Whether you are hosting a holiday brunch or prepping for a busy week, this Breakfast Casserole With Bread is a lifesaver. This easy breakfast casserole combines savory sausage, fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and bread cubes into one delicious bake. It’s hearty, flavorful, and best of all, can be made the night before.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Ultimate Make-Ahead Meal
Mornings can be chaotic. This recipe allows you to assemble everything the night before. The bread soaks up the egg mixture overnight, resulting in a rich, custard-like interior when baked. All you have to do in the morning is pop it in the oven.
Crowds Love It
This is a high-yield recipe that feeds a lot of people at once. It cuts beautifully into squares, making it perfect for buffet-style serving at parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Breakfast sausage
- 10 slices Bread, cubed
- 8 large Eggs
- 2.5 cups Milk
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp Dry mustard
- 0.5 tsp Salt
Instructions
- Brown sausage in a skillet; drain.
- Place bread cubes in a greased 9×13 dish.
- Top with sausage and cheese.
- Whisk eggs, milk, and spices; pour over casserole.
- Refrigerate 1 hour or overnight. Bake at 350°F for 45-55 mins.
Nutrition
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
You will need a loaf of bread (stale works best), breakfast sausage (crumbled), plenty of eggs, milk, and cheddar cheese. Mustard powder and a dash of hot sauce in the egg mixture really wake up the flavors without adding heat.
Smart Substitutions
Feel free to use bacon or ham instead of sausage. For a veggie version, sauté spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers. You can use any cheese you like—Swiss, Gruyère, or Pepper Jack all work wonderfully. Gluten-free bread can also be used with great results.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Brown the sausage in a skillet and drain well. Cube your bread into 1-inch pieces. Grease a 9×13 baking dish. In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and dry mustard.
Cooking Phase
Spread half the bread cubes in the dish. Top with half the sausage and cheese. Repeat the layers. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the whole dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight). Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
Letting the casserole rest before baking is crucial. It ensures the bread absorbs the liquid so you don’t end up with dry bread on top and runny eggs on the bottom.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
If the top starts browning too quickly before the center is set, cover the dish loosely with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking. Also, drain your sausage well; too much grease can make the casserole oily.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
Serve warm squares garnished with fresh chives or green onions. A side of salsa or ketchup is great for dipping.
Pairing Suggestions
Since this is a heavy dish, serve it with fresh fruit or a light yogurt parfait. If you are planning a full brunch spread, these Antipasto Skewers make a fantastic savory addition that guests can grab and go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1? How long does this keep?
It stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It is great for meal-prepping breakfasts for the week.
Q2? Can I freeze it?
Yes! Bake it, let it cool completely, then freeze individual slices or the whole casserole. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Q3? What bread is best?
White sandwich bread, sourdough, or French bread are excellent choices. Avoid very dense whole grain breads as they may not soak up the custard as well.
Conclusion
This Easy Breakfast Casserole with Bread removes the stress from morning entertaining. It is warm, cheesy, and universally loved. Add this simple recipe to your collection for the next time you need to feed a hungry crew.
| Calories | 380 kcal |
|---|---|
| Carbs | 18g |
| Protein | 22g |
| Fat | 24g |
