Savory Texas Toast Breakfast Bake
Prepare to wow your guests with this Savory Texas Toast Breakfast Bake, the perfect centerpiece for any special occasion, particularly Thanksgiving and Christmas mornings. This dish is not just easy to prepare; it’s a delightful way to impress the family, especially with the in-laws in town! Made with hearty Texas toast, flavorful sausage, and a creamy egg custard, this breakfast bake is loaded with shredded cheddar cheese that gets beautifully melty while baking. The best part? You can assemble it the night before, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully overnight. Serve with your favorite fruits or breakfast sides for a complete meal sure to satisfy everyone around the table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork sausage
1 (8-ounce package, cooked and drained)
salt
1/2 (teaspoon)
eggs
6 (beaten)
half-and-half
1-1.5 (cups)
Texas toast
6-8 (slices)
shredded cheddar cheese
8-12 (ounces)
Instructions
1
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the pork sausage until fully cooked. Remove from heat and drain excess fat.
2
Grease a 9x12-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. Arrange the slices of Texas toast in a single layer at the bottom of the dish, making sure to cover the entire base.
3
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, salt, and half-and-half until well combined.
4
Evenly pour the egg mixture over the arranged Texas toast slices, ensuring they are all soaked in the custard.
5
Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the egg-soaked bread. Finally, top with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
6
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
7
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking.
8
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Allow to cool slightly before slicing into 2-inch pieces and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Texas Toast Breakfast Bake?
It is a hearty, easy-to-prepare breakfast casserole made with thick Texas toast, savory pork sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and a creamy egg custard.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is specifically recommended as a centerpiece for special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas mornings.
Can I make this breakfast bake ahead of time?
Absolutely. The recipe is designed to be assembled the night before and refrigerated to allow the flavors to meld beautifully overnight.
What size baking dish is required?
You will need a 9x12-inch casserole dish for this recipe.
What kind of bread is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 to 8 slices of Texas toast, which provides a thick and hearty base for the casserole.
How do I prepare the sausage?
Brown the pork sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain the excess fat before adding it to the bake.
What ingredients are in the egg mixture?
The custard is made by whisking together 6 beaten eggs, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 to 1.5 cups of half-and-half.
How long does the dish need to refrigerate?
For the best results, cover the dish and refrigerate it overnight.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) before baking.
How long does the Savory Texas Toast Breakfast Bake take to bake?
Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 minutes.
How do I know when the breakfast bake is finished?
It is done when the top is golden brown and the center of the casserole has set.
Should I let the casserole sit before baking?
Yes, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before placing it in the oven.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 8 to 12 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese.
Can I use different types of sausage?
While the recipe calls for pork sausage, you can substitute it with turkey sausage or spicy sausage if preferred.
How should I slice the finished bake?
Once it has cooled slightly, slice the casserole into 2-inch pieces for serving.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, grease the 9x12-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
How should I serve this dish?
Serve it with your favorite fruits or other breakfast sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
Can I use milk instead of half-and-half?
While half-and-half makes it creamier, you can use whole milk, though the custard may be slightly less rich.
How many slices of Texas toast are needed?
You will need between 6 and 8 slices, enough to cover the bottom of your casserole dish in a single layer.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is described as an easy breakfast option that is simple to assemble.
What is the first step in assembling the dish?
The first step is browning and draining the pork sausage, followed by layering the toast in the greased dish.
Can I bake this immediately without refrigerating?
While the flavors meld best overnight, you can bake it immediately, though the bread may not absorb as much of the custard.
What makes the cheese melty?
The generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top becomes beautifully melty during the 45-minute baking process.
Is this a good meal for large families?
Yes, it is ideal for family meals and when you have guests or in-laws visiting.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a breakfast casserole or brunch egg dish.
Should I cover the dish during baking?
No, bake the casserole uncovered to ensure the top becomes golden brown.
Can I add vegetables to this bake?
Yes, though not in the original recipe, you could add sautéed peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Is salt the only seasoning used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt, but the savory pork sausage provides much of the dish's seasoning.
Can I use different cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend if desired.
What is the texture of the bread?
The Texas toast becomes soft and custard-like on the bottom while the top stays slightly firm and golden.