Hearty Country Breakfast Bake
This Hearty Country Breakfast Bake is the perfect way to start your day, combining the flavors of savory sausage, creamy cheese, and hearty whole wheat bread, all generously coated in a flavorful country gravy. With the option to lighten it up using low-fat ingredients, this versatile breakfast casserole is ideal for family gatherings or a satisfying weekend brunch. Prepare it the night before for an easier morning, and enjoy a delicious breakfast that brings warmth and comfort to the table. Serve it with fresh fruit or a side of your favorite breakfast items for a complete meal.
12
Servings
300
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Reduced-fat sausage
12 ounces (1 roll, crumbled)
Whole wheat bread
6 slices (crust removed and cut into 1-inch cubes)
Large eggs
12 (beaten)
Milk
1 1/2 cups (whole or low-fat)
Country gravy mix
1 (2 2/3 ounce) package (McCormick brand (or sausage country gravy for added flavor))
Cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2
In a large skillet, cook the crumbled reduced-fat sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease on a paper towel and set aside.
3
In a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish, evenly spread the cubes of whole wheat bread. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and cooked sausage over the bread.
4
In a blender, combine the beaten eggs, milk, and country gravy mix. Blend until smooth and well-combined. You can also use sausage country gravy mix for a richer flavor.
5
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, cheese, and sausage layers, ensuring all the bread is soaked.
6
Cover the casserole lightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
7
After 40 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
8
If preparing the night before, cover the dish tightly and refrigerate. In the morning, preheat the oven and bake the casserole for 50 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
9
Once done, remove from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
15g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hearty Country Breakfast Bake?
It is a savory breakfast casserole featuring sausage, cheese, and whole wheat bread coated in a flavorful country gravy.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 12 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the sausage for this bake?
Crumble 12 ounces of reduced-fat sausage and cook it in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until browned, then drain the grease.
What size baking dish is required?
You will need a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish.
Can I make this dish lower in fat?
Yes, you can use low-fat milk and reduced-fat sausage to lighten the recipe.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 slices of whole wheat bread with the crusts removed and cut into 1-inch cubes.
How many eggs are included in the recipe?
This breakfast bake requires 12 large eggs, beaten.
What kind of gravy mix should I use?
Use one 2.67 ounce package of country gravy mix, like McCormick brand, or sausage country gravy for a richer flavor.
How long does the casserole bake?
The casserole bakes for a total of approximately 45-50 minutes.
Do I need to cover the casserole while it bakes?
Yes, cover it lightly with aluminum foil for the first 40 minutes of baking.
Can I prepare this meal the night before?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight.
What are the baking instructions for a make-ahead casserole?
Bake for 50 minutes covered with foil, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
How long should the dish rest after coming out of the oven?
Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 20 grams of protein per serving.
Is there a lot of fat in this recipe?
Each serving contains 20 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of cheese is used?
The recipe uses 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
How do I mix the liquid ingredients?
Combine the beaten eggs, milk, and gravy mix in a blender and blend until smooth.
What type of milk should I use?
You can use 1.5 cups of either whole or low-fat milk.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The dish is done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
In what order should I layer the ingredients?
Place bread cubes first, then sprinkle cheese and sausage, and finally pour the egg mixture over the top.
What should I serve as a side dish?
Fresh fruit or other favorite breakfast sides pair well with this casserole.
Is the bread crust left on?
No, the crusts should be removed from the bread slices before cubing them.
How do I ensure the bread is properly soaked?
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the entire dish to ensure all bread cubes are fully saturated.
Is this recipe suitable for a brunch?
Yes, it is ideal for family gatherings or weekend brunches.
What makes this a comfort food?
The combination of savory sausage, melted cheese, and warm gravy-soaked bread provides a hearty and comforting meal.
Can I use a different type of gravy mix?
While country gravy is standard, using sausage country gravy mix can add even more flavor to the dish.
How do I prepare the casserole dish?
Spread the bread cubes evenly across the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch dish before adding other toppings.