Chicken Sausage Breakfast Casserole

This Chicken Sausage Breakfast Casserole is one of those brunch recipes I come back to again and again. It’s packed with chicken sausage, eggs, and melty cheese, and since there’s no bread it works well for gluten free guests too. It feels cozy and filling but is still light enough for breakfast.

 

Why We Love Chicken Sausage Breakfast Casserole

• Warm, cheesy, and easy to love – Smoked chicken sausage and melty cheese bake into a soft egg casserole that feels cozy but not heavy, perfect for brunch or a breakfast potluck.
• It works for a mixed group – I first made this for a gluten free family at brunch, and then again as the gluten free option at a teacher luncheon. Since there’s no bread in it, everyone could enjoy it without feeling like they were eating the “special” version.
• Great for feeding a crowd – A 9×13 pan makes plenty, whether you’re hosting brunch or bringing something to share.
• Easy to prep ahead – You can assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning, which makes busy mornings so much easier.

Ingredients For Chicken Sausage Breakfast Casserole

• smoked chicken sausage – Italian or andouille flavors work great
• bell pepper – you can use green, red, orange or yellow
• sweet onion
• salt
• pepper
• eggs
• milk
• Havarti cheese – I like Havarti because it melts beautifully and has a tasty mild flavor. Plain Havarti is typically gluten free but always check the label if you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities. Always check the label carefully if you are making this for someone who is gluten free.

How To Make Chicken Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Prepping And Cooking The Meat And Vegetables

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x 13 casserole dish with spray cooking oil.
2. Cut each chicken sausage in half, then cut those pieces in half again the long way. Dice into bite-size pieces. Dice the bell pepper and the sweet onion.

3. Spray a large skillet with cooking spray, then place over medium high heat. Add the chicken sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until it begins to brown, only stirring occasionally. Add bell pepper, onion, 1/4 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Cook 4-5 minutes until just softened.
4. Pour the sausage and pepper mixture into the casserole dish, spreading evenly. Allow it to cool for about five minutes.

Preparing The Egg Mixture

1. While the sausage cools, crack eggs into a large bowl. Add milk, ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Whip with a whisk until the mixture is frothy and well blended.
2. Pour the egg mix over the sausage and vegetables in the casserole dish. Cover the pan with aluminum foil. If you are prepping the night before, place the casserole dish in the refrigerator here.

Baking The Casserole

1. Place in the oven on the middle rack. Cook for 20-25 minutes until the egg is cooked through. The eggs should be fully set in the center and no longer liquid.

2. Sprinkle the Havarti cheese over the entire pan. Place it back in the oven for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese has fully melted. Serve and enjoy!

Chicken Sausage Breakfast Casserole Variation Ideas

You can easily change this casserole depending on what you have in the fridge.

• Cheese swaps – Try swapping the Havarti for cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese.
• Extra vegetables – Add spinach or mushrooms along with the peppers and onions for extra vegetables.
• Other meat options – Chicken sausage can also be mixed with or swapped for turkey sausage, pork sausage, ham, or bacon.
• Add potatoes – Stir in about 1–2 cups frozen hash browns or diced cooked potatoes if you want a heartier breakfast casserole. If you add potatoes, the casserole will usually need 35–45 minutes to bake until the eggs are set in the center, more like my sausage potato breakfast casserole or my sausage tater tot breakfast casserole.

You can also mix and match these ideas depending on what you have on hand.

Can You Make This Breakfast Casserole Ahead?

Yes, you can! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake as directed. If the casserole is very cold from the refrigerator, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How Long Will This Chicken Sausage Breakfast Casserole Last?

This breakfast casserole will keep for about 3 days when covered and refrigerated. Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave by the portion in about a minute or warmed in the oven at 350 degrees in about 15- 20 minutes.