Can I use canned biscuits instead of making the dough from scratch?

Absolutely! While homemade biscuit dough creates the best texture and flavor, you can save time by using canned biscuits. Press them into an even layer in the baking dish (on top of the melted butter) and proceed with the recipe as written. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it might be slightly shorter.

Is there a substitute for buttermilk if I don't have any?

Yes! Make your own buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until slightly thickened, then use as directed in the recipe. The flavor won't be identical, but it will provide the acidity needed for tender biscuits.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace the pork sausage with a plant-based sausage alternative or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach. The eggs and cheese will still provide plenty of protein and flavor.

Why is my breakfast bake soggy in the middle?

This typically happens when there's too much moisture in the dish or it's undercooked. Make sure to drain the sausage well after cooking, and if needed, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Also, don't skip the 10-minute rest before serving to allow everything to set properly.

Butter Biscuit Breakfast Bake Recipe

Name: Butter Biscuit Breakfast Bake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour; 4 teaspoons baking powder; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 2 cups (490 g) buttermilk, room temperature; ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted; 1 pound pork sausage; ½ cup diced yellow onion; 10 large eggs, room temperature; ½ cup (122.5 g) whole milk, room temperature; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups (226 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded; Parsley, optional for garnish

This Butter Biscuit Breakfast Bake is the ultimate morning masterpiece that combines fluffy buttermilk biscuits with savory sausage and eggs in one glorious dish. The magic happens when melted butter meets homemade biscuit dough, creating a golden, crispy bottom layer that will make your taste buds dance. Ready in just an hour, this breakfast casserole is perfect for busy mornings when you want something hearty and delicious without spending all day in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All-in-One Breakfast: Biscuits, eggs, sausage, and cheese—your entire breakfast in one convenient dish!
Make-Ahead Option: Prepare it the night before and bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast solution.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dish serves 8 generously, making it perfect for family gatherings or weekend brunches.
Comforting Flavors: The combination of buttery biscuits, savory sausage, and melty cheese creates the ultimate comfort food experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Biscuit Dough:

All-purpose flour: Forms the base of our tender biscuit layer—provides structure while keeping things light.
Baking powder: Essential for giving those biscuits their rise and fluffy texture.
Granulated sugar: Just a touch to balance flavors and help with browning.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors in the biscuit dough.
Buttermilk: Creates tenderness in the biscuits and adds a subtle tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory toppings.
Unsalted butter: The star ingredient! Creates a golden, crispy bottom while adding rich flavor throughout.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

For the Casserole:

Pork sausage: Provides savory, meaty flavor—the backbone of this breakfast bake.
Yellow onion: Adds aromatic flavor and a slight sweetness when cooked with the sausage.
Eggs: Creates the custard-like layer that holds everything together.
Whole milk: Helps create a rich, creamy egg mixture.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Seasons the egg mixture perfectly.
Mild cheddar cheese: Offers that classic, meltable cheese flavor without overpowering the dish.
Mozzarella cheese: Adds incredible stretch and meltability for that perfect cheese pull.
Parsley: Optional for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Variations

Want to customize your breakfast bake? Here are some delicious options:

Veggie Lover’s Bake: Add diced bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms to the sausage layer.
Spicy Version: Use hot Italian sausage and add a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.
Bacon Lover’s Delight: Substitute half or all of the sausage with crispy bacon pieces.
Southwest Style: Add a can of drained green chiles, swap cheddar for pepper jack, and serve with salsa and avocado.

How to Make Butter Biscuit Breakfast Bake

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This ensures your breakfast bake won’t stick and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Make the Biscuit Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined. Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently until mostly combined. Remember, the key to tender biscuits is not overworking the dough—a few lumps are perfectly fine!

Step 3: Create the Butter Layer

Pour melted butter into your prepared baking dish, creating an even layer across the bottom. This butter is what will transform the bottom of your biscuit dough into golden, crispy perfection.

Step 4: Add the Biscuit Layer

Place the dough on top of the melted butter and gently spread it to the edges of the pan. Don’t worry if it seems too wet—this creates steam during baking for extra-fluffy biscuits.

Step 5: Cook the Sausage Mixture

Brown the sausage and onion in a large skillet over medium heat until no pink remains, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess grease, then spread the meat mixture evenly over the biscuit dough.

Step 6: Prepare the Egg and Cheese Mixture

Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until well combined. Fold in both shredded cheeses until evenly distributed, then pour this mixture over the sausage layer.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 40 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly puffed.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the breakfast bake to rest for about 10 minutes before cutting. This crucial step lets the butter fully absorb into the biscuits and allows the eggs to set completely. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your buttermilk, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for the best texture and even baking.
Don’t Overmix: Treat the biscuit dough gently for maximum fluffiness—mix just until combined.
Cheese Grating: Grate your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.
Resting Time: Don’t skip the 10-minute rest after baking—it’s essential for the butter to fully absorb into the biscuits.
Visual Doneness Check: Besides the knife test, look for a golden top and slight pulling away from the sides of the pan.

How to Serve

This breakfast bake is a complete meal on its own, but here are some delicious serving suggestions:

Toppings:

Serve with a dollop of sour cream, hot sauce, or maple syrup for drizzling (yes, the sweet-savory combination works wonderfully!).

Side Dishes:

Pair with fresh fruit, a light green salad, or crispy hash browns for a complete breakfast spread.

Drinks:

Coffee, orange juice, or a spicy Bloody Mary make perfect accompaniments for a weekend brunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Preparing Ahead

You can assemble this breakfast bake the night before! Prepare everything up to the baking step, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight!

Freezing

This breakfast bake freezes beautifully. Cut into individual portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Refrigerated leftovers: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
Frozen portions: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use canned biscuits instead of making the dough from scratch?

Absolutely! While homemade biscuit dough creates the best texture and flavor, you can save time by using canned biscuits. Press them into an even layer in the baking dish (on top of the melted butter) and proceed with the recipe as written. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it might be slightly shorter.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk if I don’t have any?

Yes! Make your own buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until slightly thickened, then use as directed in the recipe. The flavor won’t be identical, but it will provide the acidity needed for tender biscuits.
Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace the pork sausage with a plant-based sausage alternative or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach. The eggs and cheese will still provide plenty of protein and flavor.
Why is my breakfast bake soggy in the middle?

This typically happens when there’s too much moisture in the dish or it’s undercooked. Make sure to drain the sausage well after cooking, and if needed, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Also, don’t skip the 10-minute rest before serving to allow everything to set properly.

Final Thoughts

This Butter Biscuit Breakfast Bake transforms ordinary morning ingredients into an extraordinary meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. The contrast between the crispy, buttery biscuit bottom and the savory, cheesy top layer creates breakfast perfection in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, planning a special family breakfast, or just want to treat yourself, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Give it a try this weekend—your breakfast table will never be the same!