Festive Sausage and Cheese Breakfast Bake
This Festive Sausage and Cheese Breakfast Bake is a delightful casserole that combines savory ground sausage, creamy eggs, and melted cheddar cheese, all nestled within toasty bread cubes. Perfect for your Christmas morning gatherings or any special brunch, this comforting dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked fresh for your family and friends. The rich flavors of sausage and cheese meld beautifully, offering a warm, satisfying start to your holiday celebrations. Serve it hot from the oven, and watch as it disappears quickly!
8
Servings
350
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground sausage
1 lb (Crumble into a skillet)
mustard powder
1 teaspoon (Mix with other ingredients)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (Mix with other ingredients)
eggs
4 (Beaten)
milk
2 cups (Mix with eggs)
white bread
6 slices (Toasted and cut into cubes)
mild cheddar cheese
8 ounces (Shredded)
Instructions
1
In a medium skillet, crumble the ground sausage and cook over medium heat until evenly browned. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mustard powder, salt, beaten eggs, and milk until thoroughly combined.
3
Add the cooked sausage, toasted and cubed bread, and shredded cheddar cheese to the egg mixture. Stir gently until all ingredients are well coated and evenly distributed.
4
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the dish.
5
Cover the baking dish with foil or plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, or ideally overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
7
Remove the cover from the dish and bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the casserole starts to set.
8
Once set, uncover the dish, reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C), and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the casserole is fully cooked and the top is golden brown.
9
Let cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares and serving warm.
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
18g
Carbs
21g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Festive Sausage and Cheese Breakfast Bake?
It is a savory breakfast casserole made with ground sausage, eggs, cheddar cheese, and toasted bread cubes, perfect for holiday brunches.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
Can I prepare this breakfast bake in advance?
Yes, this is a make-ahead recipe that needs to be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight before baking.
What type of sausage is required?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground sausage, which should be crumbled and browned before being added to the mixture.
How many eggs are used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 4 large eggs, beaten.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of shredded mild cheddar cheese.
What type of bread should I use?
Use 6 slices of white bread that have been toasted and cut into cubes.
What size baking dish is needed?
A greased 9x13 inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
What are the initial oven temperature and baking time?
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and bake for 45 to 60 minutes until the casserole starts to set.
Do I need to adjust the temperature during baking?
Yes, after the initial baking period, reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
What are the seasonings used in this dish?
The dish is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of mustard powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 21g of protein.
How much fat is in this breakfast bake?
There are 22.5g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 18g of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the sausage fat be kept in the dish?
No, you should drain any excess fat after browning the sausage.
How much milk is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of milk to be whisked with the eggs and spices.
Should I cover the dish while it's in the refrigerator?
Yes, cover the baking dish with foil or plastic wrap while chilling it for the required 8 hours.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
No, remove the cover before placing the dish in the oven.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when it is fully cooked through and the top has turned golden brown.
Should I serve the bake immediately?
It is best to let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it into squares and serving warm.
What makes this recipe festive?
Its rich, comforting flavors and the ability to make it ahead make it ideal for holiday mornings like Christmas.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: ground sausage, mustard powder, salt, eggs, milk, white bread, and cheddar cheese.
Can I use different types of bread?
While the recipe calls for white bread, you can experiment with other types, provided they are toasted and cubed.
Is the mustard powder necessary?
The mustard powder adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor that complements the sausage and cheese.
What is the preparation for the bread?
The bread slices should be toasted first and then cut into small cubes.
Is this dish suitable for brunch?
Yes, it is tagged as a brunch and breakfast casserole, making it very versatile for morning events.
How should the egg mixture be prepared?
Whisk together the mustard powder, salt, beaten eggs, and milk until thoroughly combined before adding the solids.
Can I use a different cheese besides mild cheddar?
Yes, though mild cheddar is recommended, you could substitute with sharp cheddar or another melting cheese of your choice.
Why is the chilling step important?
Chilling allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture and lets the flavors of the sausage and cheese meld together.