Savory Sausage and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole
This savory breakfast casserole features a delightful combination of bread, sausage, and sharp cheddar cheese, all soaked in a rich egg mixture. Perfect for a crowd, it can be prepared the night before for an easy morning meal.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- large skillet
- large bowl
- whisk
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf (about 12-16 oz) day-old bread cut into 1-inch cubes (sourdough or brioche work wonderfully)
- 1 lb ground breakfast sausage pork or turkey
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper finely chopped (optional, for extra veggies and color)
- 10 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half for extra richness
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter for greasing the dish
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley chopped
- chopped chives
- hot sauce for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground sausage and chopped onion over medium heat until browned and cooked through, then drain excess fat. If using, add the bell pepper and cook until softened, then set aside to cool slightly.
Assembly
- Spread the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage mixture over the bread cubes, then top with 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese, pressing down gently to ensure the bread is fully submerged.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight (up to 24 hours), to allow the bread to soak.
Baking and Serving
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let the casserole sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes while the oven preheats.
- Uncover and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is mostly set.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
Notes
For best results, prepare the casserole the night before to allow the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a more flavorful and cohesive dish. You can easily customize this casserole by adding other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach, or different cheeses to suit your preference.