Sausage Egg and Cheese Breakfast: 7 Easy Ways to Make It

Did you know that 93% of Americans consider breakfast the most important meal of the day, yet nearly 31% skip it regularly due to time constraints? The classic sausage egg and cheese breakfast offers the perfect solution—combining protein, savory flavors, and endless versatility in one satisfying meal. Whether you’re rushing out the door on a busy weekday or enjoying a leisurely weekend brunch, these seven delicious sausage egg and cheese breakfast variations will revolutionize your morning routine. From quick sandwiches to make-ahead casseroles, these protein-packed recipes deliver the perfect balance of convenience and nutrition without sacrificing flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about the savory, rich combination of sausage, eggs, and cheese. This breakfast trinity creates a flavor profile that’s simultaneously hearty, satisfying, and indulgent. Here’s why these recipes deserve a permanent spot in your breakfast rotation:

• Quick and convenient: Most variations take just 15-20 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy mornings
• Customizable: Easily adapt with different cheese varieties, bread options, or by adding vegetables
• Protein-packed: Each serving delivers approximately 20-25g of protein to keep you energized throughout the morning
• Pantry-friendly: Uses simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand
• Family-approved: These recipes appeal to both adults and picky eaters alike
• Meal-prep friendly: Many variations can be prepared ahead and reheated throughout the week
• Budget-conscious: Creates a satisfying meal without expensive specialty ingredients
• Versatile: Works equally well for grab-and-go breakfasts, weekend brunches, or breakfast-for-dinner nights

Whether you’re looking for a hearty start to your day or a satisfying brunch option that will please a crowd, these sausage egg and cheese breakfast recipes offer something for everyone.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For all seven variations of this sausage egg and cheese breakfast, you’ll need a core set of ingredients with some additions depending on your preferred preparation method. Here’s what to gather:

Core Ingredients:

• Breakfast sausage: 1 pound (links, patties, or ground—choose mild or spicy according to preference)
• Eggs: 1 dozen large eggs (farm-fresh provides the richest flavor and vibrant yellow yolks)
• Cheese: 8 ounces (shredded or sliced)—choose from cheddar, American, pepper jack, or Swiss
• Salt and pepper: To taste
• Butter or cooking oil: 2-3 tablespoons for cooking

Additional Ingredients (Based on Variation):

• Bread options: English muffins, bagels, sandwich bread, tortillas, or croissants
• Vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, spinach, tomatoes, avocado
• Herbs and seasonings: Chives, parsley, paprika, garlic powder, hot sauce
• Additional dairy: Milk or cream (for scrambled eggs or casseroles)
• Potatoes: Frozen hash browns or fresh diced potatoes (for skillets and casseroles)

Ingredient Tips: Opt for high-quality sausage for the best flavor—look for options with visible herbs and minimal fillers. For cheese, freshly grated yields better melting qualities than pre-shredded varieties which often contain anti-caking agents.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Classic Sausage Egg and Cheese Sandwich

This grab-and-go breakfast sandwich is a timeless favorite that combines all the essential elements in a handheld format.

1. Cook the sausage: Form ground sausage into 4 patties (or use pre-formed patties). Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F).
2. Prepare the eggs: In the same skillet, add a touch more butter if needed. Crack 4 eggs into the pan, break the yolks if desired, and cook for 2-3 minutes for over-medium eggs. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Toast and assemble: Split and toast 4 English muffins. Place a sausage patty on the bottom half, top with an egg, then add a slice of cheese.
4. Finish and serve: Place under a broiler for 30 seconds to melt the cheese, or microwave for 15 seconds. Add the top half of the English muffin and enjoy immediately.

Pro tip: For an elevated version, spread a thin layer of maple butter on the English muffin before assembling.

2. Sausage Egg and Cheese Breakfast Burrito

Perfect for on-the-go mornings, these burritos can be made ahead and frozen for busy weekdays.

1. Cook the sausage: Brown 1 pound of ground breakfast sausage in a large skillet, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
2. Add vegetables: Add ½ diced onion and ½ diced bell pepper to the sausage and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Prepare the eggs: In a bowl, whisk 8 eggs with 2 tablespoons of milk, salt, and pepper. Pour into the skillet with sausage and vegetables, and scramble until just set.
4. Assemble burritos: Warm 6 large flour tortillas. Place a portion of the egg mixture in the center of each tortilla, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and add optional toppings like avocado or salsa.
5. Wrap and serve: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll from bottom to top to form a burrito. Serve immediately or wrap in foil for later.

Pro tip: These burritos freeze beautifully! Wrap individually in parchment paper then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

3. Sausage Egg and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

This make-ahead casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

1. Prepare the base: Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Arrange 6 slices of bread (torn into pieces) or 3 cups of hash browns in the bottom of the dish.
2. Cook the sausage: Brown 1 pound of breakfast sausage in a skillet, drain excess fat, and sprinkle evenly over the bread layer.
3. Add cheese layer: Spread 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage layer.
4. Create egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together 10 eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon of dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour evenly over the casserole.
5. Refrigerate overnight: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. Bake and serve: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Pro tip: Add a layer of sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers between the sausage and cheese for added nutrition.

4. Sausage Egg and Cheese Breakfast Bowl

A low-carb, customizable option that’s perfect for those following keto or gluten-free diets.

1. Cook the sausage: Brown ½ pound of breakfast sausage in a skillet, breaking it into crumbles.
2. Prepare eggs: In the same pan, push sausage to one side and scramble 2-3 eggs per bowl until just set.
3. Assemble bowls: Divide sausage and eggs among serving bowls. Top each with ¼ cup shredded cheese, diced avocado, and your choice of toppings like diced tomatoes or green onions.
4. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve with hot sauce or salsa on the side.

Pro tip: For a grain-free base, add roasted sweet potatoes or cauliflower rice to the bottom of each bowl before adding the protein components.

5. Sausage Egg and Cheese Quesadilla

This creative breakfast fusion combines Mexican-inspired flavors with classic breakfast ingredients.

1. Cook the sausage: Brown ½ pound of breakfast sausage, breaking it into small crumbles.
2. Prepare eggs: In a bowl, whisk 6 eggs and pour into the same skillet with the sausage. Scramble together until eggs are just set.
3. Assemble quesadillas: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place a tortilla down, sprinkle with cheese, add a portion of the sausage-egg mixture, more cheese, and top with another tortilla.
4. Cook until crispy: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted.
5. Slice and serve: Cut into wedges and serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Pro tip: Add a thin layer of refried beans to the tortilla before adding other ingredients for extra flavor and protein.

6. Sausage Egg and Cheese Breakfast Muffins

These portable egg muffins are perfect for meal prep and on-the-go breakfasts.

1. Prepare muffin tin: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin generously.
2. Cook the sausage: Brown ½ pound of breakfast sausage, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat.
3. Create egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk 10 eggs with ¼ cup milk, salt, pepper, and any desired herbs.
4. Assemble muffins: Divide sausage crumbles evenly among muffin cups. Add diced bell peppers or spinach if desired. Pour egg mixture over sausage, filling each cup about ¾ full.
5. Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each muffin cup. Bake for 18-20 minutes until eggs are set and tops are lightly golden.
6. Cool and store: Allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing from tin. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Pro tip: These muffins reheat beautifully in the microwave for 30 seconds, making them perfect for busy mornings.

7. Sausage Egg and Cheese Breakfast Skillet

This hearty one-pan meal is perfect for weekend brunch and impressive enough for guests.

1. Cook the potatoes: In a large cast-iron skillet, cook 2 cups of diced potatoes in 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat until golden and crispy, about 10-12 minutes.
2. Add sausage and vegetables: Add ½ pound sliced sausage links, ½ diced onion, and ½ diced bell pepper. Cook until sausage is browned and vegetables are tender.
3. Create wells and add eggs: Using a spoon, create 4-6 wells in the mixture. Crack an egg into each well. Cover and cook for 3-4 minutes until egg whites are set but yolks remain runny.
4. Add cheese and finish: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top. Cover for 1 minute until cheese melts.
5. Garnish and serve: Top with sliced green onions, fresh herbs, and hot sauce if desired. Serve directly from the skillet.

Pro tip: For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cajun seasoning to the potato mixture while cooking.

Serving Suggestions

The perfect sausage egg and cheese breakfast deserves complementary sides to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your breakfast experience:

• Fresh fruit: Balance the savory richness with a side of berries, sliced melon, or citrus segments
• Crispy potatoes: Serve alongside hash browns, home fries, or roasted breakfast potatoes
• Breakfast beverages: Pair with freshly brewed coffee, orange juice, or a morning smoothie
• Light sides: Add a small yogurt parfait or overnight oats for a more substantial meal
• Sauce options: Offer hot sauce, salsa, maple syrup, or hollandaise sauce for dipping or drizzling
• Garnishes: Fresh herbs like chives or parsley add color and freshness

For a complete brunch spread, consider adding a lighter option like a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to counterbalance the richness of the main dish. This creates a well-rounded meal that will satisfy everyone at the table.

Storing Instructions

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your sausage egg and cheese breakfast creations throughout the week. Follow these guidelines for best results:

Refrigerating:

• Sandwiches and burritos: Wrap individually in parchment paper, then aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Breakfast casserole: Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Egg muffins: Store in airtight containers with paper towels between layers to absorb moisture. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Breakfast bowls: Store components separately when possible for best texture. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

• Breakfast burritos: Wrap individually in parchment paper, then foil. Place in freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Egg muffins: Freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Unbaked casserole: Assemble completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking.

Reheating:

• Microwave method: Reheat sandwiches for 1-2 minutes, unwrapping halfway through. For egg muffins, microwave for 30-45 seconds.
• Oven method: Wrap sandwiches or burritos in foil and heat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. For casseroles, cover with foil and reheat at 350°F for 20-30 minutes.
• Skillet method: For quesadillas or skillets, reheat in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat until warmed through.

Pro tip: For the best texture when reheating sandwiches, remove them from the refrigerator 10 minutes before reheating, and toast the bread separately from the filling when possible.

Conclusion

The sausage egg and cheese breakfast is truly a versatile morning hero that combines convenience, flavor, and nutrition in countless delicious ways. Whether you prefer the classic handheld sandwich for busy mornings, a make-ahead casserole for weekend gatherings, or protein-packed muffins for grab-and-go ease, these seven variations offer something for every lifestyle and preference.

By mastering these recipes, you’ll not only save time and money on your morning routine but also ensure you and your family start the day with a satisfying, protein-rich meal. The beauty of these recipes lies in their adaptability—feel free to customize with your favorite cheese varieties, add seasonal vegetables, or adjust spice levels to make them uniquely yours.

We’d love to hear how these recipes work for you! Share your feedback in the comments section below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more breakfast inspiration and cooking tips. Have you created your own twist on the classic sausage egg and cheese breakfast? Tell us about it—your ideas might inspire other readers in our community!

Alysse

Classic Sausage Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich

This hearty breakfast sandwich combines savory sausage patties, perfectly cooked eggs, and melty cheese on a toasted English muffin for a protein-packed start to your day. Quick to make and customizable, it's the ultimate grab-and-go breakfast for busy mornings.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Assembly Time 2 minutes mins

Total Time 17 minutes mins

Servings: 4 Sandwiches

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 English muffins split
• 1 pound breakfast sausage formed into 4 patties, or use pre-formed patties
• 4 large eggs
• 4 slices American or cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter divided
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: maple butter or hot sauce for serving

Method

 

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter.
2. Add sausage patties to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F).
3. Remove sausage patties and set aside. Wipe skillet if necessary.
4. Add remaining butter to the skillet. Crack eggs into the pan, break yolks if desired, and cook for 2-3 minutes for over-medium eggs. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Meanwhile, toast English muffins until golden brown.
6. To assemble, place a sausage patty on the bottom half of each English muffin.
7. Top each with an egg, then add a slice of cheese.
8. Optional: Place under broiler for 30 seconds to melt cheese, or microwave for 15 seconds.
9. Add the top half of the English muffin and serve immediately.

Notes

• For a flavor boost, spread a thin layer of maple butter on the English muffin before assembling.
• Substitute different cheeses like pepper jack, Swiss, or provolone to vary the flavor.
• Add sliced tomato, avocado, or spinach for extra nutrition.
• These sandwiches can be wrapped in parchment paper and foil, then refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in microwave for 1-2 minutes.
• For a healthier version, use turkey sausage and whole grain English muffins.

FAQs