Cranberry Sausage & Stuffing Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Cranberry Sausage and Stuffing Breakfast Casserole is a warm, comforting breakfast that brings together savory sausage, hearty stuffing, sweet cranberries, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese in one delicious dish. It is the perfect make ahead breakfast for busy mornings, holiday gatherings, Christmas brunch, Thanksgiving leftovers, or weekend family meals.
This casserole combines classic holiday flavors with everyday breakfast favorites to create a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. The savory sausage pairs beautifully with the sweetness of dried cranberries, while the stuffing absorbs the rich egg mixture, creating a soft center with a lightly crisp golden top.
One of the best things about this recipe is its convenience. You can prepare it the night before, refrigerate it, and simply bake it fresh the next morning. Whether you are serving guests during the holidays or looking for a filling breakfast that feeds a crowd, this Cranberry Sausage and Stuffing Breakfast Casserole is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ingredients List
Recipe Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Recipe Name | Cranberry Sausage and Stuffing Breakfast Casserole |
| Serving | 8 servings |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Rest Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Calories | Approximately 420 calories per serving |
| Category | Breakfast, Brunch |
| Cuisine | American |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Breakfast sausage | 1 pound |
| Stuffing mix | 6 cups |
| Eggs | 8 large |
| Whole milk | 2 cups |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 2 cups |
| Dried cranberries | 1 cup |
| Onion, diced | 1 small |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Butter, melted | 2 tablespoons |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This breakfast casserole is packed with comforting flavors that are perfect for the holiday season and beyond.
It is easy to prepare ahead of time, making mornings less stressful.
The combination of savory sausage and sweet cranberries creates a unique balance of flavors.
It feeds a crowd, making it ideal for family breakfasts, brunches, and holiday celebrations.
The casserole reheats beautifully, so leftovers taste just as delicious the next day.
Step By Step Instructions
Prepare The Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish.
Cook the breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until fully browned. Add the diced onion and garlic and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Drain any excess grease.
Prepare The Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, thyme, and melted butter until well combined.
Assemble The Casserole
Spread the stuffing mix evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Top with the cooked sausage mixture.
Sprinkle the dried cranberries evenly over the sausage.
Add one and a half cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole.
Gently press the stuffing into the egg mixture so it absorbs the liquid.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
Bake The Casserole
Allow the casserole to rest for about 15 minutes before baking.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the center is fully set and the top becomes golden brown.
Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Variations To Try
Turkey Breakfast Casserole
Replace the sausage with cooked ground turkey for a lighter version.
Apple Cranberry Casserole
Add diced apples for extra sweetness and texture.
Spicy Breakfast Casserole
Use spicy breakfast sausage and add crushed red pepper flakes.
Swiss Cheese Version
Replace cheddar cheese with Swiss cheese for a richer flavor.
Vegetarian Version
Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers.
Freezing Or Restoring
| Storage Method | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Store covered for up to 4 days |
| Freezer | Freeze for up to 3 months |
| Reheating | Microwave individual portions or bake at 325°F until heated through |
| Make Ahead | Assemble the casserole one day before baking |
To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely before wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe Notes
Use day old stuffing for the best texture.
Cook the sausage completely before adding it to the casserole.
Do not overbake, as this can make the eggs dry.
Sharp cheddar cheese provides the best flavor.
Allow the casserole to rest before slicing for cleaner servings.
Fresh herbs can be added for extra flavor and color.
Cranberry Sausage & Stuffing Breakfast Casserole Recipe
8
servings20
minutes45
minutes420
kcalIngredients
IngredienttQuantity
Breakfast sausaget1 pound
Stuffing mixt6 cups
Large eggst8
Whole milkt2 cups
Shredded cheddar cheeset2 cups
Dried cranberriest1 cup
Small onion, dicedt1
Garlic, mincedt2 cloves
Butter, meltedt2 tablespoons
Dried thymet1 teaspoon
Saltt½ teaspoon
Black peppert½ teaspoon
Fresh parsley, choppedt2 tablespoons
Directions
- Step 1: Cook The Sausage
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9 × 13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, then cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Drain any excess grease.
- Step 2: Prepare The Egg Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Step 3: Assemble The Casserole
- Spread the stuffing mix evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the cooked sausage mixture over the stuffing.
- Sprinkle the dried cranberries evenly on top.
- Add 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Press the stuffing down gently so it absorbs the egg mixture.
- Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Step 4: Bake
- Let the casserole rest for about 15 minutes before baking.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown.
- Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.
- Step 5: Serve
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm with fresh fruit, orange juice, or coffee.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Leftover homemade stuffing works perfectly in this recipe.
• Sharp cheddar cheese gives the casserole the best flavor.
• Do not overbake, as the eggs can become dry.
• This casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated until ready to bake.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze baked portions for up to 3 months and reheat before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole the night before?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh the next morning.
Can I use leftover holiday stuffing?
Absolutely. Leftover homemade stuffing works perfectly in this recipe and adds even more flavor.
Can I freeze this breakfast casserole?
Yes. After baking and cooling completely, freeze it for up to three months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?
Yes. Fresh cranberries can be used, but they will have a more tart flavor than dried cranberries.
What can I serve with this breakfast casserole?
Fresh fruit, yogurt, scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, biscuits, orange juice, or coffee all pair wonderfully with this hearty breakfast.
Conclusion
Cranberry Sausage and Stuffing Breakfast Casserole is a comforting breakfast recipe that combines savory sausage, fluffy eggs, sweet cranberries, hearty stuffing, and melted cheese into one satisfying dish. It is easy to prepare, perfect for making ahead, and ideal for feeding family and friends during holidays or weekend brunches.
Whether you are using leftover holiday stuffing or preparing it from scratch, this casserole delivers rich flavor and comforting texture in every bite. Serve it with fresh fruit, coffee, or your favorite breakfast sides for a complete meal that everyone will love.
