Classic Holiday Breakfast Casserole You Can Make Ahead
This make-ahead breakfast casserole is perfect for holiday mornings. Loaded with sausage, bread, and cheese, it's a hearty and delicious dish that bakes up golden brown and bubbly.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage mild or spicy
- 1 day-old French bread or brioche cut into 1-inch cubes (about 6-8 cups)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese or Colby Jack/mixed cheeses
- 10 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Butter for greasing baking dish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and crumbled; drain excess grease and set aside.
- Lightly butter a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the cubed bread evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the bread cubes, then add an even layer of shredded cheese.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, dry mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread, sausage, and cheese, gently pressing down to submerge the bread.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
Baking
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
This casserole can be assembled the night before, making it perfect for a stress-free holiday morning. For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture.