Savory Brie & Sausage Breakfast Bake
Indulge in this delicious and satisfying Savory Brie & Sausage Breakfast Bake, a delightful brunch dish perfect for gatherings or a hearty family breakfast. This dish combines the rich creaminess of Brie cheese with the savory goodness of cooked pork sausage, layered between soft, buttery bread. Enhanced with a hint of fresh sage and topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan, this casserole is both comforting and elegant. With a touch of half-and-half and low-fat milk, this version offers a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor, making it a guilt-free choice for brunch enthusiasts. Prepare it the night before and bake it fresh the next morning for a stress-free morning treat.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Brie cheese
8 ounces (Trim rind and cut into cubes.)
Pork sausage
1 pound (Cook until crumbled and no longer pink.)
White bread
6 slices (Remove crusts.)
Parmesan cheese
1 cup (Grated.)
Large eggs
7 (Divided for the recipe.)
Half-and-half cream
3 cups (Divided for the recipe.)
Low-fat milk
2 cups (No preparation needed.)
Fresh sage
1 tablespoon (Chopped (or 1 tsp dried sage).)
Seasoning salt
1 teaspoon (No preparation needed.)
Dry mustard
1 teaspoon (No preparation needed.)
Instructions
1
Begin by trimming the rind off the Brie cheese and cutting it into small cubes. Set aside.
2
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the pork sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is crumbled and no longer pink. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.
3
Remove the crusts from the white bread slices. Arrange the bread crusts evenly in the bottom of a lightly greased 13x9-inch baking dish.
4
Layer the bread with the cooked sausage, cubed Brie cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
5
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 5 of the eggs, 2 cups of half-and-half, low-fat milk, chopped fresh sage, seasoning salt, and dry mustard until well combined.
6
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered cheeses and sausage in the baking dish.
7
Cover the baking dish and refrigerate the mixture for at least 8 hours, allowing the bread to soak up the custard mixture.
8
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
9
In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 eggs and 1 cup of half-and-half until smooth.
10
Pour this mixture evenly over the chilled casserole.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the casserole is set in the center and golden on top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Brie & Sausage Breakfast Bake?
It is a rich and creamy breakfast casserole that combines Brie cheese, pork sausage, and white bread in a savory egg custard.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include Brie cheese, pork sausage, white bread, Parmesan cheese, eggs, half-and-half, low-fat milk, and fresh sage.
How should I prepare the Brie cheese for this bake?
You should trim the rind off the Brie cheese and cut it into small cubes before adding it to the dish.
How do I cook the pork sausage?
Cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart until crumbled and no longer pink, then drain any excess fat.
Do I need to remove the crusts from the bread?
Yes, the recipe specifies removing the crusts from the white bread slices before layering them in the baking dish.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A lightly greased 13x9-inch baking dish is the appropriate size for this recipe.
Is this a make-ahead recipe?
Yes, the casserole needs to be refrigerated for at least 8 hours before baking to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
Can I use dried sage instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh sage with 1 teaspoon of dried sage.
How many eggs are used in total?
The recipe uses 7 large eggs in total, divided into two different steps.
Why are the eggs and half-and-half divided?
5 eggs and 2 cups of half-and-half are used for the overnight soak, while the remaining 2 eggs and 1 cup of half-and-half are added right before baking for a fresh top layer.
What is the baking temperature for this casserole?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the breakfast bake take to cook?
It takes approximately 1 hour in the oven, or until the center is set and the top is golden.
What type of milk should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of low-fat milk.
What spices are used to season the custard?
The custard is seasoned with chopped fresh sage, seasoning salt, and dry mustard.
How much Parmesan cheese is required?
You will need 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Should I serve this dish warm or cold?
This dish is best served warm immediately after baking.
Can I use a different type of bread?
While white bread is traditional for this recipe, you could experiment with brioche or sourdough for different textures.
Is there a specific way to layer the ingredients?
Start with the bread crusts at the bottom, then layer the cooked sausage, cubed Brie, and Parmesan before pouring the egg mixture over.
How much pork sausage do I need?
You will need 1 pound of pork sausage.
Can I use whole milk instead of low-fat milk?
Yes, whole milk can be used if you prefer a richer flavor, though the recipe suggests low-fat for a lighter version.
What does the dry mustard add to the recipe?
Dry mustard adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor that complements the rich cheeses and sausage.
Do I need to cover the dish while it refrigerates?
Yes, the baking dish should be covered while it sits in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours.
How many slices of bread are required?
The recipe calls for 6 slices of white bread.
What makes this dish elegant enough for brunch?
The use of Brie cheese and fresh sage provides a sophisticated flavor profile compared to standard breakfast casseroles.
Can I add vegetables to this bake?
While not in the original recipe, you could easily add sautéed mushrooms or spinach during the layering process.
Is it necessary to drain the sausage fat?
Yes, draining the fat prevents the casserole from becoming too greasy during the baking process.
How do I know the custard is well combined?
Whisk the ingredients until the eggs are fully integrated and the mixture is smooth and uniform.
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?
Yes, turkey sausage is a great leaner substitute for pork sausage in this recipe.
What should I do with the bread crusts?
The recipe instructs you to arrange the bread crusts in the bottom of the baking dish as the first layer.
Can this be frozen after baking?
While best served fresh, it can be frozen; however, the texture of the Brie and custard may change slightly upon thawing.