Leftover Cornbread Breakfast Casserole Recipe

If you ever find yourself staring at a sad pile of dried-out cornbread wondering what to do, I’ve got you covered with this fan-freaking-tastic Leftover Cornbread Breakfast Casserole Recipe. It’s a cozy, hearty dish that transforms your leftover cornbread into a savory breakfast bake that your whole crew will go crazy for. Trust me, I used to struggle with wasting cornbread, but this casserole turned those scraps into a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that works perfectly for weekend brunch or a make-ahead breakfast.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple everyday ingredients that come together to create a balanced, comforting breakfast casserole. You’ll find mixing the spicy sausage with the buttery cornbread super satisfying—and the ingredients list is flexible if you want to swap a few things!

• Butter: For sautéing and greasing your baking dish, it adds rich flavor and helps prevent sticking.
• Onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the sausage mixture.
• Bulk Sausage: Choose your favorite sausage—spicy or mild—to pack in savory goodness.
• Bell Pepper (optional): Adds a pop of color and a bit of crunch if you like extra veggies in your breakfast.
• Milk: Helps create that custardy binder for the casserole.
• Eggs: Essential for holding everything together and giving the casserole structure.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Simple seasonings that enhance every bite without overpowering flavors.
• Leftover Cornbread: The star of the show — cut into cubes or crumbles depending on your texture preference.
• Green Onions: For a fresh, mild oniony bite tossed through the layers.
• Cheddar Cheese (or cheese of choice): Melts beautifully over the top and inside, adding creamy, sharp richness.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Leftover Cornbread Breakfast Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I often switch things up based on what we have in the fridge, so feel free to get creative!

• Add Fresh Spinach or Kale: I like to sneak in some greens to boost nutrition without changing the flavor too much.
• Swap Sausage for Bacon or Ham: When I want a smokier flavor, bacon bits or diced ham do the trick perfectly.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use a plant-based milk and vegan cheese to keep it allergy-friendly.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of cayenne or hot sauce in the egg mixture adds a nice little kick that my family loves.

How to Make Leftover Cornbread Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sausage Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing your 9”x13” baking dish with some butter to prevent sticking. Then, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onions and cook until they soften—usually just a minute or so. Next, add the bulk sausage, breaking up any large chunks with your spoon, and cook until it’s nicely browned. If you’re adding bell peppers, stir those in now and cook until they’re softened to your liking. This step adds layers of rich flavor that I found elevates the whole casserole.

Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture

While your sausage mixture cools down a bit, whisk together the milk, eggs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl. This custardy mixture is what binds your casserole together—make sure you whisk it well to get it smooth and even.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Now for the fun part. In your prepared baking dish, spread half of the cubed or crumbled cornbread evenly. Then layer half of the sausage mixture over it, followed by half the chopped green onions and half the grated cheese. Repeat those layers with the remaining ingredients. Finally, pour that egg and milk mixture all over the top. If the cornbread pieces start to float, gently press them down so everything soaks up that flavorful custard.

Step 4: Bake and Enjoy

Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re aiming for a golden top, and the eggs should be completely set—not jiggly at all. When I first tried this recipe, I was worried it might be soggy, but it turns out perfectly custardy with a bit of a crust on the edges. Let it cool for a few minutes before digging in—it makes serving easier and flavors meld nicely.

How to Serve Leftover Cornbread Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or extra green onions on top before serving—it adds brightness and a fresh bite that balances the richness. A dollop of sour cream or even a spoonful of your favorite salsa also pairs nicely if you want a little zing.

Side Dishes

Since this casserole is pretty filling on its own, I like to serve it with simple sides like fresh fruit salad, roasted potatoes, or a crisp green salad to brighten the plate. My family also loves it with a side of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage links.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches or special occasions, I bake the casserole in mini cast iron skillets or muffin tins to create individual servings. It makes the meal feel extra festive and everyone loves the single-serve presentation. You can also top each portion with an avocado slice or a fried egg for added indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating leftovers in the oven or toaster oven helps maintain the crispy edges—microwaving sometimes softens those up too much for my taste, but it works in a pinch.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish, wrapping tightly, and freezing for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed. I’ve found this super handy for busy mornings when you want a homemade breakfast fast.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes—just until warmed through and the top regains a bit of crisp. If reheating from frozen, increase the time and cover with foil for the first part of reheating to avoid over-browning.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Leftover Cornbread Breakfast Casserole Recipe turns simple leftovers into a star dish that feels like a treat. It’s the kind of recipe I recommend to friends who want to reduce food waste but still enjoy something hearty and delicious. Give it a try—you’ll find it quickly becomes a staple in your kitchen, saving you time and delighting your loved ones with every bite.

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