Savory Maple Breakfast Casserole with Waffles and Sausage
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors with this Savory Maple Breakfast Casserole. Inspired by a taste test in Cook's Country magazine, this dish showcases the perfect balance of crispy waffles, crumbled maple sausage, and gooey melted cheese, all enveloped in a rich, eggy custard. The best part? It's easily customizable; just layer your favorite ingredients and let them mingle overnight for a delicious breakfast that’s ready to bake in the morning. This casserole serves as a show-stopping centerpiece for brunch gatherings or a comforting family breakfast to kick-start your day. Just remember, for this recipe, opt for EGGO Homestyle waffles for the best results! Serve it with a drizzle of extra maple syrup for added sweetness.
N/A
Servings
108
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
frozen waffles
6-8 (baked until crisp)
breakfast maple sausage
12 ounces (crumbled and cooked)
unsalted butter
as needed (for greasing the baking dish)
cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups (shredded)
large eggs
6 (beaten)
whole milk or low-fat milk
1 1/4 cups (as is)
maple syrup
1/4 cup (as is)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (as is)
pepper
1/8 teaspoon (as is)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Place frozen waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they become crisp.
3
In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, cook the crumbled maple sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, for about 8-10 minutes until browned and cooked through. Once done, drain the sausage on a paper towel-lined plate.
4
Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with unsalted butter to prevent sticking.
5
Begin layering by placing half of the baked waffles in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared dish. Feel free to break some waffles to fit into the corners as needed.
6
Next, add half of the cooked sausage and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
7
Repeat the layering process with the remaining waffles, sausage, and another 1/2 cup of cheese.
8
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
9
Pour this egg mixture evenly over the layered casserole, ensuring all the waffles and sausage are soaked.
10
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and place heavy weights on top to compress the casserole (use another baking dish weighted down with canned goods or a heavy skillet).
11
Refrigerate the assembled casserole for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
12
When ready to bake, adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
13
Allow the casserole to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking.
14
Uncover the dish and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
15
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the edges and center are puffed and golden brown.
16
Once baked, cool for about 5 minutes before cutting into pieces and serving. Enjoy with an extra drizzle of maple syrup on top!
Nutrition Information
5.8
Fat
7.5
Carbs
4.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of this casserole?
This dish offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, combining maple-infused sausage and syrup with savory eggs and cheddar cheese.
Which brand of waffles is recommended for this recipe?
For the best results, the recipe recommends using EGGO Homestyle waffles.
Do I need to bake the frozen waffles before assembling the casserole?
Yes, you should bake the frozen waffles at 350°F for about 10 minutes until they become crisp before layering them.
What kind of sausage should I use?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of breakfast maple sausage, crumbled and cooked.
Can I make this breakfast casserole ahead of time?
Yes, it is designed to be refrigerated for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
How many eggs are required for the custard?
This recipe requires 6 large eggs, beaten.
What type of milk can be used?
You can use either 1 1/4 cups of whole milk or low-fat milk.
What size baking dish is needed?
An 8-inch square baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Why do I need to put weights on top of the casserole?
Placing heavy weights on the casserole while it refrigerates helps compress the layers and ensures the waffles and sausage are thoroughly soaked in the egg mixture.
What is the baking temperature for the assembled casserole?
The casserole should be baked at 325°F (163°C).
How long does the casserole take to bake?
It typically takes 45 to 50 minutes, or until the edges and center are puffed and golden brown.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
How much maple syrup is included in the egg mixture?
The custard mixture includes 1/4 cup of maple syrup.
Should I let the casserole sit before baking?
Yes, let the casserole sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before placing it in the oven.
How long should the casserole cool after baking?
Allow the dish to cool for about 5 minutes before cutting and serving.
Can I add extra maple syrup when serving?
Yes, serving it with an extra drizzle of maple syrup on top is highly recommended for added sweetness.
How many waffles are used in this recipe?
You will need 6 to 8 frozen waffles.
Is the sausage cooked before adding it to the dish?
Yes, the sausage should be browned in a skillet for 8-10 minutes and drained before layering.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 108 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 5.8 grams of fat per serving.
What are the carbohydrate and protein counts?
Each serving has 7.5 grams of carbohydrates and 4.5 grams of protein.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, grease the dish with unsalted butter to prevent the casserole from sticking.
Can I use different types of waffles?
While EGGO Homestyle is recommended, you can use other frozen waffles, though results may vary in texture.
What seasonings are added to the egg mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
How do I layer the ingredients?
Layer half the waffles, then half the sausage, then 1/2 cup of cheese; repeat the process once more.
When do I add the final layer of cheese?
The final 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese is sprinkled over the top just before baking.
Is this recipe suitable for brunch?
Absolutely, it is described as a show-stopping centerpiece for brunch gatherings.
Where was the inspiration for this recipe found?
This recipe was inspired by a taste test featured in Cook's Country magazine.
Should the casserole be covered during the refrigeration step?
Yes, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap before placing weights on top.
What should I use as weights for the compression step?
You can use another baking dish weighted down with canned goods or a heavy skillet.