pulls in every bite.
How to Make Grilled Cheese Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by cooking your beef breakfast sausage in a large pan over medium-high heat. As it cooks, break it apart with a spatula—you want small, crumbled pieces that’ll tuck into every bite. Aim for a deep, golden brown, which adds tremendous flavor. Once it’s cooked, drain the fat, so the casserole turns out perfectly balanced, not greasy.
Step 2: Scramble the Eggs
Next, melt a tablespoon of butter in the pan and whisk up 10 of your eggs with a splash of milk, salt, and pepper. Pour them in and gently scramble until just set—you’re looking for soft, creamy curds, not dry eggs. They’ll finish cooking in the oven, so err on the side of slightly underdone here for that perfect texture later.
Step 3: Build the Casserole Layers
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and grab a trusty 9×13 baking dish. Line up 6 slices of Texas toast in the bottom, then top each one with a slice of American cheese. Spoon your browned sausage and scrambled eggs evenly over the bread, creating a hearty, even layer. Add another blanket of cheese—it’s grilled cheese, after all—before you move to the next step.
Step 4: Pour on the Custard
In a bowl, whisk together the remaining 8 eggs, 3/4 cup of milk, and the ground mustard. This mixture is what takes the casserole from a stack of sandwiches to something truly indulgent. Pour it slowly and evenly across the pan, letting it seep into every nook and cranny. It’ll bake into a luscious, savory custard that ties all the flavors together.
Step 5: Finish with Bread and Butter
Top everything with the last 6 slices of Texas toast. Melt the remaining butter and brush it generously over the tops. This step gives your casserole that glorious, golden grilled cheese finish—and a satisfying crunch on the top slice!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the casserole with foil and bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes. This allows everything to cook gently through. After 20 minutes, remove the foil to reveal those buttery tops and return it to the oven for another 20 minutes. You’ll end up with a casserole that’s golden, bubbling, and begging to be served.
How to Serve Grilled Cheese Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way in making your Grilled Cheese Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole look as irresistible as it tastes. Try a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives, parsley, or even a dash of smoked paprika for color and an extra layer of flavor. For a spicy kick, a drizzle of hot sauce is always a winner with guests who like a little heat.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but side dishes can make your breakfast spread unforgettable. Serve it with a platter of fresh fruit for brightness, crispy hash browns for some extra crunch, or a simple side salad to add something green. For a crowd, add a bowl of homemade salsa or a dollop of sour cream to really open up the flavor possibilities.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch parties, cut the Grilled Cheese Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole into squares and offer them on a serving board with mini skewers for easy grabbing. If you love mix-and-match moments, set up a topping bar with hot sauce, salsas, crumbled bacon, or pickled jalapeños. Individual ramekins also work for a more elegant plated breakfast—just build smaller versions in single-serving dishes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover casserole, lucky you—it keeps beautifully! Let the Grilled Cheese Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole cool to room temperature, then store slices in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, which means you can enjoy easy, hot breakfasts all week.
Freezing
This casserole is a freezer-friendly superstar. Once cooled, slice into individual portions and wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then pop the pieces into a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to two months. When that breakfast craving hits, you’ll have a homemade meal ready in minutes.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm slices in the microwave for a minute or two, or cover and bake in a 350 degree oven until heated through—usually about 15 minutes. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture, then warm as usual. The magic of this casserole is that it tastes just as delightful the next day as it does right out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread than Texas toast?
Absolutely! While Texas toast gives you those thick, hearty layers, any sturdy bread will work. Sourdough, brioche, or challah would all be fantastic choices, but avoid thin white bread that might get too soggy.
What if I want to use a different cheese?
Go for it! American cheese offers classic meltiness, but cheddar, pepper jack, Swiss, or even a blend will bring their own personalities to your Grilled Cheese Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole. Just pick a cheese that melts nicely for that ooey-gooey texture.
Can this casserole be made vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap out the sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage or use sautéed mushrooms, peppers, and onions for a veggie-packed alternative. The beauty of this dish is its flexibility—make it your own!
Is it possible to prepare the casserole the night before?
Yes! Build the casserole completely, cover it with foil, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, pop it in the oven as directed, just adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to make up for the chill. Easy and ideal for busy mornings.
How can I make this casserole a little lighter?
For a lighter version, use turkey sausage, low-fat cheese, or even whole grain bread. You can also use some egg whites mixed in with whole eggs to cut down on calories but keep that delicious, fluffy casserole texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something unforgettable about sharing a pan of Grilled Cheese Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole with your favorite people. From its golden buttery top to the gooey cheese and hearty sausage, it’s comfort food at its best—easy to make, guaranteed to impress, and always a crowd-pleaser. Next time you’re planning brunch or just want to treat yourself to something special, don’t miss out on the magic of this casserole. Give it a try, and it might just become your new breakfast tradition!
PrintGrilled Cheese Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Grilled Cheese Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate indulgent breakfast for a crowd. Buttery grilled cheese sandwich filled with scrambled eggs and sausage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Diabetic
Ingredients
For the Sausage:
- 1 pound beef breakfast sausage
For the Eggs:
- 18 large eggs, divided
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 cup whole milk, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
For Assembly:
- 12 slices Texas toast
- 12 slices American cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Cook the breakfast sausage in a large pan on medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes or until browned well, breaking it apart as you cook it.
- Remove the beef and drain the fat.
Add one tablespoon of butter to the pan on medium heat.
- Whisk 10 eggs with 1/4 cup of milk, salt and pepper then add it to your pan.
Scramble the eggs until just set.
- In a 9×13 pan line the first 6 slices onto the pan and top each piece of bread with a slice of cheese.
Add in the sausage, then the cooked eggs and top with a piece of cheese.
- Mix the remaining 8 eggs, 3/4 cups milk and ground mustard in a medium bowl then pour it over the pan gently.
Top with the remaining slices of bread.
- Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and brush it onto the tops of the bread.
Bake for 20 minutes, covered with foil.
- Remove the foil and bake an additional 20 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 445 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 996mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 378mg
