Savory Waffle and Sausage Breakfast Bake
Start your mornings with a twist on tradition! This Savory Waffle and Sausage Breakfast Bake combines the warmth of fluffy waffles and the bold flavor of seasoned pork sausage in a hearty casserole. It's a delightful blend of textures, with golden waffle cubes soaking up a rich egg and milk mixture, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family brunches or meal prep, this dish can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight. Serve it warm with a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet touch that contrasts beautifully with the savory ingredients. It’s a breakfast treat that will surely impress your guests or brighten your weekday mornings!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bulk pork sausage
1 lb (Crumble and cook until browned.)
Frozen waffles
6 (Toast and cube.)
Shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (Reserve 1/3 cup for topping.)
Eggs
6 (Beaten.)
Milk
2 cups (Whole milk suggested.)
Dry mustard
1 teaspoon (None needed.)
Black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (None needed.)
Maple syrup
to taste (Optional for serving.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the bulk pork sausage until it’s browned. Drain any excess fat.
3
In a 2-quart rectangular baking dish, arrange three of the toasted and cubed waffles evenly at the bottom.
4
Layer half of the cooked sausage over the waffles, followed by about 1/3 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
5
Repeat the layering process with the remaining waffles, sausage, and another 1/3 cup of cheese.
6
In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. Stir in the milk, dry mustard, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth.
7
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layers in the baking dish, ensuring it covers everything evenly.
8
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
9
When ready to bake, remove the cover and place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
10
Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup of shredded cheese over the top and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to melt.
11
Once baked, let the casserole stand for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
12
For a sweeter flavor, drizzle with maple syrup before enjoying!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Waffle and Sausage Breakfast Bake?
It is a hearty breakfast casserole that combines toasted waffle cubes, seasoned pork sausage, eggs, milk, and melted cheddar cheese for a sweet and savory morning meal.
What kind of sausage should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of bulk pork sausage, which should be crumbled and cooked until browned before adding to the dish.
How many waffles are needed?
You will need 6 frozen waffles, which should be toasted and then cubed.
Do the waffles need to be toasted before baking?
Yes, toasting the waffles before cubing them helps them maintain their structure and prevents the casserole from becoming too soggy.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the breakfast bake need to cook?
The dish should bake uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes, followed by an additional 5 minutes to melt the final layer of cheese.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this is an excellent make-ahead dish. It needs to be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, and can stay there for up to 24 hours before baking.
What size baking dish is required?
A 2-quart rectangular baking dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
How many eggs are used in the egg mixture?
This recipe requires 6 large eggs, beaten.
What type of milk works best?
While you can use various types, whole milk is suggested for a richer texture in the egg base.
How much cheese is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, divided into portions for layering and a final topping.
What seasonings are added to the egg mixture?
The eggs and milk are seasoned with 1 teaspoon of dry mustard and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The bake is done when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean, usually after 50 to 60 minutes of baking.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
No, the dish should be baked uncovered so the top can become golden and the waffles can crisp slightly.
How long should the casserole rest before serving?
Let the casserole stand for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow it to set before slicing.
Is maple syrup required for this recipe?
Maple syrup is optional and intended for drizzling over the finished dish to provide a sweet contrast to the savory sausage.
How do I layer the ingredients in the baking dish?
Arrange half the waffle cubes, half the sausage, and 1/3 cup cheese, then repeat the waffle and sausage layers with another 1/3 cup of cheese before pouring the egg mixture over.
What is the purpose of chilling the dish before baking?
Chilling allows the waffle cubes to absorb the egg and milk mixture, ensuring a moist texture and well-blended flavors.
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?
Yes, turkey sausage is a great substitute if you prefer a leaner protein option for this breakfast bake.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While specific serving numbers aren't listed, a 2-quart bake typically serves 6 to 8 people.
When should I add the final portion of cheese?
The remaining 1/3 cup of cheese should be sprinkled on top after the main baking time, then returned to the oven for 5 minutes to melt.
Can I use fresh waffles instead of frozen ones?
Yes, fresh waffles can be used as long as they are toasted and cubed similar to the frozen instructions.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, it can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning, making it ideal for busy weekdays or brunch hosting.
Should the sausage be drained after cooking?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat from the cooked pork sausage before layering it in the casserole dish.
What does dry mustard add to the dish?
Dry mustard provides a subtle tang and depth of flavor that complements the richness of the eggs and cheddar cheese.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, while cheddar is recommended, Monterey Jack, Swiss, or a Mexican blend would also work well.
Should I cover the dish while it is in the refrigerator?
Yes, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil while it chills to keep the ingredients fresh.
How should the egg mixture be prepared?
Beat the 6 eggs in a large bowl, then stir in the milk, dry mustard, and black pepper until the consistency is smooth.
Is this dish better served warm or cold?
This breakfast bake is best served warm, immediately after the resting period.
Can I add vegetables to this bake?
While the base recipe is meat and cheese focused, you could add sautéed onions or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.