Thanksgiving Breakfast Casserole Recipe

This cozy Thanksgiving Breakfast Casserole is made with savory breakfast sausage, soft cubes of day-old bread, a fluffy egg and milk mixture, and a generous layer of sharp cheddar cheese. The result is a hearty, rich, and perfectly savory dish that will feed a crowd on a busy holiday morning. This recipe is a fantastic way to feed a crowd for a big holiday breakfast and serves 8-10 people.

Thanksgiving Breakfast Casserole Ingredients

• 1 lb bulk pork breakfast sausage
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
• 8 cups day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 1 loaf of French bread)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 12 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage (optional)

How To Make Thanksgiving Breakfast Casserole

1. Cook the sausage and vegetables: In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium-high heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
2. Arrange the bread and cheese: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Scatter the bread cubes evenly over the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese over the bread cubes. Top with the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture, spreading it out evenly.
3. Whisk the egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and dried sage (if using) until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
4. Pour and soak: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese. Gently press down on the bread cubes with a spatula to ensure they are fully submerged and can soak up the egg mixture. Cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
5. Bake the casserole: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Uncover the casserole and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and serve: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the dish to set up and makes it easier to cut.

Recipe Tips

• Use stale bread: It is essential to use bread that is a day or two old, or to toast fresh bread lightly in the oven. This helps the bread absorb the egg mixture without becoming mushy.
• Don’t skip the soak: Allowing the casserole to sit for at least 30 minutes (or even better, overnight) gives the bread time to fully absorb the liquid, ensuring a rich, custardy texture instead of a dry one.
• Customize the fillings: Feel free to swap out the sausage for bacon or ham, or add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. Just make sure to cook them down first to release their moisture.
• Know when it’s done: A perfectly baked casserole will be golden on top and puffed up. To test for doneness, a knife inserted in the center should come out clean.

What To Serve Breakfast Casserole

This savory breakfast casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides that balance its richness. Serve it with a fresh fruit salad or bowl of fresh berries to add a bright, sweet contrast. A side of crispy breakfast potatoes or a light green salad would also work well. And of course, don’t forget the hot coffee, tea, and fresh orange juice.

How To Store Breakfast Casserole Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat individual slices, place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Freeze: You can freeze the baked casserole. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will last for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Thanksgiving Breakfast Casserole Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 240mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 25g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 21g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can easily substitute the breakfast sausage with other cooked meats like diced ham, crumbled bacon, or even ground turkey sausage. Make sure to cook and drain them well before adding them to the casserole.
• Can I make this vegetarian? Yes, to make this casserole vegetarian, simply omit the sausage. You can add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers. A vegetarian sausage or plant-based crumble would also work well.
• Can I prepare this the night before? Absolutely, in fact, this casserole is designed to be made ahead! You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply preheat the oven, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and bake.

Try More Recipes:

• The Eggbert’s Sunriser Recipe
• Toaster Breakfast Quesadilla Recipe
• Tortilla Breakfast Bake Recipe