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Cornbread Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Recipe

If you’re like me and love breakfast recipes that are hearty, comforting, and easy to whip up with leftovers, then this Cornbread Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Recipe is about to become your new weekend favorite. Imagine waking up to the smell of savory sausage mingled with soft, buttery cornbread baked into a golden, cheesy casserole that feeds a crowd or keeps you fueled for days. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to share it with everyone you know!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Comforting and Filling: This casserole combines warm, savory sausage with soft cornbread and melty cheese, making it the ultimate morning hug on a plate.
  • Great Use of Leftovers: If you have leftover cornbread, this recipe transforms it into something new and exciting without extra waste.
  • Super Easy to Make: Layering, whisking, and baking means minimal prep and no fuss—perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.
  • Customizable: You can easily swap veggies, cheese, or sausage types to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All these ingredients come together to create a balanced, satisfying breakfast casserole. You’ll notice the sausage adds savory depth, the cornbread brings a touch of sweetness and texture, and the eggs and milk hold everything together in that perfect, custardy bake.

Flat lay of a few pats of soft butter at room temperature, half a chopped white onion, raw bulk sausage in loose chunks, chopped red and green bell pepper pieces, a small white bowl of fresh milk, five whole clean brown eggs, a small white bowl with coarse salt, a small white bowl with black peppercorns, a small white bowl of garlic powder, large crumbles of golden cornbread, a few chopped green onions, a small mound of shredded cheddar cheese all arranged symmetrically on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cornbread Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, hearty breakfast casserole, sausage cornbread bake, easy breakfast casserole, breakfast brunch recipes
  • Butter: I love using real butter for that rich, creamy flavor; it also helps prevent sticking.
  • Onion: Chopped onion gives a subtle sweetness and softness that balances the sausage.
  • Uncooked Bulk Sausage: Choose a good quality breakfast sausage for delicious seasoning.
  • Bell Pepper (optional): Adds color and a slight crunch; feel free to skip if you’re not a fan.
  • Milk: Whole milk works best for creaminess, but you can use your preferred milk.
  • Eggs: These bind the casserole together, giving it that lovely sliceable texture.
  • Salt, Black Pepper & Garlic Powder: Essential for seasoning throughout the dish.
  • Leftover Cornbread: Cubed or crumbled, this is where the magic happens—leftover or fresh cornbread both work.
  • Green Onions: Provide a fresh, mild onion bite that brightens the casserole.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds a tangy richness; use what you love.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love playing around with this cornmeal-based casserole depending on what’s in my fridge or the season. Feel free to make it your own—it’s pretty forgiving and super adaptable.

  • Add Veggies: My personal favorite is throwing in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach to sneak in some greens.
  • Swap the Sausage: If you prefer a milder flavor, use turkey sausage or even bacon bits instead.
  • Cheese Variations: Sometimes I switch cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella to give it a different kick.
  • Make it Vegetarian: Skip the sausage and load up on sautéed veggies or vegetarian sausage alternatives.

How to Make Cornbread Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Sausage and Veggies

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and buttering a 9″x13″ baking dish. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet on medium-high heat, then add chopped onions and cook for about a minute until softened. Toss in your bulk sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until it’s nicely browned with no pink left. If you’re using bell pepper, add that now, cooking for an extra minute until just tender. Remove the skillet from heat and set it aside. Doing this first means your sausage mix is perfectly cooked and ready to layer later.

Step 2: Whisk Up The Egg Mixture

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the milk, eggs, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until combined and smooth. This is what will soak into the cornbread cubes, creating that custardy goodness we all crave. Set this aside while you layer the casserole.

Step 3: Layer Your Casserole

First, add half of your cubed or crumbled cornbread to the bottom of your buttered dish. Next, scatter half the sausage and veggie mixture evenly, then sprinkle half the chopped green onions and half the cheese. Repeat with the remaining cornbread, sausage, onions, and cheese to create a double-layered masterpiece. Don’t worry if the cornbread tends to float when you add the egg mixture—that’s normal. Gently push it down so everything absorbs those flavors.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour your egg and milk mixture evenly over the layered casserole. Pop it into your preheated 375°F oven for about 30-35 minutes. You want the top to turn a beautiful golden brown and for the egg to be fully set—not jiggly. When I first made this, I tented it with foil halfway through baking to keep the cheese melty but not overly browned; it turned out perfectly.

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Pro Tips for Making Cornbread Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Recipe

  • Use Day-Old Cornbread: Fresh cornbread can get mushy when soaked; day-old or lightly toasted cubes hold their texture better.
  • Don’t Overmix Your Egg Mixture: Whisk well but no need for vigorous beating; you want tender curds.
  • Brown Sausage Properly: Make sure the sausage is cooked through and nicely browned for maximum flavor development.
  • Press Down Gently: When pouring the egg mixture, gently push floating cornbread cubes into the liquid to soak evenly.

How to Serve Cornbread Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Recipe

Cornbread Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I like topping mine with a little extra chopped green onion for freshness and a sprinkle of hot sauce or some sliced avocado for creaminess. A dollop of sour cream adds a nice tang too, if you’re feeling fancy! These little touches brighten the dish and add texture contrast.

Side Dishes

Fresh fruit salad or roasted breakfast potatoes pair beautifully with this casserole. Sometimes I throw together a quick mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette to balance out all the richness. It’s a hearty meal that still feels wholesome with the sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch parties, I serve this casserole in mini cast-iron skillets so everyone gets their own personal portion—that’s always a hit! You can also top each serving with a fried egg and some chopped herbs for a restaurant-worthy look. It’s a great make-ahead dish that feels special when presented this way.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually last 3-4 days without losing flavor. Just slice and cover tightly to keep the casserole moist but fresh. It’s perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast or reheating for a quick lunch.

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully. I portion it into airtight containers or wrap the whole dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through. It saves so much time on busy weekends when you want breakfast ready with minimal prep.

Reheating

I like reheating slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to keep the edges crisp and the inside warm and fluffy. Microwaving works in a pinch but can sometimes make it a little soggy. For the best texture, stick with the oven method if you have the time.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh cornbread instead of leftover cornbread?

    You can, but I recommend toasting the fresh cornbread cubes lightly first so they hold their shape better when soaking in the egg mixture. Otherwise, fresh cornbread might get mushy and impact the texture of your casserole.

  2. Can I make this vegetarian?

    Absolutely! Just omit the sausage and replace it with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or a plant-based sausage substitute. This keeps the casserole hearty without the meat.

  3. How far ahead can I prepare this casserole?

    You can assemble it the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just add the egg mixture right before baking or pour the mixture over the layers while assembling and bake in the morning—either way works well for a stress-free breakfast.

  4. Can I freeze the casserole after baking?

    Yes, but I find it freezes best when prepared and assembled but not baked. After thawing, bake fresh for the best texture and flavor. If freezing leftovers after baking, reheat thoroughly but expect a slight change in texture.

  5. What kind of sausage do you recommend?

    Traditional breakfast pork sausage works beautifully here for that classic flavor, but you can use spicy sausage, turkey sausage, or even chorizo depending on your craving. Just make sure it’s crumbled and cooked thoroughly before layering.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cornbread Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Recipe turns out every single time—it’s like a cozy hug in casserole form. It’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want something satisfying and easy that brings smiles around the breakfast table. If you give it a shot, I know you’ll enjoy the comforting combination of flavors and the flexibility it offers. So go ahead, gather your leftover cornbread, crank up that oven, and make your weekend mornings a little more delicious and a lot less stressful!

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Cornbread Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 78 reviews
  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 30-35 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
  • Yield: 9 servings
  • Category: Breakfast Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Leftover Cornbread Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and savory dish perfect for using up leftover cornbread. Packed with sausage, onions, bell peppers, and melted cheddar cheese, it makes a delicious and comforting breakfast or brunch option that is baked to golden perfection.


Ingredients

For the Sausage Mixture

  • 3 Tablespoons (45 g) butter, divided & at room temperature
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 8 oz. (227 g) uncooked bulk sausage
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chopped bell pepper (optional)

For the Egg Mixture

  • 2 cups (480 ml) milk
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder

For the Casserole Assembly

  • 3-4 cups (720-1200 ml) leftover cornbread, cut into 1” cubes or large crumbles
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 1 cup (113 g) grated cheddar cheese, or cheese of choice


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9”x13” baking dish with 1 Tablespoon of butter to prevent sticking and prepare it for the casserole.
  2. Cook Sausage Mixture: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt the remaining 2 Tablespoons butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about a minute until softened. Add the bulk sausage, breaking up any large chunks, and cook until browned through. Stir in the optional chopped bell peppers and cook for about a minute until softened to your liking. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
  3. Mix Egg Base: In a bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until fully combined and smooth. Set this mixture aside.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the leftover cornbread cubes or crumbles evenly. Top with half of the cooked sausage mixture, then half of the chopped green onions, and sprinkle half of the grated cheese over it. Repeat layering one more time with the remaining cornbread, sausage, green onions, and cheese.
  5. Add Egg Mixture and Bake: Pour the milk and egg mixture evenly over the layered casserole. If the cornbread floats on top, gently press it down so it soaks up the egg mixture thoroughly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and the egg custard is set firmly.
  6. Serve: Once baked, remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving warm for a comforting and delicious breakfast treat.

Notes

  • You can substitute bulk sausage with turkey sausage or omit for a vegetarian option by adding extra vegetables or plant-based sausage.
  • If you don’t have leftover cornbread, freshly baked cornbread can be used but ensure it is slightly stale to absorb the egg mixture better.
  • Adding bell peppers is optional but adds a nice pop of color and sweetness.
  • Feel free to vary the cheese type to your preference, such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
  • Make sure the egg mixture fully soaks into the cornbread for a custardy texture.
  • This casserole keeps well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat thoroughly before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/9th of casserole)
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 215 mg

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