Easy Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Cheeses, and Fresh Herbs Recipe
A savory and hearty Easy Breakfast Casserole featuring seasoned sausage, melty cheeses, and a custard of eggs and milk soaked into day-old bread cubes. Perfect for a make-ahead breakfast or brunch, this casserole combines comforting flavors baked to golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 pound ground sausage (chicken, turkey, Italian, sweet, or hot)
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 3 cups whole milk (or half-and-half)
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Cheese
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup gouda cheese, shredded
Other
- 10 cups day-old bread, cut into large cubes (brioche, challah, or sourdough work best)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for the casserole.
- Brown Sausage: Add the ground sausage to the skillet with the onion and cook until the sausage is browned and the onion is completely soft. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely.
- Whisk Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until fully combined, creating a creamy custard that will soak the bread cubes.
- Combine Sausage and Cheese: Stir the cooled sausage and onion mixture into the egg mixture along with the grated parmesan and shredded gouda cheeses, blending savory flavors throughout.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the egg and sausage mixture evenly over the bread, gently pressing down to help the bread absorb the custard mixture thoroughly.
- Chill: Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. This resting time allows the bread to soak fully, improving the casserole's texture and flavor.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole covered with foil for 35 minutes to allow it to cook through. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes until the center is set and the top turns golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Serve: Remove from oven and rest the casserole for 5 to 10 minutes to settle. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm for a delicious, comforting breakfast or brunch dish.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground sausage with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
- For a richer casserole, use half-and-half instead of whole milk.
- Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming mushy.
- Covering and refrigerating the casserole overnight enhances the texture and flavor development.
- Feel free to swap cheeses or add other herbs like thyme or chives for additional flavor.
