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If brunch is your thing and you’ve got a soft spot for cheesy, cozy meals, you gotta try this Grilled Cheese Sausage and Egg Casserole. Imagine fresh Texas toast, melty American cheese, crispy sausage, and creamy baked eggs all piled up. It’s the kind of warm, hearty breakfast that folks keep asking for again and again.
After I made this for a holiday morning once, it became a must-have at our house. Now, everyone knows it as our official sleepover breakfast since we all end up hovering near the oven while it cooks.
Dreamy Ingredients
- American cheese: melts into those classic gooey cheese pulls. Deli slices are the easiest to layer.
- Texas toast: thick slices bring crunch that soaks up all the flavors. Check the bakery for fresh loaves.
- Ground mustard: adds a tiny kick and makes each bite pop just a bit more.
- Kosher salt and coarsely ground black pepper: simple but make every flavor stand out.
- Whole milk: makes a rich, creamy base—full-fat is best for that extra smooth bite.
- Butter: gives the bread that perfect crisp and helps everything brown up.
- Large eggs: keep things soft and fluffy—fresh ones set up perfectly in the oven.
- Pork breakfast sausage: brings all the savory fun and pairs awesome with eggs. Go for fresh, minimally seasoned sausage for best taste.
Easy Step-by-Step
- Brush with Butter and Bake:
- Melt three tablespoons of butter and give the top toast a generous brush. Use foil to cover and bake at 375°F for around 20 minutes. Next, pull off the foil and bake another 20 minutes to get that crispy golden finish.
- Top with Bread:
- Pop the last slices of Texas toast across the top so you get a crunchy lid on everything, just like grilled cheese.
- Mix and Pour Custard:
- Crack the last eight eggs, whip ‘em up with three quarters cup of milk and ground mustard until it’s super combined. Pour it all over the casserole, letting the bread soak up every drop.
- Add Sausage and Eggs:
- Spoon on the cooked sausage over your base, then drop on the scrambled eggs. Another layer of cheese on top seals in the creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Assemble the Base Layer:
- Grease a 9 x 13 dish with cooking spray. Lay down six slices of Texas toast to cover the bottom, then top each toast with a slice of cheese so every square tastes extra cheesy.
- Scramble the Eggs:
- Throw a tablespoon of butter in the pan over medium heat. Beat up 10 eggs with a splash (a quarter cup) of milk, salt, and pepper ‘til smooth. Pour in and scramble gently until just creamy—not dry, so they’ll bake up juicy.
- Brown the Sausage:
- Set a large pan on medium-high. Toss in your pork breakfast sausage and keep stirring, breaking it up so it browns (about 4 to 5 minutes). Scoop it onto a plate lined with paper towel so all the extra grease soaks away and your bake isn’t oily.
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I honestly just love watching the top get all toasty and brown. My kid once asked for thirds on his birthday, just because he couldn’t get enough of the melty cheese stuff.
Storing Leftovers
Let everything cool before you wrap it up tight and stash in the fridge (it’s good for four days). Heat it up in a hot oven or the microwave till it’s steamy again. For longer storage, wrap pieces in foil, freeze ‘em, and let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven.
Swap-Out Options
If you want to lighten things up, swap in turkey or chicken sausage. Want bolder cheese? Go for Monterey Jack or cheddar. And if you can't find Texas toast, really any thick sandwich bread will work just fine.
Serving Ideas
Dish this up with some green salad or cut fruit for a breakfast that feels special. Got people who like heat? Put hot sauce or salsa on the table. Want something sweet to balance the savoriness? A side of maple syrup or berry jam is awesome.
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The Story Behind It
This bake takes that classic American diner sandwich and makes it a big, family-shared dish. It’s a mashup of grilled cheese nights and those weekend breakfast traditions with eggs and sausage—meals that have everyone grabbing a plate and hanging out together.
Recipe FAQs
- → Are there other breads I can use?
Definitely! Thick slices of French bread, brioche, or sourdough soak up the egg mixture nicely, but Texas toast stays unbeatable for texture.
- → Which type of cheese melts best?
American cheese melts the easiest, adding creaminess, but cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack offer flavorful alternatives.
- → Can this dish be prepped in advance?
Yes, you can assemble everything the night before, keep it in the fridge, and pop it in the oven when you wake up.
- → Is there a substitute for sausage?
You can swap the pork sausage for turkey, bacon, or even veggie sausage to suit your preference.
- → How can I avoid a soggy casserole?
Stick with thick bread and avoid oversaturating it with eggs. Baking it uncovered at the end gives a crispy finish.
- → What are good pairings with this meal?
Fresh fruit, crispy roasted potatoes, or a light green salad go great to round out your plate.