Savory Cheese Sausage Bake

This Cheesy Sausage Biscuit Bake is the ultimate weekend breakfast solution my family requests almost every Sunday. The combination of fluffy biscuits soaking up savory egg custard with sausage and melty cheese creates a dish that's both impressive and comforting. I started making this when we hosted our first holiday brunch, and it's become our signature morning gathering dish ever since.

I first created this recipe when my in-laws unexpectedly stayed overnight during a snowstorm. With limited ingredients but hungry mouths to feed, this casserole was born from necessity. Now three years later, it's the most requested dish whenever family visits.

Ingredients

Breakfast sausage forms the savory foundation. Look for high quality pork sausage with visible herbs and spices for the best flavor.

Large eggs provide structure and richness. Farm fresh eggs with bright orange yolks will elevate the color and taste.

Milk and heavy cream create the custard base. The cream is optional but adds remarkable richness worth the extra calories.

Cheddar cheese brings sharp flavor while mozzarella adds that perfect stretchy texture. Grate your own for better melting.

Refrigerated biscuit dough saves tremendous time. The dough puffs beautifully while absorbing all the savory flavors.

Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika create depth without the work of chopping fresh aromatics.

Fresh herbs brighten the finished dish and add visual appeal. Grow your own for the freshest flavor.

How To Make Cheesy Sausage Biscuit Bake

Prepare the sausage

Cook crumbled sausage in a skillet over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Look for a deep golden brown color which indicates caramelization and flavor development. Drain thoroughly on paper towels to prevent excess grease from making the casserole soggy.

Create the base layer

Grease your baking dish generously to ensure easy serving. Quarter each biscuit with a sharp knife rather than tearing for more even pieces. Arrange them closely together but not overlapping to create a complete foundation that will rise beautifully during baking.

Build the flavor layers

Distribute the sausage evenly across every inch of the biscuit layer. This ensures each serving gets equal amounts of meat. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs vigorously for at least 30 seconds to incorporate air for a lighter custard. Add remaining liquid ingredients and seasonings, whisking until the mixture looks slightly frothy.

Assemble and bake strategically

Pour the egg mixture slowly over the casserole, allowing it to seep between all components. The first cheese layer melts into the casserole during the covered baking period, while the final cheese addition creates that Instagram worthy golden top during the uncovered baking. The two-stage baking process ensures the biscuits cook through without the top burning.

Rest before serving

Allow the casserole to rest for a full 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This critical step lets the custard set completely and makes for clean, beautiful slices when serving.

The smoked paprika is truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its transformative power by accident when I ran out of regular paprika during a batch. The subtle smokiness elevates the entire dish and makes people wonder what your secret ingredient might be. My grandmother now insists I bring this casserole to every holiday morning gathering.

Make Ahead Magic

This casserole shines as a make ahead option. Prepare everything up to the point of baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then proceed with baking as directed, adding about 5 extra minutes to the covered baking time. The flavors actually improve with this overnight rest as the biscuits absorb more of the savory egg mixture.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this hearty casserole with a simple fruit salad dressed with honey and mint for a refreshing counterpoint to the richness. For a complete brunch spread, add a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and mimosas or a spicy Bloody Mary. The casserole is substantial enough that sides can be light and fresh to balance the meal.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your casserole seems too runny after baking, you likely needed a bit more time in the oven. Every oven varies, so look for these visual cues instead of relying solely on timing. The center should be completely set with just a slight jiggle, and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean. A glass baking dish helps you see when the bottom biscuit layer has cooked through.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare this breakfast casserole the night before?

Yes! You can assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then proceed with the baking instructions. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time.

→ Can I substitute the breakfast sausage with something else?

Absolutely! Cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, or even vegetarian meat alternatives work well. You can also use Italian sausage or chorizo for a spicier flavor profile.

→ What can I use instead of refrigerated biscuit dough?

If you don't have refrigerated biscuit dough, you can use crescent roll dough, torn pieces of bread, or even tater tots as your base layer. Homemade biscuit dough is also an excellent substitute for a more made-from-scratch approach.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, skip the heavy cream, and use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

→ How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is done when the center is set and doesn't jiggle when gently shaken, the biscuits are cooked through, and the top is golden brown. You can also insert a knife in the center - it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftovers?

For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. To reheat a larger portion, cover with foil and heat in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 15-20 minutes. Adding a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top before reheating helps restore moisture.