Description
Hearty breakfast sausage and cheese casserole combines classic morning flavors in one comforting dish. Layers of eggs, bread, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal perfect for weekend gatherings when sharing breakfast feels special.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups (226 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (113 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 4 cups (340 g) cubed bread (French bread, sourdough, or Texas toast)
- 2 tbsps (28 g) butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley (optional)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preparation: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), setting the stage for a culinary adventure.
- Sausage Transformation: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage into crispy crumbles, carefully draining excess fat to concentrate flavor and texture.
- Custard Alchemy: Whisk eggs with milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh parsley, creating a silky, aromatic base that will elevate the entire dish.
- Layering Foundation: Spread bread cubes across the greased baking dish, forming a rustic canvas that will absorb the forthcoming flavors and create a luscious texture.
- Flavor Building: Evenly distribute sausage crumbles over the bread, then blanket with shredded cheese, establishing a robust and savory foundation for the casserole.
- Liquid Infusion: Gently pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients, pressing softly to ensure complete bread saturation and flavor integration.
- Final Embellishment: Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and drizzle melted butter to create a golden, crisp surface that promises a delectable finish.
- Baking Transformation: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, watching for a rich amber color and a completely set center that signals culinary perfection.
- Resting and Serving: Allow the casserole to rest 5-10 minutes post-baking, letting flavors meld and settle before presenting this morning masterpiece.
Notes
- Optimize Sausage Drainage: Thoroughly drain cooked sausage on paper towels to remove excess grease, preventing a soggy or overly fatty casserole texture.
- Bread Selection Matters: Use day-old or slightly stale bread cubes for better liquid absorption and a more structured, less mushy casserole base.
- Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or pepper jack to elevate the flavor profile and add personal flair.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole the night before, refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast that saves precious morning preparation time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 392
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 772 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 186 mg