Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole
User Reviews
4.4
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr
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Additional Time
8 hrs
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Total Time
9 hrs 15 mins
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Servings
10
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Course
Breakfast
Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole
Description
The casserole begins with cooking pork sausage until fully browned, then layering half the cubed bread and half the sausage mixture in a greased casserole dish along with half the shredded cheddar cheese, black pepper, and optional diced red pepper. This layering is repeated, and the beaten egg and milk mixture seasoned with salt is poured evenly over the top.
The dish can be baked immediately or covered and refrigerated overnight to develop flavor and texture. Baking at 325°F for around 60–75 minutes cooks the eggs thoroughly, setting the custard and melding all components into a cohesive dish. Cheddar cheese melts into pockets for richness, while the bread absorbs moisture to create a pudding-like yet structured texture.
Optional sliced green onions may be sprinkled on top before serving for added color and mild onion flavor. Sausage choice is flexible to adjust spice level, while bread type can influence texture, with sourdough being a favored option. Toasting the bread before layering is optional but can help prevent sogginess.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork sausage
- 10 egg lightly beaten, large
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups bread cubed
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded sharp
- ½ cup red pepper optional, diced
- green onion optional, sliced
Instructions
- Grease a 9x13x2-inch casserole dish.
- In large skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until thoroughly cooked and no longer pink.
- In large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and salt until thoroughly combined.
- Evenly distribute half the bread into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle with half the cheese, half the black pepper, half the red pepper, and half the sausage. Repeat layers.
- Pour egg mixture evenly over casserole.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight, or bake immediately.
- When you're ready to bake the casserole, preheat oven to 325°F. Bake uncovered for 60-75 minutes, or until eggs are set. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the casserole dish with foil.
- If desired, sprinkle the casserole with sliced green onions. Serve warm.
Notes
- Mild pork breakfast sausage is recommended, but spicy sausage can be used if a spicier flavor is preferred.
- Any bread may be used; sourdough sandwich loaf is preferred. Toasting bread before assembling is optional.
- Allowing the casserole to rest covered in the refrigerator overnight improves flavor melding and texture.
- If the top browns too fast during baking, loosely cover with foil to prevent burning.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
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