Hearty Make Ahead Sausage and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole
This hearty make-ahead breakfast casserole features savory sausage, sharp cheddar, and soft bread, all baked in a rich eggy custard. It's perfect for busy mornings or feeding a crowd.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage such as pork or turkey, crumbled
- 10-12 slices stale bread preferably day-old white or sourdough, cubed (about 6 cups)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or a cheddar-jack blend, divided
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk whole or 2%
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup chopped bell pepper
- ½ cup chopped onion
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet, cook the crumbled breakfast sausage until browned, then drain excess grease and set it aside to cool.
- Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and arrange the cubed bread evenly over the bottom.
- Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of cheese over the bread, then distribute the cooled sausage and optional bell pepper and onion over the cheese.
Assembly and Chilling
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture over the casserole ingredients and gently press down on the bread to ensure it is fully moistened.
- Cover the baking dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Baking and Serving
- The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let the casserole sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove the cover and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the center is set and the casserole is golden brown.
- Optionally, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the top during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving to help it firm up.
Notes
For best results, allow the casserole to chill overnight. This helps the bread fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a more custardy texture. You can customize this casserole with your favorite add-ins like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or different cheeses.