Imagine waking up to a mouthwatering breakfast that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to prepare. This Make Ahead Sausage Sourdough Breakfast Casserole is not just a meal—it's a morning game-changer that combines the rich, hearty flavors of crispy sausage, tangy sourdough, and melted cheese into one irresistible dish. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or hosting a weekend brunch, this recipe promises to transform your breakfast routine from mundane to magnificent!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 8 slices sourdough bread, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready for baking the casserole.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbled. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- While the sausage is cooling, prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed sourdough bread and cooked sausage. Toss them together gently to mix.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and sausage mixture, ensuring that all the bread is soaked. Gently fold the mixture to combine, making sure the bread absorbs the egg mixture evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let it sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate it overnight for a make-ahead option. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture fully.
- When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator (if it was chilled) and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- Uncover the baking dish and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes covered with foil, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help it set further.
- Slice into squares and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Make Ahead Sausage Sourdough Breakfast Casserole!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use high-quality, fresh ground sausage and consider mixing different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar and monterey jack.
- Allow the bread to soak in the egg mixture for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) to ensure a creamy, custardy texture throughout the casserole.
- To prevent a soggy bottom, make sure to use day-old or slightly stale sourdough bread which absorbs liquid more effectively.
- For a crispy top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- This casserole can be assembled the night before, making it perfect for stress-free morning entertaining or meal prep.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make cutting easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 358kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 180mg
