Easy Make-Ahead Sausage & Cheese Brunch Casserole

Get ready to transform your weekend mornings with this incredible Brunch Casserole! It’s the ultimate solution for feeding a crowd without the morning rush. Imagine waking up to a savory, cheesy, and hearty breakfast bake already prepared, just waiting to be popped in the oven. This recipe simplifies entertaining, bringing joy and deliciousness to your table with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Brunch Casserole

This Brunch Casserole is a game-changer for busy mornings and special occasions alike.

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare it the night before and simply bake in the morning. No stress, just deliciousness!
• Easy Customization: Easily swap ingredients to suit your family’s tastes or what you have on hand.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or when hosting guests, as it feeds a crowd effortlessly.
• Satisfying & Comforting: Every bite is packed with savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese, providing a hearty start to any day.
• Beginner-Friendly: Simple steps make this a fantastic recipe for new cooks, delivering impressive results every time.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delectable sausage and cheese Brunch Casserole. We’re focusing on fresh components that come together easily. You’ll need substantial bread, plenty of eggs and milk for richness, and savory elements to build incredible flavor.

• Bread: 8 cups cubed stale bread (such as French bread, sourdough, or brioche)
• Sausage: 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
• Cheese: 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• Eggs: 10 large eggs
• Milk: 2 ½ cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
• Vegetables: ½ cup chopped onion, ½ cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
• Seasonings: 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon dry mustard

Notes & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with your Brunch Casserole! For the bread, challah or even plain white bread works well. If you prefer a different protein, cooked ham, turkey sausage, or even crumbled bacon are delicious alternatives. Experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a blend. Boost the veggies with spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. For dietary needs, use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk, though the casserole will be slightly less rich.

Equipment

You won’t need many specialized tools for this simple Brunch Casserole.

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowls (2)
• Whisk
• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Aluminum foil

Instructions

Creating this delightful Brunch Casserole is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfectly baked morning treat. Remember, the key to a great casserole is allowing enough time for the flavors to meld overnight. This ensures a rich, savory breakfast bake that everyone will love.

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients. Preheat your skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage; cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and set aside. Meanwhile, cut your bread into 1-inch cubes. Spread the bread cubes evenly in the bottom of your greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole. Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Evenly scatter 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage and veggies. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dry mustard until well combined and slightly frothy.

Step 3: Soak and Chill. Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish, ensuring all the bread cubes are saturated. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to help it absorb the liquid. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate the assembled Brunch Casserole for at least 4 hours, or ideally, overnight. This soaking time is crucial for developing flavor and preventing a dry casserole.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden. The next morning, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes while the oven preheats. Remove the cover and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish loosely with foil again. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. An inserted knife should come out clean. For a truly perfect Brunch Casserole, the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). According to the USDA, egg dishes like casseroles should reach an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are safely cooked.

Step 5: Rest and Serve. Once baked, remove the Brunch Casserole from the oven. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the casserole to set further, making it easier to cut into neat portions. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious, homemade morning delight!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

These pointers will help you achieve a perfect Brunch Casserole every time.

Pro Tips:

• Stale Bread is Best: Using slightly stale bread prevents a soggy casserole, as it absorbs the egg mixture better. Using stale bread is often recommended in recipes like this, as its drier texture allows for better absorption of liquids without becoming overly mushy.
• Don’t Overmix: Whisk the egg mixture until just combined; overmixing can make the eggs tough.
• Cover for Moisture: Keep the casserole covered during the initial baking phase to ensure it cooks through without drying out.
• Verify Doneness: Check for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to confirm it’s perfectly cooked.
• Allow Resting Time: Resting helps the casserole set, making for cleaner slices and a better texture.

Troubleshooting:

• Soggy Bottom: Ensure your bread is cubed well and you allow sufficient overnight soaking. Don’t add too many liquid-releasing vegetables.
• Dry Casserole: Make sure to cover the casserole during the first part of baking. Avoid overbaking, as this dries out the eggs.
• Uneven Cooking: Use an even layer of bread and toppings. Rotate the casserole halfway through baking for uniform heat distribution.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

Enhance your Brunch Casserole experience with these ideas.

Serving Suggestions: Garnish your finished casserole with fresh chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve alongside your favorite hot sauce or a vibrant salsa for an extra kick. A fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad makes a wonderful counterpoint to the rich, savory flavors.

Storage: Store any leftover Brunch Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, individual portions can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat in the microwave or a preheated oven until warmed through.

Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and load up on extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and roasted red peppers. You can also add black beans for a protein boost.
• Spice It Up: Incorporate diced jalapeños, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of cayenne pepper into the egg mixture for a spicy kick.
• Different Flavor Profiles: Try a Mediterranean twist with feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and Kalamata olives. Or, go for a Tex-Mex flavor with corn, green chiles, and pepper jack cheese.

Nutrition

This hearty Brunch Casserole provides a balanced start to your day, offering protein from eggs and sausage, carbohydrates from bread, and calcium from cheese and milk. It’s a comforting meal that provides sustained energy.

Please note, the nutritional information below is an estimate based on standard ingredients and serving sizes. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, ingredient choices, and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount (Estimated per serving)
Calories	400-500 kcal
Protein	25-30g
Fat	25-35g
Carbohydrates	20-25g
Sodium	600-800mg

FAQ

Got questions about making the perfect Brunch Casserole? We’ve got answers!

Can this be assembled the night before? Absolutely, assembling it overnight is highly recommended. This allows the bread to fully soak up the egg mixture, leading to a richer and more flavorful breakfast bake.

How do I know when it’s fully cooked? Your Brunch Casserole is ready when the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for food safety.

What if I don’t eat meat? No problem! You can easily make this a vegetarian Brunch Casserole by omitting the sausage. Instead, add more vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.

Which bread works best? Sturdy breads like French bread, sourdough, or challah are ideal. Using bread that’s a day or two old is even better, as it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming mushy.

Can I use different types of cheese? Yes, feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses! Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Swiss, or a sharp white cheddar would all be delicious in this versatile recipe.

Conclusion

This Easy Make-Ahead Sausage & Cheese Brunch Casserole truly embodies the joy of stress-free entertaining and delicious mornings. With its simple preparation and customizable ingredients, it’s a perfect fit for busy parents and beginners looking for a comforting, hearty meal. We encourage you to try this recipe soon and discover how effortless and rewarding a homemade breakfast bake can be. It’s a versatile dish, perfect for any brunch occasion!