Savory Breakfast Egg Bake with Sausage and Cheese
Elevate your weekend breakfast with this Savory Breakfast Egg Bake, packed with layers of torn bread, hearty pork sausage, and melted cheddar cheese. This dish is not only easy to prepare the night before but also bakes to perfection, creating a golden crust on top while remaining moist in the center. It’s ideal for feeding a crowd or for leftovers throughout the week. Serve it with fresh fruit or a side of avocado for a delightful brunch that your family will love!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
white bread
6 slices (torn into pieces)
bulk pork sausage
1 lb (cooked and drained)
cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
eggs
6 (beaten)
milk
2 cups (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease a 13x9-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
3
Spread the torn bread pieces evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan.
4
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bulk pork sausage until browned and fully cooked; drain off excess fat and crumble the sausage over the bread layer.
5
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sausage and bread.
6
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
7
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese layers, ensuring all the bread pieces are soaked.
8
Cover the pan with foil and refrigerate overnight, or bake immediately.
9
If baking right away, place the uncovered pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly browned.
10
Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this egg bake the night before?
Yes, you can cover the pan with foil and refrigerate it overnight to bake the next morning.
What size baking pan should I use?
This recipe requires a 13x9-inch baking pan.
What is the oven temperature for this recipe?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the egg bake take to cook?
It typically takes 40-45 minutes in the oven until the center is set.
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, while the recipe calls for white bread, you can use sourdough, brioche, or whole wheat for different textures.
Do I need to cook the sausage before adding it to the bake?
Yes, you must brown and fully cook the bulk pork sausage in a skillet and drain the fat before layering it.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely, turkey sausage is a great leaner alternative for this recipe.
What kind of cheese works best?
Shredded cheddar cheese is recommended, but Monterey Jack or Gruyere also work well.
How do I know when the egg bake is done?
The center should be firm to the touch and the top should be lightly golden brown.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, slice the baked casserole into squares and freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Is it necessary to grease the pan?
Yes, use cooking spray or butter to prevent the eggs and bread from sticking to the pan.
What can I serve as a side dish?
Fresh fruit, sliced avocado, or a light green salad pair perfectly with this savory dish.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach can be layered with the sausage and cheese.
Does the bread need to be stale?
It doesn't have to be, but slightly dry or stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better without becoming too mushy.
Can I use skim milk?
Yes, you can use skim milk, though whole milk or 2% will provide a richer, creamier texture.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute the milk with a plain plant-based milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
How many eggs are in this recipe?
This recipe uses 6 large eggs.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, it is not, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free bread.
Can I use links instead of bulk sausage?
Yes, just remove the casings or slice the cooked links into small rounds before adding to the pan.
Why is my egg bake watery?
This can happen if the sausage wasn't drained well or if too much milk was used. Ensure measurements are accurate.
Can I add spices to the egg mixture?
Yes, adding a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor.
Can I bake it immediately?
Yes, while soaking overnight is great for flavor, you can bake it immediately after assembly.
How long can I store this in the fridge?
The baked casserole will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can I use half and half instead of milk?
Yes, using half and half will result in a much richer and more custard-like consistency.
Should the bread be toasted?
No, you just need to tear the bread into pieces; the oven will toast the top layer naturally.
Is this good for a crowd?
Yes, its easy preparation and 8-serving yield make it ideal for brunches and family gatherings.
Can I halve the recipe?
Yes, use an 8x8-inch pan and halve all ingredients; the baking time may be slightly shorter.
What if I don't have pork sausage?
You can substitute with cooked bacon bits, ham cubes, or even seasoned ground beef.