This casserole is a delightful way to start any morning. It’s warm, rich, and filled with comforting flavors. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weekends, it’s easy to prepare the night before and bake in the morning. You’ll love how the creamy eggs blend with the savory sausage and melted cheeses.
Why You Will Love This Casserole
This recipe brings together simple ingredients for a tasty dish. It’s easy enough for beginners, making it a stress-free choice for busy mornings. Everyone at the table will enjoy the comforting flavors. Preparing it in advance means you can relax and share a special moment with loved ones. Plus, it’s a great way to feed a crowd!
How to Make the Casserole
Making this breakfast casserole is straightforward and enjoyable. You’ll start by cooking the sausage and onion, then mixing them with bread and cheese. After preparing the egg custard, you’ll let it all rest overnight before baking. The best part? It fills your kitchen with the sweetest aroma as it bakes.
What You Need
- 1 lb pork breakfast sausage
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 (1-pound) loaf of sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Step-by-Step
- Cook sausage and onion in a skillet until browned. Drain the grease.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sausage mixture, and cheeses. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In the same bowl, whisk together all egg custard ingredients.
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes until golden and set. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
How to Serve the Casserole
This casserole is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, a side of crispy bacon, or a light green salad. You can also add dollops of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a nice touch. It’s perfect for holiday brunches, cozy family breakfasts, or even a simple weekday meal.
How to Store the Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, slice it into portions, wrap in foil, and store in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, just pop it in the oven until warm.
Recipe Tips
- Prepare the casserole the night before for easy morning baking.
- For a lighter version, use turkey sausage instead of pork.
- Feel free to swap in your favorite bread type, like whole wheat or challah.
- Add in veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens may vary.
- If you prefer a crusty top, broil it for a couple of minutes at the end.
- You can use milk alternatives if you’re avoiding dairy.
- Make sure to let the casserole rest before slicing; this helps set the layers.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste for a personal touch.
Variations & Swaps
- For a vegetarian option, omit the sausage and add sautéed vegetables instead.
- Use different types of cheese, like cheddar or feta, for a unique flavor.
- Try adding spices like chili flakes or smoked paprika for a kick.
- You can replace sourdough with bagels for a fun twist on texture.
- Consider using cooked bacon or ham if you prefer a different protein.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for make-ahead meals. Simply prepare everything the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake it fresh in the morning.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftover casserole. Cut it into portions, wrap each slice tightly, and store them in the freezer. It can last for up to 2-3 months.
What’s the best way to reheat it?
To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual slices if you’re in a hurry.
Can I substitute any ingredients?
Certainly! Feel free to use turkey sausage for a leaner option or swap the bread for your favorite kind. Different cheeses can also change up the flavor profile.
What common mistakes should I avoid?
Ensure the bread is stale enough to soak up the custard; fresh bread may make the casserole soggy. Also, let it sit for the resting time to set up properly before serving.
Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb pork breakfast sausage Use turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 loaf sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes Can swap with whole wheat or bagels.
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese Other cheese options include cheddar or feta.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk Milk alternatives can be used.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook sausage and onion in a skillet until browned. Drain the grease.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sausage mixture, and cheeses. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In the same bowl, whisk together all egg custard ingredients.
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Baking
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes until golden and set. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
