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Classic Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole: Easy Sausage Recipe

classic make-ahead breakfast casserole with sausage - featured image
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A foolproof, make-ahead breakfast casserole featuring savory sausage, custardy bread, and melted cheese. Perfect for busy mornings or feeding a crowd with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild, Italian, or turkey)
  • 1 loaf day-old bread (challah, brioche, or sourdough), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or sage
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). If bread is not stale, spread cubes on a baking sheet and toast for 5 minutes to dry out, then cool completely.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook sausage until browned and crumbled, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat and let cool slightly.
  3. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. Spread half of the bread cubes in the bottom, then sprinkle with half of the cooked sausage. Repeat with remaining bread and sausage.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and herbs until smooth.
  5. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and sausage layers. Press down gently to ensure all bread is soaked.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  7. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  8. Remove from fridge and let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) if not already heated.
  9. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set (a knife inserted should come out clean).
  10. Let rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Notes

Ensure bread is stale or toasted to prevent mushiness. Drain sausage grease well to avoid a soggy casserole. The overnight soak is crucial for the custardy texture. Can be frozen unbaked or as leftovers.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, make-ahead breakfast, sausage casserole, egg bake, brunch recipe, easy breakfast, crowd-pleaser

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