Sausage & Pumpkin Breakfast Casserole | Easy Fall Brunch Recipe
Autumn mornings are the perfect time for warm, hearty breakfasts that feel comforting and festive. Sausage & Pumpkin Breakfast Casserole combines the savory flavor of breakfast sausage with the natural sweetness and earthy aroma of pumpkin, creating a dish that is both filling and flavorful. Every bite is a perfect balance of protein, spice, and creamy pumpkin, making it ideal for chilly mornings, weekend brunches, or holiday gatherings.
Casseroles are particularly appealing because they can be made ahead of time, baked in one dish, and easily served to a crowd. This recipe elevates the classic breakfast casserole by incorporating pumpkin puree and fall spices, giving a seasonal twist that delights both family and guests. The combination of textures—from the tender egg base to the savory sausage and soft bread—makes this casserole irresistible, while its make-ahead potential saves valuable morning time.
Ingredients Needed
Ingredients & Calorie Count (Approximate Per Serving)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled | 1 lb | 1,000 |
| Eggs | 8 large | 560 |
| Whole milk | 1½ cups | 225 |
| Pumpkin puree | 1 cup | 80 |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 small | 45 |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves | 10 |
| Bread cubes (day-old recommended) | 4 cups | 400 |
| Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) | 1½ cups | 660 |
| Olive oil or butter | 1 tbsp | 100 |
| Salt | 1 tsp | 0 |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | 0 |
| Ground cinnamon | ½ tsp | 3 |
| Ground nutmeg | ¼ tsp | 2 |
| Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish) | 2 tbsp | 5 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or oil. - Cook the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside. - Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. - Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth. - Assemble the Casserole
Spread bread cubes evenly in the baking dish. Top with cooked sausage, sautéed onions and garlic, and shredded cheese. Pour the egg-pumpkin mixture over the top, pressing gently to ensure the bread absorbs the custard. - Rest (Optional)
For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes or overnight. - Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden on top. - Cool and Garnish
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Protein Variations: Swap sausage with bacon, turkey sausage, or plant-based alternatives.
- Vegetable Additions: Add spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Cheese Options: Use Gruyère, Swiss, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Make It Sweeter: Increase pumpkin spice or add a drizzle of maple syrup for a slightly sweet twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread cubes to accommodate dietary needs.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~470 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | Moderate (varies by sausage and cheese) |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with fresh fruit or a fruit compote to balance the savory flavors.
- Pair with crispy breakfast potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes.
- Complement with coffee, tea, or fresh orange juice for a complete brunch spread.
- Add a side salad for a light, nutrient-packed brunch option.
Sausage & Pumpkin Breakfast Casserole
6–8
servings15
minutes50
minutes300
kcalIngredients
1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
8 large eggs
1½ cups whole milk
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups bread cubes (day-old recommended)
1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
2 tbsp fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until soft, 3–4 minutes.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: Whisk eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread bread cubes in the dish. Layer cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and cheese. Pour egg-pumpkin mixture over the top, pressing gently to soak bread.
- Optional Rest: Cover and refrigerate 15–30 minutes or overnight for best flavor.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 20–25 minutes until set and golden.
- Cool and Garnish: Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Bread Choice: Day-old or slightly stale bread absorbs the custard without becoming soggy. Brioche, challah, or French bread works best.
Protein Options: Swap breakfast sausage with bacon, turkey sausage, or plant-based alternatives.
FAQs
1. Can I make Sausage & Pumpkin Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it in the morning for a warm, hassle-free breakfast.
2. Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. After baking, let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
3. Can I use turkey sausage or plant-based sausage?
Yes. Turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or plant-based alternatives work well. Adjust seasoning as needed since some varieties may be less salty.
4. What type of bread works best?
Day-old or slightly stale bread absorbs the custard well without becoming soggy. Brioche, challah, or French bread are excellent choices.
5. Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes! Spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or onions can be added for extra nutrition and flavor.
Conclusion
Sausage & Pumpkin Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, flavorful, and versatile dish that transforms a simple breakfast into a comforting meal. Its blend of savory sausage, creamy pumpkin, warm spices, and tender bread makes it perfect for fall mornings, holiday brunches, or any occasion when a crowd-pleasing breakfast is needed. The make-ahead potential and one-dish convenience ensure it will quickly become a favorite in your breakfast rotation, offering both ease and indulgence in every bite.
