Savory Southern Breakfast Bake
This Savory Southern Breakfast Bake is a delightful twist on the classic breakfast casserole featured in Southern Living Magazine, thoughtfully adapted for maximum flavor and convenience. Perfectly suited for early-morning gatherings or brunch with friends, this dish can be prepared in advance, allowing you to enjoy quality time with your guests instead of slaving away in the kitchen. The combination of hearty bread, savory sausage (or ham), and a rich blend of cheeses makes every bite a comforting experience. With its satisfying flavors and easy preparation, this casserole is sure to become a cherished staple for breakfast lovers everywhere.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork sausage
1 lb (crumbled)
Cubed bread
6 cups (French bread or rustic white bread, cubed)
Medium cheddar cheese
1/4 lb (shredded)
Swiss cheese
1/4 lb (shredded)
Eggs
6 (beaten)
Milk
2 cups (whole milk preferred)
Salt
1 teaspoon
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon
Dry mustard
3/4 teaspoon
Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the pork sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat and set aside.
2
Take a 9" x 13" baking pan and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter.
3
Layer the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the pan, creating a solid base.
4
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Swiss cheese over the bread, ensuring an even distribution.
5
Top the cheese layer with the cooked sausage (or cubed ham) for added heartiness.
6
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, dry mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. This will create a creamy custard to bind the casserole.
7
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and cheese layers, allowing it to soak into the bread.
8
Cover the casserole with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld (you may also freeze it at this stage).
9
On the day of serving, remove the casserole from the fridge and let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
10
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
11
Once baked, let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Savory Southern Breakfast Bake?
It is a hearty breakfast casserole featuring pork sausage, cubed bread, cheddar and Swiss cheeses, and a savory egg custard, designed for easy preparation and maximum flavor.
Can I make this breakfast bake in advance?
Yes, this recipe is designed to be prepared ahead of time and must be refrigerated for at least 8 hours before baking to allow the flavors to meld.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
French bread or rustic white bread are the best choices; ensure they are cubed into 6 cups to create a solid base for the casserole.
What kind of meat is used in the Savory Southern Breakfast Bake?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of crumbled pork sausage, but cubed ham can also be used as a delicious alternative.
What cheeses are included in the recipe?
The bake uses a combination of 1/4 lb of shredded medium cheddar cheese and 1/4 lb of shredded Swiss cheese.
How many eggs are required?
You will need 6 large eggs, which should be beaten before being mixed into the custard.
What type of milk should I use?
The recipe recommends using 2 cups of whole milk for a richer, creamier custard.
How do I prepare the pork sausage for the bake?
Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and no longer pink, then drain off any excess fat before adding it to the casserole.
What size baking pan is needed?
A standard 9\" x 13\" baking pan is required for this recipe.
Should I grease the baking pan?
Yes, you should lightly grease the 9\" x 13\" pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
What seasonings are in the egg mixture?
The custard is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/8 teaspoon of pepper, 3/4 teaspoon of dry mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
How long does the casserole need to refrigerate?
It should be covered and refrigerated for at least 8 hours.
Can I freeze this breakfast bake?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole after the refrigeration stage but before baking.
What is the baking temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C) for baking this dish.
How long should the dish sit at room temperature before baking?
After removing the casserole from the fridge, let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
How long does the casserole bake?
Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes.
How do I know when the breakfast bake is done?
The bake is finished when the center is set and the top is golden brown.
Is it necessary to let the casserole sit after baking?
Yes, let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow the flavors to settle and make slicing easier.
Can I use different types of cheese?
While cheddar and Swiss are recommended, you can substitute them with other shredded cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyere based on your preference.
What is the layer order for assembly?
Layer the cubed bread first, followed by the shredded cheeses, then the cooked sausage, and finally pour the egg mixture over everything.
Does this recipe contain Worcestershire sauce?
Yes, it includes 1/4 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the savory flavor of the custard.
Is this a good recipe for brunch?
Absolutely, it is categorized as a brunch recipe and a one-dish meal, making it perfect for early-morning gatherings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients used to create this Savory Southern Breakfast Bake.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include breakfast casserole, brunch recipe, one dish meal, easy breakfast, southern recipe, comfort food, make ahead, and family-friendly.
Is this recipe considered a Southern classic?
Yes, it is a twist on the classic breakfast casserole featured in Southern Living Magazine.
Can I use pre-cubed bread from the store?
Yes, as long as it measures approximately 6 cups, store-bought cubed bread or stuffing cubes can work.
Should I cover the casserole during baking?
No, the casserole should be baked uncovered to allow the top to become golden brown.
What should I cover the dish with during refrigeration?
You should cover the casserole with plastic wrap or foil while it is in the refrigerator.
Can I add vegetables to this bake?
While not in the original recipe, you could easily add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.
Why is dry mustard used in the recipe?
Dry mustard adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor that complements the richness of the eggs and cheese.