Description
A make-ahead, stress-free brunch casserole that feeds a crowd. Featuring savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and cheesy bread, this dish allows you to enjoy your morning while guests eat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 loaf French bread or baguette (about 400g, stale)
- 10 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 cups fresh spinach, 1-2 jalapeños sliced, ½ cup bacon bits
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cut stale bread into 1-inch cubes and spread evenly in the baking dish. If bread is fresh, toast at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to dry.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon (5-6 minutes). Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet; cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Remove from heat.
- Spread the sausage and vegetable mixture over the bread cubes. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper until frothy.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure all bread is submerged.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Let sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature (or refrigerate overnight).
- Bake covered for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and center is set.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Bread must be stale to absorb liquid without turning to mush. Press bread down to ensure it is fully submerged in the egg mixture. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the custard to set. Do not freeze, as eggs become grainy upon thawing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 22
Keywords: breakfast casserole, brunch recipe, make-ahead breakfast, sausage and egg casserole, easy brunch, holiday brunch