Sweet & Savory Sausage Pecan Brunch Bake
Elevate your breakfast or brunch experience with this indulgent Sweet & Savory Sausage Pecan Brunch Bake. Perfect for gatherings or holiday mornings, this casserole combines the delightful sweetness of raisin bread with the hearty flavors of sausage and the rich crunch of pecans. By allowing the mixture to soak overnight, each bite is infused with a symphony of flavors that is sure to impress. Just add your finishing touches in the morning, pop it in the oven, and watch as your kitchen fills with mouthwatering aromas. Serve warm as a centerpiece to your brunch table and enjoy the compliments from family and friends!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
raisin bread
1 loaf (cubed)
sausage links
10 (browned and cut into bite-sized pieces)
eggs
6 (beaten)
milk
1 1/2 cups (none)
half-and-half
1 1/2 cups (none)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (none)
ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (none)
brown sugar
1 cup (packed)
butter
1/2 cup (softened)
maple syrup
2 tablespoons (none)
pecans
1 cup (coarsely chopped)
Instructions
1
Prepare a 13-by-9-inch glass baking pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
Cube the loaf of raisin bread into bite-sized pieces and evenly distribute them in the prepared baking dish.
3
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage links until cooked through, then drain excess fat. Cut the sausages into bite-sized pieces and mix them with the cubed raisin bread in the baking dish.
4
In a large mixing bowl, crack in the eggs and whisk them together with the milk, half-and-half, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon until everything is thoroughly blended.
5
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and sausage, ensuring every piece is coated. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
6
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
7
In a mixing bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, softened butter, maple syrup, and coarsely chopped pecans. Mix until well combined.
8
Remove the plastic wrap from the casserole and spoon the pecan mixture over the top, making sure to distribute it evenly.
9
Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
10
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving warm. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sweet & Savory Sausage Pecan Brunch Bake?
It is a breakfast casserole that combines the sweetness of raisin bread and a pecan topping with savory sausage and an egg custard.
What type of bread is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses one loaf of raisin bread, cubed into bite-sized pieces.
How many eggs are required?
You will need 6 beaten eggs for the custard base.
What size baking dish is needed?
A 13-by-9-inch glass baking pan is recommended for this casserole.
Do I need to cook the sausage before adding it to the dish?
Yes, you should brown the sausage links in a skillet and drain the excess fat before mixing them with the bread cubes.
How long should the casserole refrigerate?
The mixture should be covered and refrigerated for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
What is the baking temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C) before baking.
What goes into the pecan topping?
The topping is made from packed brown sugar, softened butter, maple syrup, and coarsely chopped pecans.
How long does it take to bake?
Bake the casserole for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden brown.
How do I know when the brunch bake is fully cooked?
It is done when a knife inserted into the center of the casserole comes out clean.
Can I substitute the half-and-half?
You can use whole milk, though half-and-half provides a richer, creamier texture to the custard.
Should the pan be greased?
Yes, spray the glass baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the bread from sticking.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The custard is seasoned with vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon.
Can I use ground sausage instead of links?
Yes, you can use ground sausage as long as it is browned and drained before being added to the dish.
Do I bake the casserole covered?
No, bake the casserole uncovered so the pecan topping can become crisp and golden.
How many sausage links are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 10 sausage links, cut into bite-sized pieces.
Can I make this recipe the same day I bake it?
While it is best soaked overnight, you should let it sit for at least a few hours so the bread can absorb the egg mixture.
What is the purpose of the maple syrup in the topping?
The maple syrup adds a rich sweetness and helps bind the brown sugar and pecans together.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, its make-ahead nature and indulgent flavors make it perfect for holiday mornings or brunch gatherings.
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Walnuts are a great alternative if you do not have pecans available.
How should I prepare the raisin bread?
Simply cube the loaf into small, bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
What kind of milk should I use?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of regular milk in addition to the half-and-half.
Can I add extra fruit?
The raisin bread already provides fruit, but some users enjoy adding dried cranberries or diced apples.
How much butter is in the topping?
The topping uses 1/2 cup of softened butter.
Should I let it cool before serving?
Yes, let the casserole cool for a few minutes to allow the custard to set slightly before serving warm.
What makes this a savory dish?
The addition of breakfast sausage and eggs provides the savory balance to the sweet bread and topping.
How much brown sugar is needed?
You will need 1 cup of packed brown sugar for the pecan topping.
Can I use turkey sausage?
Yes, turkey sausage is a fine substitute for pork sausage links.
Is the nutmeg necessary?
Nutmeg adds a classic breakfast spice profile, but it can be omitted if you prefer only cinnamon.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, once cooled, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and frozen for later use.