Description
This Sausage & Crouton Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and comforting morning meal perfect for family gatherings or brunch. Combining savory cooked sausage, crunchy croutons, and melted cheddar cheese with a rich custard made from eggs, milk, and cream, this casserole offers a delicious blend of textures and flavors. Prepared ahead and baked until golden and set, it’s an effortless way to serve a filling breakfast that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage
- 1 (5-oz) bag croutons
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 eggs
- 2½ cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ tsp dry mustard
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onion
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Lightly spray a 9x13x2-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Cook the sausage: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until it is no longer pink, making sure it’s thoroughly cooked. Drain off the fat to reduce greasiness.
- Layer croutons, sausage, and cheese: Arrange the croutons evenly in a single layer in the baking dish. Then, spread the cooked sausage over the croutons. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage layer.
- Make the egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, dry mustard, dried minced onion, salt, and pepper until fully combined and smooth.
- Pour custard over casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage, cheese, and croutons in the baking dish, ensuring it soaks through properly.
- Chill the casserole: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to let the flavors meld and the croutons absorb the custard.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Remove the cover and bake the casserole for 45 to 60 minutes, until the center is fully set and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Optional — sprinkle dried parsley on top for color and a touch of herbaceous flavor. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- For a lower fat version, substitute turkey sausage and use reduced-fat milk and cheese.
- The casserole can be prepared the night before for an easy morning bake.
- Adding vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach can add color and nutrition.
- If croutons are unavailable, cubed day-old bread toasted slightly can be a good substitute.
