Name: Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground pork breakfast sausage; 1/2 cup diced yellow onion (about 1 small); 1/2 cup finely diced red pepper (about 1 small); 2 diced jalapeño peppers (or to taste; or 1/4 cup finely diced green pepper for less spice); 1 (16-oz) box cornbread mix; 1 (15-oz) can cream-style corn; 2/3 cup water (or 1/3 cup water plus 1/3 cup buttermilk for richer flavor); 1 (8-oz) package shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese

There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty, cheesy bake that brings everyone around the table. This Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe effortlessly combines savory sausage, sweet cornbread, and melty cheese for a dish that's as vibrant as it is satisfying — trust me, you’re going to want to make this one again and again.

A white plate holds a layered dish consisting of a golden, crumbly top layer that appears baked and crispy. Below this is a slightly chunky mixture of browned ground meat mixed with a soft, yellow cornmeal-like base. Scattered across the top are small bright red bell pepper pieces and chopped green onions, adding vibrant color contrast. The plate sits on a wooden surface with some chopped green onions scattered around and part of a fork visible at the bottom left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made my fair share of casseroles, but this Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen. It’s cozy, flavorful, and strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet — plus, it’s such a crowd-pleaser at brunches or casual dinners.

Comfort Food with a Twist: The combination of spicy sausage and sweet cornbread creates a unique flavor blend that’s hard to resist.
Simple to Make: Just one pan and a few mixing bowls—no fancy techniques or rare ingredients needed.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or mix in your favorite veggies.
Perfect for Any Meal: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a snack—this casserole delivers every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

All the ingredients come together beautifully to balance flavors and textures. The sausage adds savory richness, while the cornbread mix brings that classic, moist crumb. Fresh peppers brighten it up and cheese melts through for the ultimate creamy finish. Here’s why each one shines:

Flat lay of raw ground pork breakfast sausage in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl filled with golden yellow cornbread mix, a small white bowl with smooth cream-style corn, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a few diced yellow onion pieces arranged neatly on a white ceramic plate, finely diced bright red bell pepper on a separate white ceramic dish, two fresh whole green jalapeño peppers resting beside a small white bowl of clear water, a small white bowl filled with shredded orange and white Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese, all ingredients spread symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground pork breakfast sausage: Use a well-seasoned sausage for that hearty, slightly spicy bite—it’s the backbone of this dish.
Diced yellow onion: Adds a mellow sweetness after softening—don’t skip it, it really rounds out the flavors.
Red pepper: Offers a subtle crunch and sweetness, balancing the sausage’s richness.
Jalapeño peppers (or green peppers): Jalapeños bring a nice kick; green peppers work well if you want to keep it mild — kids love the green pepper swap!
Cornbread mix: The star that ties everything together; choose a good-quality mix to get that perfect crumb.
Cream-style corn: Adds moisture and a hint of sweetness, making the casserole tender and flavorful.
Water or buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a subtle tang and richness, but water works great too for a lighter version.
Shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese: A melty, gooey cheese blend that adds depth without overpowering.

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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.

Make It Your Way

This is one recipe where I love switching things up depending on who I’m cooking for. I often tone down the heat by swapping jalapeños for green peppers for the kids, but when it's just adults, I sneak in extra jalapeños and a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky, spicy punch.

Variation: I once added cooked corn kernels and a handful of chopped fresh cilantro for a fresher flavor twist — it was a hit at a summer brunch!
Dairy-Free Version: Use a dairy-free cheese and sub regular milk for buttermilk to make this friendly for lactose intolerance.
Vegetable Boost: Feel free to throw in diced zucchini or mushrooms if you want to sneak more veggies in.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe

The dish shows one slice of a baked casserole served on a white plate, held by a woman's hand on the right edge. The casserole slice has two main layers: a thick, golden-yellow top layer that is smooth and slightly firm, and a crumbly, textured bottom layer mixed with browned bits of meat. The top is decorated with small pieces of chopped red bell pepper and green spring onions scattered across. A silver fork lays on the left side of the plate, partly resting on the casserole. In the background, there is a white casserole dish filled with the golden casserole, and the whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with a soft striped cloth and some fresh green herbs nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook and Sauté the Sausage and Veggies

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Crumble the breakfast sausage in and let it brown gently—not too fast or it'll dry out. Once the sausage is just starting to color, toss in the diced onion, red pepper, and jalapeños (or green pepper). Cook it all together for about 4-5 minutes until the veggies have softened and the sausage is richly browned. Drain off excess fat to keep it from being greasy, then set the mixture aside.

Step 2: Mix the Cornbread Batter

In a large bowl, combine the cornbread mix with the cream-style corn and water—or buttermilk mixture if you’re going for richer flavor. Stir it gently until just combined; don’t overmix or the cornbread might turn out tough. The batter should be slightly thick but spreadable.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Grab your greased 11"x7" baking dish and spread about half an inch of the cornbread batter on the bottom. This base layer helps keep everything together. Next, evenly spread the sausage and veggie mixture over the batter, then top with a generous layer of shredded cheese. Finally, cover it all with the remaining cornbread batter, spreading it out gently but completely.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake uncovered at 350°F for 25 to 35 minutes. You'll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before cutting. This resting step makes slicing easier and lets all the flavors settle—you'll thank me for this one!

Top Tip

I’ve made this casserole plenty of times to perfect the balance of spice and moisture, and these tips have saved me more than once. Follow these to make your next batch the best yet:

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir just until combined to keep the cornbread light and tender; overworking will make it dense.
Drain Cooked Sausage Well: Excess grease can make the casserole soggy, so drain thoroughly after browning the sausage and veggies.
Use Buttermilk for Extra Moisture: Substituting half the water with buttermilk adds depth and a subtle tang that lifts the whole dish.
Let It Rest Before Slicing: Waiting 10 minutes post-bake lets the casserole firm up for cleaner slices and fuller flavor meld.

How to Serve Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese and freshly chopped cilantro on top just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce if we want more tang or heat at the table — makes it feel extra special!

Side Dishes

This casserole is a complete meal but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some steamed green beans if you want something lighter alongside. For brunch, I love serving it with fresh fruit or even baked eggs.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday mornings or dinner parties, I’ve baked this casserole in individual ramekins—everyone loves having their own personal cheesy cornbread moment. You can also top it with sliced avocado and a sprinkle of bacon bits for extra indulgence and color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I tightly cover the casserole with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It usually keeps well for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully without drying out.

Freezing

I've frozen this recipe before both pre- and post-baking. For best results, freeze it baked (completely cooled), tightly wrapped. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven to revive that fresh-baked texture.

Reheating

I prefer to reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to keep the moisture in, for about 15-20 minutes. This way, the cheese stays melty, and the edges get a bit crisp again—using the microwave tends to make it soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage works well if you want a leaner option. Just remember that turkey sausage is often less fatty, so you may want to add a little extra oil to the pan when cooking to keep the casserole moist.

What’s the best way to reduce the spice level?

If you want to reduce the heat, swap out the jalapeños for diced green bell peppers or leave them out entirely. You could also reduce the number of jalapeños and remove the seeds to minimize their spiciness.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Use a gluten-free cornbread mix and double-check that your sausage and other ingredients don’t contain gluten. This swap keeps all the delicious flavors intact.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

Look for a golden brown top and test with a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean. The casserole should be set and not jiggle in the middle.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that just feels like a warm hug—you get the savory sausage, creamy cheese, and comforting cornbread all in one. I love sharing it at family breakfasts or casual dinners with friends because it’s reliable, delicious, and easy to tweak for any taste. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food.