Save Leftover Stuffing Breakfast Casserole turns your holiday extras into a cozy, all-in-one breakfast that feels both special and smart. Fluffy eggs cradle crumbled stuffing and savory sausage beneath a golden cheddar top, making this my family's must-have for the morning after a big feast. No one minds extra leftovers now, I find myself hoping for them.
I first threw this together in a rush after Thanksgiving when my kids complained there was nothing good for breakfast. Everyone cleaned their plates and asked for it again on Christmas morning, now it is tradition.
Ingredients
- Leftover stuffing: about four cups transforms day-old bread and seasonings into the base bursting with holiday flavors. Any variety works and a denser or drier stuffing just needs a quick crumble so the egg mixture can soak in
- Large eggs: eight for structure and a fluffy custard that holds everything together. Look for firm clean shells
- Whole milk: adds creaminess and helps the casserole set up silky soft
- Heavy cream: makes it extra rich. If possible use fresh from a chilled carton
- Breakfast sausage: one pound brings a hearty savory flavor. Go for links you love and remove casings for best crumble
- Shredded cheddar cheese: or Swiss or Gruyère gives that irresistible melty top. Buy a block and shred it yourself for the best melt
- Diced onion and diced red bell pepper: bring sweetness and color. Choose firm onion and glossy red peppers without soft spots
- Fresh parsley: brightens the whole dish and gives a pop of green if you have it
- Salt and black pepper: for balance and just enough spice
- Dried thyme and paprika: add subtle warmth and depth. Use high quality dried thyme and vibrant paprika for best flavor
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Pan:
- Set your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with a thin coating of butter or spray so nothing sticks
- Brown the Sausage and Vegetables:
- Place a large skillet over medium heat and add sausage. Break it up with a spoon and cook until well browned with crispy edges. If there is extra fat in the pan now is the time to drain it off. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened and just fragrant about three to four minutes. Remove from heat
- Layer the Stuffing:
- Take your leftover stuffing and break up any big chunks. Scatter it evenly in the bottom of your greased baking dish so the egg mixture reaches every nook
- Add Sausage and Vegetables:
- Spoon the warm sausage onion and pepper mixture over the stuffing. Spread it all out in a single layer to get a bit in every bite
- Make the Egg Mixture:
- In a large bowl crack in eight eggs then add milk heavy cream salt pepper thyme and paprika. Whisk until you see the eggs and dairy are fully blended and the color is even
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Pour your egg mixture slowly and evenly over the stuffing and sausage. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top covering the surface for a cheesy crust
- Bake and Rest:
- Slide the dish into your hot oven and bake for forty to forty five minutes. Watch for the center to set and a golden brown bubbly top. Let it rest ten minutes outside the oven before cutting so it holds its shape
- Garnish and Serve:
- If you have fresh parsley sprinkle over the top just before serving for color and freshness
Save My favorite part is how the stuffing transforms into a custardy base that picks up all the flavors from the sausage and veggies. The look on everyone's face when they taste how leftovers become something completely new is always priceless.
Storage Tips
Keep leftovers in the fridge tightly wrapped for up to three days. Reheat slices gently in the oven at three hundred twenty five degrees or microwave in short bursts so the eggs do not overcook. This casserole freezes surprisingly well, just wrap cooled portions in plastic and foil then thaw overnight before reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can skip the sausage and double the vegetables for a meatless version. Turkey sausage or even leftover ham works just as well. For dairy-free needs substitute almond milk and a plant-based cheese, the final texture is a touch softer but still delicious. Any sharp cheese in your fridge will do the job in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions
Pair a warm square of this casserole with a side of citrus salad and maybe a mimosa for an easy brunch. A dash of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream on top adds just the right zip. If serving for a crowd set out a bowl of chopped fresh herbs or extra shredded cheese on the side.
Cultural Context
Breakfast casseroles like this are an American classic especially for holiday weekends. They bring everyone to the table without last-minute scrambling. It is pure comfort food with a practical side, families in the US have been reimagining leftover stuffing for breakfast for generations and traditions like this make holidays stretch a little longer.
Seasonal Adaptations
You can swap in diced sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach in the spring. The casserole works great with leftover cornbread stuffing after a summer barbecue. Add a pinch of smoked paprika or finely chopped sage for a more autumnal flavor.
Success Stories
Friends have reported their kids requesting this casserole long after the holidays. I have heard from one neighbor who loves whipping this up for New Year's brunch with whatever is left from the December feasts. I tried a version with herby Thanksgiving stuffing and was amazed how every flavor still shined once baked.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Prepare and assemble the casserole up to the point of baking. Wrap it well and freeze for up to two months. When ready to serve thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual adding up to ten extra minutes from cold.
Save The moment you slice into this warm casserole and serve it to your loved ones, it brings the holiday spirit to every morning. Enjoy the magic of leftovers turned into a new tradition.
Common Questions
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning for convenience.
- → What can I use instead of sausage?
Try turkey sausage or omit meat and add extra sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
- → Which cheese works best?
Cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère are all delicious options, offering different flavors and richness.
- → Can I use any type of leftover stuffing?
Most varieties work well, whether homemade or store-bought. Dense stuffing can be crumbled for better texture.
- → Is this dish suitable for a crowd?
Absolutely—one casserole yields about six hearty servings, perfect for gatherings or family brunches.
- → How can I make this vegetarian?
Omit sausage and increase the amount of vegetables. Add cooked mushrooms for extra flavor and substance.