Description
A hearty, comforting casserole packed with eggs, savory sausage, soft bread, and melted cheese, perfect for feeding a crowd or a leisurely weekend morning.
Ingredients
1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
8 slices day-old bread, cubed
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or Colby Jack)
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
8 large eggs
2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease and set aside.
Step 3: Spread the cubed bread evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Sprinkle the cooked sausage, chopped onion, and green bell pepper over the bread cubes.
Step 5: Evenly distribute 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese over the sausage and vegetable layer.
Step 6: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes until well combined.
Step 7: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the ingredients in the baking dish, making sure the bread is well saturated. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to help it absorb the liquid.
Step 8: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 9: Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top, and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and golden brown on top.
Step 10: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows it to set and makes for cleaner cuts.
Notes
For a make-ahead option, assemble the casserole (Steps 1-7) the night before. Cover tightly and refrigerate. In the morning, remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking, then bake as directed, possibly adding 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx 1/9th of casserole)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 280mg