Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
A hearty and comforting Sausage Breakfast Casserole featuring savory Italian pork sausage, cubed rustic bread, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich custard of eggs and milk, perfect for a satisfying morning meal or brunch gathering.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage
- 1 pound Italian pork sausage
Custard Mixture
- 10 large eggs, beaten
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Main Casserole
- 5 cups cubed day-old bread (such as rustic French or Italian loaf), cut into 3/4 to 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1/2 cup peeled, cored, chopped tomatoes (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Break up the sausage into chunks and cook until browned on all sides. Break large chunks into smaller crumbles to ensure even distribution. Remove the cooked sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Whisk together the eggs, milk, and seasonings: In a large bowl, whisk the beaten eggs, whole milk, dry mustard, onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the casserole: Butter a 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Place the cubed rustic bread evenly in the pan. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the bread. Add chopped tomatoes and sliced mushrooms if using. Spread the browned sausage crumbles evenly on top. Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the entire casserole, allowing the bread to soak up the custard.
- Cover and chill (optional): If making ahead, cover the casserole with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. If baking immediately, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to absorb the custard before baking.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) when ready to bake.
- Bake the casserole: Bake the casserole uncovered for about 1 hour. If the top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- Using day-old bread helps it absorb the custard better without becoming too mushy.
- You can customize the casserole by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- For a spicier version, consider using spicy Italian sausage or adding red pepper flakes.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and baked in the morning for convenience.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or oven.
Keywords: Sausage Breakfast Casserole, breakfast casserole, Italian sausage, egg casserole, brunch recipe, savory casserole, baked breakfast
