Cheddar Bay Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Eggs

Cheddar Bay Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Eggs is a savory, satisfying dish that takes the iconic flavors of cheddar bay biscuits and transforms them into a hearty breakfast classic. Combining the buttery, cheesy goodness of biscuits with fluffy eggs, savory sausage, and melty cheese, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s perfect for family breakfasts, holiday brunches, or meal prepping for busy mornings.

This recipe brings together layers of textures and flavors: tender biscuit pieces soaked in a rich egg custard, crumbled sausage for a salty, savory punch, and gooey cheddar cheese for the ultimate indulgence. A sprinkle of fresh herbs and garlic butter elevates the dish, giving it the signature flavor of cheddar bay biscuits we all love.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking to elevate your morning meal, this casserole delivers a cozy, flavorful experience. It’s easy to prepare and even easier to customize, making it a versatile addition to your breakfast or brunch repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food Classic: Combines the best parts of breakfast—biscuits, eggs, sausage, and cheese—into one indulgent dish.

Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for serving at family gatherings, holiday brunches, or potlucks.

Easy to Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before and bake it fresh in the morning for stress-free entertaining.

Customizable: Add veggies, swap the sausage for turkey or chicken, or make it vegetarian to suit your taste.

Cheesy Goodness: Packed with cheddar cheese in every bite, this casserole is a cheese lover’s dream.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8–10 servings
Serving Size: 1 portion

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 430 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 21g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 (16-ounce) package cheddar bay biscuit mix (or homemade biscuit dough)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken), cooked and crumbled
• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

For Garlic Butter Drizzle:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Biscuit Layer

1. In a large mixing bowl, prepare the cheddar bay biscuit dough according to the package instructions, adding the recommended amount of cheese.
2. Drop small spoonfuls of the biscuit dough into the greased baking dish, spacing them evenly.

Step 3: Cook the Sausage

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked. Break it into crumbles as it cooks.
2. Drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.

Step 4: Make the Egg Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the biscuit pieces in the baking dish.
2. Pour the egg mixture over the sausage and biscuit layer, ensuring all the biscuit pieces are soaked.
3. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the eggs are set, the biscuits are cooked through, and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Add the Garlic Butter Drizzle

1. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley.
2. Drizzle the garlic butter evenly over the casserole for a burst of flavor.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley, slice, and serve warm.

Ingredient Background

Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix

This iconic biscuit mix, inspired by restaurant-style cheddar biscuits, provides a buttery, cheesy base for the casserole.

Breakfast Sausage

Savory and flavorful, breakfast sausage adds a hearty element to the dish. Choose turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.

Eggs

The eggs form the custard-like layer that binds the casserole together while adding protein and a fluffy texture.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar brings a bold, tangy flavor to the casserole, perfectly complementing the sausage and biscuit layers.

Garlic Butter

The garlic butter drizzle adds an extra layer of richness and the signature flavor of cheddar bay biscuits.

Technique Tips

Avoid Overmixing the Biscuit Dough: Mix just until combined to keep the biscuits tender and fluffy.

Soak the Biscuits Well: Ensure the egg mixture evenly coats all the biscuit pieces to avoid dry spots.

Test for Doneness: Insert a knife into the center of the casserole—it should come out clean when the eggs are fully set.

Use Fresh Cheese: Grate cheese fresh from a block for a smoother, creamier melt compared to pre-shredded varieties.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Mini Casseroles: Divide the ingredients into individual ramekins for single-serving portions. Bake at the same temperature, reducing the time by 10–15 minutes.

Skillet Breakfast: Prepare the casserole in a large, oven-safe cast-iron skillet for a rustic presentation.

Layered Casserole: Alternate layers of biscuit dough, sausage, and egg mixture for a visually appealing dish.

Additional Tips for Success

Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning for an effortless breakfast.

Double the Recipe: Use a larger baking dish to make a double batch for bigger gatherings or leftovers.

Add Vegetables: Incorporate diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach for added flavor, color, and nutrients.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Version: Omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions for a veggie-packed alternative.

Southwestern Twist: Add black beans, diced green chilies, and a sprinkle of cumin for a Tex-Mex-inspired version.

Extra Cheesy: Layer in additional cheese varieties like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a gooey, cheesy upgrade.

Spicy Kick: Include cooked spicy sausage or red pepper flakes in the egg mixture for a touch of heat.

Freezing and Storing

Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.

Freezing: Freeze the fully baked and cooled casserole in individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating from Frozen: Bake frozen portions at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until heated through.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Lean Protein: Use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork to reduce fat content.

Whole Grain Biscuit Mix: Swap the standard biscuit mix for a whole grain or gluten-free version to increase fiber.

Low-Fat Cheese: Opt for reduced-fat cheddar cheese to cut back on calories and saturated fat.

Extra Veggies: Add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli for added nutrients.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Holiday Brunch: Serve this casserole alongside fresh fruit salad, mimosas, and pastries for a festive spread.

Family Breakfast: Pair with a side of crispy hash browns and orange juice for a classic morning meal.

Potluck Favorite: Bring this casserole to a brunch potluck—it’s easy to transport, reheats well, and is sure to be a hit.

Breakfast-for-Dinner: Serve with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for an unconventional but satisfying evening meal.

Special Equipment

9×13-Inch Baking Dish: Ensures even cooking and provides enough space for layering the casserole ingredients.

Large Skillet: Ideal for browning sausage evenly without overcrowding.

Whisk: Helps combine the egg mixture smoothly for even baking.

Pastry Brush: Useful for evenly spreading the garlic butter drizzle over the casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use homemade biscuit dough?
   Absolutely! Homemade cheddar biscuit dough works perfectly in this recipe.
2. Can I substitute the sausage?
   Yes, turkey or chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage crumbles, can be used.
3. How do I prevent soggy biscuits?
   Ensure the biscuit pieces are evenly soaked in the egg mixture but not oversaturated.
4. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
   Yes, use a gluten-free biscuit mix and verify that other ingredients, like sausage, are gluten-free.
5. Can I add vegetables?
   Definitely! Diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms make excellent additions.
6. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
   Use plant-based cheese, butter, and milk substitutes to make the recipe dairy-free.
7. How long does it take to reheat leftovers?
   Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through.
8. Can I freeze this casserole?
   Yes, freeze the baked casserole in portions and reheat directly from frozen.

Conclusion

Cheddar Bay Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Eggs combines rich, savory flavors and hearty textures to create a truly indulgent breakfast dish. With layers of fluffy biscuits, creamy eggs, savory sausage, and melty cheddar cheese, it’s the perfect centerpiece for any breakfast or brunch table.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, meal prepping for the week, or treating your family to a special breakfast, this casserole is guaranteed to impress. Its versatility allows you to adapt it to your preferences, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Try this recipe today and experience the joy of a warm, cheesy breakfast casserole that’s as comforting as it is delicious. One bite, and it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!